Building a Patio or Deck: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Outdoor Space

Summer is quickly approaching, which means one thing: barbecues! Like most homeowners, you’ll be searching for ways to spruce up your outdoor living space so you can host all your friends and family.

Building a patio, deck, balcony, or courtyard is an excellent way to showcase your outdoor area. Let’s consider why you’d invest in a new patio, deck or balcony.

The Top Benefits of Building a Patio

As with all residential buildings and landscaping, there is a cost to consider, so let’s look at some of the top benefits of developing your outdoor space.

Great for Entertaining Guests

One of the best things about patios is that they’re perfect for entertaining guests. Whether hosting a small get-together or a large party, you can extend your home to provide ample space for your guests rather than preserve it within the confines of the home’s interior. Your new outdoor space can quickly become the ultimate party spot if you have a built-in BBQ or outdoor kitchen.

Increase the Value of Your Home

A patio can be a great selling point if you’re considering selling your home. Homebuyers want indoor-outdoor living, so building a balcony or deck adds to your home’s appeal when it comes time to sell it.

Provide Extra Living Space

Another great benefit of patios is that they provide extra living space, not just for entertaining but for your family, too. Solutions exist to enclose the space when the weather is unacceptable. While you may not want to spend evenings outside during the depths of winter, getting a good six to nine months of use makes developing it worthwhile.

Add Beauty and Curb Appeal

Your intention may be to add to your property’s curb appeal. A patio streetside, and add value to your home with materials that match the look and feel of your home’s exterior, including:

• Natural stone
• Brick pavers
• Concrete slabs
• Wood

Each material has a unique look and feel, so it’s crucial to choose the one that will deliver on your expectations of curb appeal and within your budget. A patio can be a significant investment, so ensuring it looks great and stands the test of time is vital.

Let’s look at some tips for creating the perfect one for your home.

How to Build the Perfect Patio. Deck or Balcony

Most homeowners choose to hire a professional contractor to build their patio. However, if you’re handy and have some experience with construction, you may be able to tackle the project yourself. Either way, it’s essential to research and plan your construction. Use YouTube videos and instructions from your materials provider.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your patio:

Size Matters

Regarding patios, size matters; you must ensure enough space for all your furniture and guests.

You won’t want it too small or too large, as both present challenges when entertaining. If the patio is too small, your guests can not move freely.  If it is too large, your objective of an ambient outdoor living area will lose the cozy factor and look empty and unfinished.

Ideally, you can have an optimum area for your patio.  The next step is planning where your furniture will go and what other accessories, like plants, can make it an enjoyable space.

Choose the Right Materials

With so many options on the market, choosing suitable patio materials can be daunting. However, by taking the time to understand your options, you can find the perfect material to fit your style and budget.

Brick

Brick is a classic choice that offers a timeless look.

Concrete

Concrete is a durable, low-maintenance option perfect for busy families. It can also be textured and colored, giving this material many design options.

Stone

Stone is a luxurious choice that adds elegance to any outdoor space.

Wood

Finally, wood is a versatile material that can be stained or painted to match your home’s décor.

Consider The Weather

The weather is always a factor to consider when building a patio. If you get a lot of rain or snow, you’ll want to ensure the materials you use can handle it. It’s important to pick materials that won’t get too hot to walk on in hot climates.

Darker colors absorb more heat, so light-colored pavers are a good choice. You might also consider adding an umbrella or pergola for extra shade. No matter the weather where you live, there are ways to ensure your outdoor living space can handle it.

Think About the Style

When planning your patio, one of the things you’ll want to think about is the overall style.

Do you want it to be more formal or casual?

Would you like a traditional look or something more modern?

All good design starts with knowing what you want to achieve with it. Let your answers help you choose a style that is complimentary to your property. For example, if your house is new – choose a modern design.

If your outdoor living area looks like it’s always been there, try using gravel-poured concrete brick or flagstone for a modern look.

Furnishings and Decoration

No matter what your vision is, there are endless possibilities for decorating your patio, including:

• Greenery with potted plants or hanging baskets softens the space
• Create a focal point with an outdoor fireplace or water feature
• Add ambiance with outdoor LED lighting
• Create a cozy seating area with an outdoor rug and patio furniture
• Add some personality with fun patio décors like birdhouses, fladécors sculptures

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to build the perfect patio, deck or balcony it’s time to start your project. Use our tips or outsource your project to a third party with complete patio kits that include everything you need to get started. With some planning and elbow grease, you’ll enjoy your new outdoor living area quickly.