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Concrete Patio Placement Tips

One of the greatest mistakes I see made by novice designers is the tendency to place one large slab patio at the rear of the house. While this might be a traditional layout, in actuality it is rarely practical. The first step in designing outdoor space is to consider the functionality of the space and how it will actually be used. On day one of Landscape Design School the instructor writes "form follows function" on the chalk-board for all to see. Keep this time tested adage in the back of your mind as you layout your back yard space and you can't go wrong. Unless you regularly hold large meetings and need everyone in one oversized patio area, you will be better off breaking up the space into several smaller patio areas, or "outdoor rooms".

To aid in the understanding of the "function" of the space, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How many people do you entertain on a regular basis?
2. Do you also have large parties? How many people do you typically need to accommodate at these parties?
3. What are your favorite patio finishes? Stamped concrete? Pavers? Brick or stone?
4. What style, size and quantity of patio furniture will you be using in the yard?

Armed with the answers to these basic questions you can lay out patio space appropriately.

Determining Shade for Patio Design Layout
Whenever you layout patio locations be sure to take into account where shade will be available. In our aging society, shade is number one on the wish list of most clients. Careful placement of trees and patio cover structures will ensure a comfortable living space and a successful design.

Create Destinations in the Backyard
To maximize the use of any backyard space, the goal is to create destinations in the garden and connect them with welcoming pathways. Use focal points, seat walls, fountains, ponds, arbors, fireplaces, fire pits, and fragrant plantings to create interest at different locations and draw guests out into the yard space.

Landscape Tips: Keep it Green
To avoid the feel of overdoing the hardscape, use grass and groundcovers to break up pathways between patios. Place flowerbeds between structures (like homes and walls) and patio areas. Even narrow 24-inch wide planter-beds will help soften edges and give the yard a more inviting, garden-like feel.

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