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4 Questions for Figuring Out the Function of Your Backyard Space

Top 4 Patio Types:

Bistro Patio Standard size 6-7 feet. Great for side yards and little back corner destinations.	Living Room Standard size 16-18 feet. Great for deep seating patio furniture.
Outdoor Dining Standard size 12-14 feet. Great for accommodating a 48" round table.	Sundeck Patios Standard size 2-6 feet. Great for lounge chairs and cocktail tables.

A little bit of homework is required when deciding on a patio layout. Before your patio is poured, you need to think through exactly how you plan to use it. Do you like to entertain? Then you might think about creating various large patio areas to accommodate dining areas. Or is your backyard your private sanctuary? Then you might prefer bistro-size outdoor rooms (see sidebar) with various small, cozy destination areas throughout your yard. If you have young children, designating play areas may be part of your plan. The options may be endless, but the theory is the same that "form follows function". In essence, determine what it is you like to do and let your patio design come about from that thought process.

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

How many people do you entertain on a regular basis?
Do you also have large parties? How many people do you typically need to accommodate at these parties?
What are your favorite patio finishes? Stamped concrete? Pavers? Brick or stone?
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.

Return to Concrete Patio Ideas & Placement Tips

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