The owners of suburban areas and private estates strive to make the territory of the courtyard beautiful and cozy. And very often, when organizing space, a place is allocated for a patio – a special area for rest, relaxation, and gatherings in the open air in the circle of loved ones. What is the right way to start arranging such a corner on the site, you can find out from this article.
What is important to know before you start to organize your patio
The word “patio” is of Spanish origin and is the epitome of a quiet little courtyard with hedges, decorative elements, and various landscape techniques that allow for a harmonious design and a cozy atmosphere. The patio area is different from the veranda or terrace. Unlike the latter, the patio is not part of a residential building and is always equipped directly on the territory of the courtyard, being part of the landscape composition.
The recreation area can be located in any corner of private property, depending on the features of the layout and the wishes of the owners. By choosing the right place for the patio and properly arranging the territory, you can achieve a comfortable, cozy, and beautiful area that can become a favorite place to relax alone, with your family or friends.
As a rule, comfortable pieces of furniture should be located in the recreation area for everyone to have a pleasant and comfortable time in the fresh air. In addition to soft sofas, wicker furniture, a table with chairs, rocking chairs, or sun loungers, the patio area must contain flowers, shrubs, ornamental trees, and a hedge that separates the site from the general area.
If the possibilities of private ownership allow, within the site, you can organize a small fountain and equip a BBQ area. A permanent or temporary fence is a must when creating a patio. Their role can be played by decorative fences, lattices, or walls erected around the perimeter.
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Initial steps for setting up a recreation area
When setting up your patio, you should think over everything to the smallest detail so that the result exceeds all expectations. In addition, you should consistently follow all the recommendations and advice of experts. For example, the first step in setting up a patio is choosing a suitable location. Ideally, place an area for recreation and gatherings in the backyard, not far from the house, in a shady corner of the garden. It is important to take into account the size of the site, the arrangement of which is planned.
The size of the patio area depends on the following factors:
- free area of private property or a summer cottage;
- relief features of the territory;
- the style of the landscape project;
- functional purpose – for friendly gatherings and parties it is better to leave more space under the patio, while a small area can be allocated for relaxation with the family;
- the future shape of the patio area (all decorative elements, the availability of seating and bbq are taken into account).
Once the place has been chosen and the space of the patio zone has been planned, you want to proceed to the choice of materials for its arrangement.
Materials that can be used when arranging a recreation area
When planning to create a practical, functional, and comfortable recreation area, you need to consider the following important points:
- in what style to design the project;
- what materials to use to pave the site;
- which is suitable for use as a fence.
As for the paving of the site, it can be done with porcelain stoneware, artificial or natural stone, special tiles for sidewalks. You can concrete the base under the patio. For the patio, materials are definitely not suitable, the movement on which will be complicated due to the flowability of raw materials (sand, gravel, expanded clay).
Perimeter fences can be used to keep prying eyes off the patio and make it really cozy. Depending on whether it will be stationary or temporary, and on the purpose, fences can be made from individual lattice sections, pallets, rope, or bamboo trunks, a metal fence along which decorative green vines can be allowed to weave. You can also use blooming or weaving plants as a hedge.
When coming up with a patio area design, you should definitely pay attention to some little things. To make the composition look holistic, beautiful, original, and filled with positive energy, the patio area can be decorated with ample flowers, statues and interesting garden figures, miniature ponds, an alpine slide, pergola, arches, and much more.
