About half of all homeowners plan or planned on renovating this year! Are you one of them? Do you have a fun outdoor renovation project in mind?
If so, a brand-new patio might be on the horizon. You’ll have a great space to hang out with friends and enjoy the weather by the time spring rolls around.
We’re here to help you make sure that your patio project isn’t a disaster. Read on to learn about some of the most common patio design errors people make so you can avoid them.
1. Not Measuring Your Space
This is perhaps the most important and expensive mistake that people make when they’re coming up with patio design ideas and trying to bring them to reality.
They forget to measure. Even if they do measure, they may only measure once or forget certain measurements.
When you start assembling your patio, especially if you’re trying to do everything on your own, measure several things. First, you need to measure the amount of space you want your patio to take up. How much of your yard will you allocate to your patio?
If you’re going to be putting up walls or fences, measure the vertical space you’ll need.
If you plan on buying patio furniture or decor (more on that later), you’ll also need to keep those measurements in mind so everything fits together correctly.
Never start buying materials or furniture before measuring and trying to envision what the final result will look like.
2. Ignoring the Importance of Drainage
Your patio is outside, and that means that it’s going to be open to the elements. You’re going to regret not considering the importance of drainage.
Without proper drainage, rain and snow will damage your patio. Yes, it will dry on its own eventually, but not before causing water damage, cracks, and more.
You want the water to drain away from your home and any important furniture or backyard patio features.
3. Under-Budgeting
Building a new patio isn’t going to be cheap! It’s similar to adding a new room to your home. You’re going to need materials, furniture, and labor.
Custom built patios are worth the cost, but make sure you plan for that cost ahead of time.
Generally speaking, you can get a quote for your patio before you commit to working with a contractor. It’s okay to ask around until you find someone that suits your budget.
4. Not Making Your Space Cohesive
Most people want to have a cohesive space. Your patio space should be no exception. It doesn’t have to match your indoor space entirely, but there should be a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors.
Consider your design aesthetic. How can you make it work outdoors?
You have options. You could make your outdoor patio space match the interior perfectly. You’d set it up like a standard sitting room. You can even have an outdoor fireplace and kitchen to truly make it feel “homey.”
You can also modify your aesthetic to truly suit the outdoors. People who want a more “natural” appearance to their patios tend to prefer this option. Instead of matching everything identically, take elements of your interior design (such as your color scheme) and incorporate them into your outdoor space while still making the two spaces distinct.
5. Not Decorating Enough
Many people create the perfect patio space and then just leave it alone or place a few pieces of basic patio furniture outside. There’s nothing wrong with this per se, but it’s a huge waste of space. Why not take advantage of your patio by adding some fantastic decor?
Your patio is a perfect place for an amazing sitting area. You can set up a full outdoor dining room as well.
Don’t stop with furniture. Any decorations that you can put indoors, you can also put outdoors (as long as their waterproof). Bring out shelves for trinkets, a bar cart, an ottoman, and anything else you need to make the space your own.
A traditional patio furniture arrangement is fine, but why not get creative instead?
6. Neglecting Lighting
How will you light your patio? The lighting you choose can make a big difference in your overall patio esthetic!
Lighting for patios is pretty flexible. You could choose a whimsical cafe-style look with string lights bordering your patio or do fun tiki torches and lanterns for a more rustic effect.
You could even light your patio with a fire pit (but make sure you have a standard light source as well for when the fire isn’t burning).
If you plan on using your patio at night, lighting is crucial!
7. Using the Wrong Materials
The last thing you want to do when you assemble your patio is to use the wrong materials. This goes for both the patio itself and your decor items.
The patio itself should be made from a mostly non-porous material. Porous and light materials will absorb water and dirt. Dark and non-porous materials look much better long-term.
When you’re choosing materials for your decor items and furniture, opt for water-resistant ones. You want to make sure that your patio decor won’t be ruined by the weather.
Avoid These Common Patio Design Errors
Are you getting ready to start your patio project? Keep these common patio design errors in mind so you can avoid them!
You deserve a great outdoor space where you can relax or spend time with friends. Have fun with your new patio!
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