How to Design the Perfect Patio for Your Home
Our Austin Architects Explain Everything You Need to Know About Patio Design
In Texas, summer seems to last most of the year. So, our Austin architecture firm clients always seek ways to maximize their patio spaces for year-round indoor-outdoor living. Our team shares how to design the perfect patio in eight steps, covering everything from patio flooring options to finishing touches.
Eight Steps to Design a Patio
A well-designed patio can extend your home’s livable space and increase the overall value of your property. Don’t leave any detail to chance. Here are the top eight things to keep in mind when designing your patio.
1. Determine Your Patio’s Purpose
First, determine your patio’s purpose to properly plan for its location, size, shape, and layout. For example, a small private patio off the primary suite should include privacy features and enough space for some cozy lounge chairs. On the other hand, a backyard deck should be large enough to accommodate guests and should have zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
2. Design Around Other Backyard Features
Design your backyard patio around other features to create a cohesive feel and take full advantage of your property. Some of the top considerations to plan around include trees, pools, and views.
Trees
Many cities, like Austin, have tree integration policies that prohibit cutting down mature trees. We believe in celebrating the trees on your property through your home design. Plan your patio or deck around existing mature trees, respecting critical root zones. You could also get creative and build decks around trees to incorporate them into the plan.
Pools
Wrap your patio around the pool to create a fun space to hang out and lounge. Your architecture team can help create a pool design and hardscape plan that takes advantage of the property and flows with the home.
Views
Consider the site orientation and position your patio space to take full advantage of the views while maintaining a sense of privacy from the neighbors.
3. Create an Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Think of your patio as an extension of your interior living space rather than its own entity. The design should prioritize indoor-outdoor connections. Create an easy flow by installing panoramic sliding glass patio doors, flush thresholds, and carrying coordinating materials into the patio design.
4. Choose Your Patio Flooring
Patio flooring selections will affect your outdoor living space's overall look and mood. Sometimes, you can combine different flooring options to establish distinct zones and add visual interest. Here are the top considerations and materials to keep in mind when making your decision.
Patio Flooring Considerations
Maintenance
Some materials are easier to maintain than others. For example, natural wood decking will require yearly staining and sealing, while composite decking is mostly maintenance-free.
Temperature
Heat retention is a concern for patios around pools where family and guests will be barefoot. Therefore, pool decks should utilize materials that won’t heat up in the sun.
Slip Resistance
Whether you have a pool or not, choosing slip-resistant flooring for outdoor applications is important. Ensure your selections are approved for outdoor use before finalizing.
Patio Flooring Materials
Patio Pavers
Natural stone, brick, and concrete patio pavers are available in a range of shapes, sizes, and lay patterns. For example, you can create a contemporary look with oversize concrete pavers or lean into a more traditional style with a herringbone brick lay.
Outdoor Tile
Unlike their indoor counterparts, outdoor tiles are designed to withstand temperature changes, sun exposure, and the elements. Additionally, they have a slip-resistant design. Ensure your tile is approved for outdoor use, and don’t assume you can use the same tile as you did inside. To create a cohesive look between the interior and exterior, look for tiles approved for dual use or ones with an outdoor-approved variation.
Natural Wood Decking
Natural wood decking is a beautiful and classic option. However, it requires annual maintenance. Understand the maintenance needs of wood before making your final selection.
Composite Wood Decking
Composite wood decking offers the beautiful look of wood without the added maintenance. Trex and Azek are two of our favorite brands to use in our residential architecture projects here in Austin.
Cool Deck Coatings
Cool deck coatings are acrylic heat and slip-resistant coatings often used around pools. They come in various textures and colors so you can coordinate them with other surfaces and your overall design.
5. Consider a Patio or Deck Railing
Depending on its elevation, you may need to add a patio or deck railing. Additionally, railings can create division between different outdoor spaces, like a dining area and a pool deck.
Types of Railings
Wood
Wood railings are a classic option that will coordinate with the rest of your wood decking. However, they may require yearly paint touch-ups or staining.
Metal
Metal railings can be contemporary or traditional, depending on their design. This is a durable option but may require occasional refinishing.
Glass
Glass railings are ultra-modern and don’t disrupt the view off of your deck. However, this option can be difficult to keep clean.
Planters
Planters can serve as a beautiful accent and divider for shorter patios or decks. They also add a softness and natural element to the space.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Pickets
Vertical railing pickets have a traditional feel, whereas horizontal pickets take on a more modern edge. Our Austin architects like to use horizontal pickets when the architectural style allows because they let you easily look through them and out onto the view.
6. Think About Sun & Shade
Do you want to lay out in the sun or relax in the shade? Most likely, you’ll want a little bit of both. Think about sun and shade when designing your patio spaces, so you can fully enjoy the outdoors. We advise creating some shady spots for outdoor dining and conversation areas.
Patio Shade Options
Roof Extensions
Roof extensions come off the house to create a shaded porch. This patio shade option is limited to areas around the main structure.
Pergolas
Pergolas can offer partial shade and provide a beautiful spot for vines to grow and canopy. This is a great option for patios that don’t border the house.
Awnings and Sunshades
Awnings and sunshades are great ways to extend shade off the main house. However, these will take some wear and tear and need to be replaced occasionally.
7. Coordinate with Your Home’s Architectural Style
Create a cohesive feel to your property by coordinating patio finishes with the architectural style of your home. Your patio should include complementing materials and coordinate with the overall exterior color palette. Create a mood board of all your selected finishes to ensure they work together.
8. Add the Finishing Touches and Upgrades
Get the most out of your patio space by incorporating a few upgrades to enhance the space. Here are some finishing touches that can make a big difference in your design.
Patio Upgrades to Consider
Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting is a must-have on your patio so you can continue to use the space into the night. Light the area with ceiling-mount patio lights and also include accent lighting through the garden to set an ambient backdrop for backyard parties.
Outdoor Kitchen
Create the ultimate entertaining space with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Remember, location is key. Position your outdoor kitchen in a spot easily accessible to the interior kitchen for quick access to supplies and within view of the main outdoor living spaces.
Landscaping
The landscape architecture plan is an extension of the patio design plan. Incorporate lush plantings and design around existing elements like mature trees. Landscaping will soften the hardscape and create a more inviting place to hang out and relax.
Finishing Touches
Additionally, consider adding finishing touches like a water feature, fire pit, and outdoor furniture to round out your patio and create a welcoming backyard retreat.
Kick Back and Relax on Your New Patio
Remember these eight patio design tips, and you’ll be well on your way to relaxing on your new patio. If you have a larger project, you might want to bring in a team of professional architects to help design intricate features like flush threshold sliding doors and outdoor kitchens. Our team of Austin architects would love to help you design your dream outdoor space.