How to Build Great Patios
How to Build Great Patios
If your first impression of a person is based on their face and their smile, your first impression of a person’s house is their patio. This is because a patio is an outdoor space that is normally used for entertaining and recreation, sometimes for dining alfresco or for simply relaxing. They are usually made from concrete or stone paving slabs, bricks, tiles and cobbles.
Most people who are skilled at construction show great interest in building everything in their home, from additional rooms to garden sheds and yes, even their own decks and patios. Those who’ve actually built their own are aware of the hard work that it involves as well as the feeling of fulfillment that comes when you finally view the finished product.
These days, simple patios only require a patio cover, one that gives enough shade and yet is aesthetically-pleasing enough to make for a courtyard that gives as mentioned before, a great impression of the person who resides in the home. There are many types of patio covers that you can buy both online and off, but most people nowadays prefer the ease and convenience of buying them online only because those bought over the internet already come ready to assemble. All you need to do is snap the pieces together and erect it over your existing or just-constructed patio and voila! An outdoor space that’s as much of a great living space as the one indoors.
However, that’s not to say that you can just settle for a well-made patio, put the cover over it and that’s that. Your patio is where you can entertain guests and relax while indulging in your favorite activities, like knitting, cross-stitching or even reading a favorite book. Sometimes you also have to put careful thought and consideration into what your entire patio will look like in order for the look you are aiming for to come together as you wanted. You can also consider DIY patios if you are determined to get the look you want down to the last detail.
For instance, some homeowners feel that their patio would be much more soothing with water gardens. One equipped with a small re-circulating pump as well as one that sounds like it’s trickling over stones and bamboo spouts is generally seen as adding a very calming and soothing feel to your patio.
And because patios are mostly used to entertain guests during the daytime, why not consider building your patio under the canopy of your tallest and shadiest trees? This can serve as a perfect way to cool down during the summer, a place to rest during your gardening chores. This will also save you from installing ceiling fans which can be quite expensive. You can also consider planting colorful flower beds to get that summer look and feel.
Of course, let’s not forget to add durable patio furniture that can withstand the elements. To make sure you get the best, make a list of the pieces you want and when you go shopping, make sure you test them out by actually taking a seat on them to know whether you feel comfortable with them or not. Choose ones that are easy to care for and ones that can be stored easily during off-season.
And last and also the most important, you need to check if you will require patio permits because just like sheds, patios are subject to local building codes and regulations. Depending on your city’s codes, permits can be obtained easily in a single visit, or may require a return visit before it can be approved. Unless you are planning to build on what are considered as critical areas like septic systems, you cannot be easily granted a walk-through permit.
How to Build Great Patios
