Tips for determining the best layout for your patio

by Jan Richey | July 30, 2012

Summer days and nights are filled with laughs, food, and fun!  As August approaches, you’ve probably hosted a backyard barbecue or two with family and friends.  But how do you arrange your outdoor furniture to make sure it is structured for the best socializing?  Maureen Gilmer, landscape designer, author, and LandscapingNetwork.com columnist has three patio layout considerations to help you identify the best plan for your outdoor space.

1. Site Design: Make sure your design provides logical and official connections wherever necessary, whether it’s a simple access to the garage or a grand opening to marry the family room to the patio.  Consider the circulation, permanent seating, and the location of fire features and grill.
2. Furniture and Décor: Furniture for patios is more variable than ever before. In the past, the space was created and then furniture found to fit. Today the desirability of pricy upscale outdoor furniture can be used to lay out a patio that is sure to accommodate it.  Must have furniture includes dining tables and chairs and a chaise lounge for relaxation.  Be sure to group the furniture into conversational arrangements.
3. Existing Conditions: When landscape designers begin the layout process, they consider the view orientation (what you or guests look at while enjoying the patio is vital to how everything is oriented) and microclimate (users of the patio need to feel comfortable outdoors in as many seasons as possible.) Think of potential summer hot spots, challenging prevailing or storm wind patterns or where snow might drift in the winter.

6264 Chamberlyne, Frisco (Starwood)

Are you ready to create the outdoor space of your dreams?  Click here to read Maureen’s entire column and start the rearranging!

Photo and layout courtesy of LandscapingNetwork.com