Best Patio Design Ideas 1.0

What is a patio? It sounds like a silly question until you stop and think about it. What distinguishes a patio from a backyard, a verandah or a porch? When you want a trades person to build an outdoor entertainment area for your home, should you call a general contractor or a patio specialist? Knowing exactly what a patio is will help you make your decision.

The word patio is a Spanish word that roughly translates as "back yard." More specifically, patios in Spanish style buildings are usually courtyards used for gatherings. This is closer to what a patio is in English usage: it is an outdoor area used for entertaining and or relaxing. Of course, if the weather is perfect and you have a nice shade tree to sit under, you can relax and entertain in your back yard. A patio, however, is a purpose-built structure with paving and usually some sort of roofing, most commonly positioned between the house and the back yard and often attached to the home.

Patios can be enclosed, semi-enclosed or open, the roof being supported only by columns. Typically, patio roofs come in one of three styles:

A flat roof will usually be angled to allow for water run-off. Flat roofed patios are almost always attached to the home.

A gable patio roof is a peaked roof. These can be attached to the home or used on a free-standing patio.

A curved patio roof is a modern innovation. Usually, the curved roof is made of an aluminium product.

Get inspired with these patio ideas. Browse our photo gallery of beautiful patios, from small DIY projects to professionally designed outdoor rooms.

These are the three most common types of solid patio roofs, but "shade sails" made from flexible fabric are becoming increasingly popular as well. Shade sails can be cut to any size or shape, creating a unique patio covering.

You can have an open air, roofless patio, but a patio without some sort of paving is not a patio: it's a back yard. What you use for your paving will make all the difference to the look and feel of your patio. A cement floor is practical and durable and may be your best option if your patio is attached to the home and will be used frequently for barbecues and other gatherings. Natural stone pavers add an extra touch of ambience to a patio and rough hewn stone is a popular choice for small garden patios. Brick pavers too are perennial favourites and timber is most commonly used on elevated patio decks.

While a patio is fairly easy to define, the varieties of patios that are available are only limited by your imagination. Stretch your imagination by getting in touch with a patio contractor in your area. They have the expertise and experience to show you all your options and help you create the perfect patio for your home.

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