We think our area gets a bad reputation during the summer months. Yes, the temperatures and humidity are oppressively hot, but thinking about the rest of the year, we truly have the benefit of numerous months to enjoy the great outdoors and the perfect patios in our own homes. Since we have so much time to enjoy the outdoors, it makes sense that we would want to design and build out our space on the outside with as much thought as we do our space on the inside. Gerard Construction has some ideas when you are creating the perfect patio for your home.

1. Size- It seems to us that most homes need at least a small patio for a few extra items, chairs, and a grill of some sort. Beyond that, the size is really up to you and your entertaining or personal needs. Larger families with or without young kids can benefit from a space to put a table with room to move around. A single person who needs the retreat of the outdoors may only want space for a rocker or two. A home with big plans for a pool will want to consider a patio that complements the pool, extending between the home and the water. Think about your needs and what this space will be for you.
2. Type- Just like the flooring of your home, the type of the patio is largely dependent on your tastes and needs. From poured to stamped and stained concrete to tiles of different types to stone of all sizes and color to hardwood or vinyl, there are hundreds of choices you can make. Each comes with different price points and benefits. Consider your willingness to maintain certain materials along with your budget. You may choose something that is lower maintenance so you can enjoy more relaxing in the long run.
3. Covering- We highly encourage at least part of your perfect patio to be covered. There are many different options, from a pergola style to a shingle to match your existing home to retractable types of coverings. By including a shaded portion on your patio, you are increasing its usability as many people can enjoy longer amounts of time outside when protected from the sun’s heat and harsh rays.
4. Location- While most patios are directly outside the backdoor, it doesn’t always have to be this way. Some patios are offset by a pool or other feature, especially in a larger backyard. Some homes are set up where a set of french doors can be installed in a master bedroom and a patio extension can be an added feature to that space. Even thinking about the direction of the patio is important as you consider what the view will be from the inside and outside of your home. Think about how the sun moves through the space in the morning and evening as you decide where your new patio will be.
5. Features- What features are important to you and your family for your patio? Some families are seeking a full outdoor kitchen with sink, storage, fridge space, and several different places to cook. Other families want space for a grill and a table only. Some homeowners may choose to outfit the area with a complete entertainment system including tv, speakers, dart boards, and plenty of seating. By knowing what extra features you want, you will be able to plan more from the start.
6. Non-negotiables- While this space is yours, we highly recommend a few non-negotiables. You will want electricity in some capacity, even if just a few extra plugs are added to the exterior wall of your home. We also recommend wiring in lighting and a ceiling fan if you have a covered patio. You also want to think about storage of some sort, even if you are simply planning ahead for winter months or large storm systems for where you will move any outdoor furniture to protect this space.

To begin considering some of these options more, contact Gerard Construction. We can help you think through each of these components of your perfect patio and create a design and plan that works for you. We can extend those dream home plans to your dream patio, too!