If you are designing a new patio, knowing in advance about some common pitfalls can save you a lot of time and money further down the line! Even if you are using a landscaping service to build the patio, it’s useful to do some background research yourself into the location, materials, and so on, to make sure that you are really happy with the results.
Not planning for drainage
It is easy to start with the fun bits, such as deciding between sandstone flags or porcelain tiles, but the important point to start with is drainage. Firstly, the ground that you want to build the patio on must be well drained to start with.
If you build in on ground that is prone to becoming waterlogged, at the bottom of a slope for example, then you will soon have issues with cracking and subsidence. The next point to consider is where the extra surface water from the patio will drain into. Make sure that it is angled away from your house, preferably into a drainage channel or border.
Choosing the wrong location
It may seem like the obvious choice to place the patio directly next to the house, especially if you already have French doors installed. However, if this a shaded area that doesn’t get much sun, you are not going to get the most out of your patio.
If you want to have a nice sunny spot for outdoor dining, but don’t want to traipse across the lawn to your kitchen every time you serve food, you could consider having some outdoor cooking facilities installed.
The other alternative might be to create a smaller patio for sunbathing and another one for morning coffee, to make the most of the position of the sun as it moves throughout the day.
Not choosing the right materials
The materials you use will to some extent be dictated by your budget. Natural stone paving tends to be more expensive than concrete, for example. It also requires more maintenance, as it is a naturally porous material that absorbs rainwater and dirt, and so requires proofing. It may crack under a pressure washer, and will be damaged by harsh chemical cleaners.
If the patio is going to be directly next to the house, this will probably influence the texture and colour of the materials you choose, as too sharp a contrast with the exterior of the house will look jarring.
If you have a period property, you may consider pre-weathered or tumbled stone cobbles to help the patio look in keeping. A more contemporary property may look best with smoother porcelain or limestone paving. Also bear in mind that light coloured paving such as sandstone is very porous, and can look much darker when it is wet.
The size of the paving stones can make a big difference too. For example, larger pavers can make a small area feel more spacious, and smaller stones can help to integrate a larger area.
For more information about patios in Lancashire, please talk to us today.
