Key takeaways
- Size the patio around furniture and traffic, not just square feet.
- Solve drainage and slope before choosing stone.
- Plan for shade, sun and privacy.
- Phase features so each one fits the plan.
Start with how you live
Write down what you will do outside: dine, grill, sit by a fire, host twenty people, watch the kids. A dining set for six needs roughly a 12 by 14 foot area, and a lounge area with a fire pit needs about 14 to 16 feet across. Traffic paths need extra room.
Stand in the yard at different times of day to see where the sun and shade fall.
Deal with the ground
Slope, drainage and soil dictate cost and design. A patio on a slope may need a seat wall or retaining wall. A yard that stays wet may need a drain before any stone goes down.
A patio should slope slightly away from the house, commonly about one-eighth to one-quarter inch per foot.
Phase it wisely
It is fine to build the patio now and add the fire pit, kitchen or pergola later, as long as the plan accounts for them. Utility lines, footings and borders are much cheaper to include at the start.
A drawing that shows all the features makes every phase fit together.
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Quick answers
How big should a patio be?
Big enough for the furniture and traffic with a margin. Most families end up wishing it were larger, so sketch with outdoor furniture dimensions.
Where should a patio go?
Near the back door for convenience, with shade or the option to add it, and with a comfortable view. Drainage and slope often decide the final spot.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.