Patio Popularity

Patios are Back!

It seems the grill on the deck is being replaced with the grill on the patio!  The appeal of the patio creates a flow extends seamlessly into the landscape of the home.  Decks provide an extension of the home, plus the wood decks require maintenance, but the patio doesn't.

Custom patios have evolved from the cold concrete slabs to stylish designs with various materials for the outdoor pleasure.  Let's look at three areas to consider when putting in a patio.

Design:  A patio's shape and size is limited only to the imagination and the dimensions of the area to be considered.  It could be an attached patio (an extension of the home), a freestanding (built to capitalize on a particular aspect of the landscape), a courtyard (pulls the sides of the home into one main area), and a poolside (which focuses on entertaining and recreation).

Material: Concrete, stone, rock, various tiles and even brick can be perfect choices or any combinations of these materials.  Concrete stamping can provide some very interesting and exciting designs.  Couple that with some stone that extends to a pool or pond with a little rock and you can have a very nice flow of the landscape.  Now add a little color to the concrete!

Accessories: Okay, what are the choices for accessories?  Of course, the grill and patio furniture are obvious, but what other choices could you use?  How about an outdoor fireplace, firepits, firedishes, chimimeas or heater!  My wife would really like us to put in a fountain, pond or waterfall.  Preferably all the above!  This again is another excellent choice for a calm relaxing extension of the landscape.

Now, here's a checklist to consider when putting in a patio.

Know how you want to use the area

1. Have a budget
2. Ask for references if using a contractor
3. Make sure the substrate is prepared properly (the patio needs to slope away from the home for proper drainage
4. Use a reputable company for concrete, stone, brick, and tiles
5. Remember to use waterproofing materials when bonding the materials together
6. Build a solid base for the patio

So what do you think, is the patio something you can in your future?

David L. Britt, MBA
Olathe, Kansas
David L. Britt Real Estate
Heritage Real Estate
The Heritage Real Estate Team
Olathe Neighbors 

Guiding You HOME!