When it comes to patio designs and covers, practicality should be your primary concern. This will not only ensure that the structure functions as you intended and withstands the test of time, it will ensure that it looks its absolute best and is enjoyed for many years to come. There are a number of factors that should be considered when putting together your design; we have outlined some of these below to ensure that you know where to start.
The first step in the patio design process is to make a list of all the things that you want to get out of the structure:
Once you have determined the answers to these questions you can begin looking at all the other aspects of the design.
Flooring
It’s important that you consider your patio’s flooring, as it needs to withstand the elements and all of the items that you place on top of it. Most homeowners opt for concrete, timber or natural stone. Concrete is relatively affordable and extremely durable, but it does tend to have a bland appearance unless you paint it. Timber can be long lasting if it’s installed correctly and properly maintained, but it can have problems with insect attack and rotting. Natural stone is very durable and attractive, but it does tend to be a little expensive.
Roofing
It is equally important that you consider roofing in patio designs and covers, as this is what will protect the space from the elements. There are a number of roofing materials that homeowners choose, including: polycarbonate, metal (usually Colorbond), shade cloths and other plastics. Some homeowners also choose to leave the roof open, often with beams that they train vines and other plants to grow on. We recommend polycarbonate, as it allows plenty of natural light to penetrate the space whilst keeping it cool and comfortable.
Other
If you are planning on adding some other feature to the patio, it’s important that you have considered this during the design phase. Some popular features include an outdoor fireplace, pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens, ceiling fans and heaters, lighting and even fire pits. These sorts of features can have a significant effect on the layout of the structure and how it is built – where does the chimney or flue go, for example – so it’s important that they’re incorporated from the very beginning. Trying to add them in later will only cause headaches.
As you can see, keeping it practical when it comes to patio designs and covers is key to ensuring that the finished product is everything you wanted and more. In this day and age, homeowners are too concerned with how the patio will look and not concerned enough with how it will function. This is why it is important to start the process off by answering the above questions and then moving through each of the primary elements.
ModernSolutions provides complete outdoor living solutions like patio designs, covers and pergolas in Melbourne to increase the value of your home with a range of separate colors & shades.
