Planning a new patio? Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid, according to landscaping experts

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by Samuel Pordengerg Mar 19, 2023 News
Planning a new patio? Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid, according to landscaping experts

There are some patio mistakes that are easy to make if you don't take the time to consider them. The results of such errors can range from frustrating to disastrous and can ruin the overall look.

It's a waste of time, money and space if a patio doesn't work as it should. They're not the cheapest to install in the first place so you'll either never use it or need to rebuild it.

The success of your project is more likely to be based on the design of your patio. You will be able to enjoy it for a long time because it will soon become the social hub of your backyard.

5 patio errors often made by homeowners – and what you should do instead

I spoke to experts who shared their tips on avoiding patio mistakes.

1. Forgetting about the sun

Do you like soaking up the sun or do you prefer the shade? Maybe you want a place to enjoy the last of the evening light with a glass of something chilled or maybe you want a sunny alfresco spot. It's something to think about when installing your patio. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is forgetting where the sun hits during the day.

Decide how you want to use the sun's path on your plot. Adding a pergola for a spot of respite when needed would be a good idea if you want to put your patio somewhere that makes the most of those rays.

If you want your patio to get plenty of sunlight and air, make sure it is shaded and damp.

outdoor furniture and parasol from Danetti

A parasol is included in the setup from Danetti.

The image was taken by Danetti.

Joe Raboine

2. Choosing the wrong materials

Alex Capozzolo says that another mistake homeowners make when building a patio is not considering materials. Although cost may be a factor in choosing which material to use, it's also important to make sure that the material you choose will both look good and stand up to the elements.

Wood, stone, and concrete are popular for their cost-effective nature. Before making a decision, you need to research which material is best for you.

Scott Chambers said that it's important to choose a material that is durable and weather resistant, and that it should complement your home's exterior. It is possible to create a more cohesive and stylish scheme by choosing materials with colors and texture that complement other features.

Alex points out that the ease of maintenance should be taken into account when choosing a deck or paving project. Cleaning and maintenance can be required at least a few times a year depending on the material. The material should be non-slip. If you're installing a patio around a pool, it's important that you have this.

Think about drainage, that's a last point. The risk of rain puddling on your patio can be reduced by using materials that are more porous. Don't opt for non-permeable materials if you want to channel water away from the space.

Belgard patio with fire pit

This space is tied together by using matching materials.

Belgard's image was used.

3. Installing a patio that's the wrong size

Scott Chambers doesn't want you to make your patio too big or too small. It may take up too much space or be too expensive to maintain if it is too small. It will be more difficult to put it in the wallet.

If you want to avoid this, draw up a to-scale plan of your plot first and think about how much space you need.

If you want people to be able to move around easily, you should consider the dimensions of the patio furniture. You need to make sure the fire pit isn't too close to your seat. If you want to include any patio planting ideas, make sure there's enough space for the containers.

John Lewis patio furniture

The patio furniture from John Lewis is perfect for it's location.

The image was taken by John Lewis.

4. Overlooking the power of lighting

Joe from Belgard says that lighting can make an impact on both the experience and the function of a patio.

A successful patio lighting scheme involves layers. Joe says to illuminate from the ground up to create a soft feature that adds a safety measure to the space. Strip lights are tucked beneath step treads.

accent outdoor lighting such as solar lanterns and festoons will up the vibe, as well as wall lights, which can look super stylish. Adding spotlights to the soil will illuminate the plants and create drama when night falls.

patio with lighting

The lights add to the atmosphere.

The stock photo is from Moodboard Stock Photography.

5. Not hiring a pro

It's possible to build a patio yourself to keep costs down. It's probably best to hire a professional if you haven't done it before.

It's not always the best option to install a patio on your own. Installation of hardscapes depends on the project's size and scale. Proper knowledge and tools are required for the movement and placement of the materials. It's a good idea to hire a professional for help with design and installation, as they can offer ideas on how to maximize the space or offer new design ideas.

Alex Capozzolo believes that consulting professionals can help ensure that your patio is built correctly and safely. If you want to save time and money, you should look for professionals who have experience in building patios.

Some contractors now have access to an incredible amount of satellite imagery and mobile applications that allow them to gather information without having to step foot on the property to measure. Virtual design companies and materials manufacturers are working together to bring technology and product selection together If you are planning a bigger project, consider using one of these services.

A patio can transform a backyard into a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. The results will be better if you plan properly before you get stuck in with the install.