Patio Design and Installation Checklist
Having a custom patio design can enhance your backyard and be the envy of all your neighbors. A patio can extend your outdoor living space and provide a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere for entertaining friends and family, or just relaxing on a cool night next to a fire pit.
The patio design you choose is dependent on the layout of your outdoor living space. This is an important first step. before installation can begin. Enlisting the assistance of a professional landscape designer or architect who can assist you in determining the best way to use your outdoor space and make important design decisions. Proper planning will help you avoid costly mistakes and post-completion regrets – from realizing you forgot to run the electrical wire for lighting or gas line for a future fireplace.
Patio Design Checklist:
- Overall project budget
- Location, traffic flow, elevation and size
- Grading, leveling
- Existing structures (house/trees) and utilities
- Drainage – water in/around area, make sure to include proper drainage to lead water away from patio and discourage “pooling”
- Selection of patio materials – pavers, brick, tile (and sizes/shapes of the materials)
- Determine your objective for the space
The success of any patio design installation depends on careful planning, quality materials and proper construction techniques. Prior to installation, follow the below guidelines.
Patio Design Construction Checklist:
- Plan ahead…mark all utilities (public and private)
- Mark the exact layout of the patio location
- Gather quality materials (soil, fill materials, gravel, drainage pipe, leveler, cutting tools)
- Select personal safety protection gear (safety glasses, ear plugs)
- Final review of elevations and water conditions
Consider any special challenges that may arise prior to installation. If your outdoor area is exposed to full sunlight or wind, find space that is sheltered from these elements. For a private patio area, design your patio in an area away from your neighbors (or plan for natural landscaping screening). If drainage may be an issue, provide proper grading, drainage and water flow. Determine how to manage traffic flow and how you will fit the particular features (fire pit, seating wall, patio furniture) in your patio design without crowding the space or taking away from the overall look or function. Finally, it’s always a good idea to plan around a focal point for your outdoor space: fire pit, fireplace, garden feature, pool, water feature or simply an amazing view.
Once you have a general idea of the placement of the features in your patio design, you need to plan installation of utilities: gas lines, water lines, as well as electrical wiring prior to beginning installation. It can be costly to run utilities at a later date if these important items are forgotten. Other general principals to focus on prior to installing your patio design are building a good foundation and proper compaction for stability to prevent issues down the road. Elevations for proper step heights, sitting walls and drainage are final checklist items to avoid costly blunders.
Patios are perfect for outdoor entertainment, as well as creating the ideal space to relax and enjoy some quiet time. With a well-planned patio design, quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, you can build a place that can be transformed into a backyard oasis. Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home and you deserve a space where you can build lasting memories.
For more information about patio design, the installation process or any other services Landworks, Inc offers, contact us 9134229300