Summer has arrived in London and people are looking outside again. If you live in a terraced, semi-detached or detached house, a patio is the cheapest way to add usable space.
A patio is essentially a paved outdoor area on the rear side that usually adjoins the house. Even a narrow strip of ground can be made to work hard. Here are the six things our design team says to settle before you start.
1. Ideas
Start with research. If you have a small garden, think more about functionality. Look for images on Pinterest and start gathering ideas. If you have a bigger space you can think about creating something for each season starting with an outdoor pool or a fire pit for colder weather.
Try making it personal. If you have an outdoor hobby, include it in the design!
2. Layout
Position is the first decision in a patio layout, and privacy is the first part of it. You want to create a relaxing retreat hidden from unwanted eyes (especially from your neighbours’) after all. If you have been living in your house for a while you must know where the sun sits in your garden in each part of the day. If you’ve moved in recently make notes on sun movement because it will be crucial when it comes to design!
3. Size
Size does matter when it comes to design. Whether you are planning a small space for relaxing or a grandiose garden for pool and BBQ parties, you have to measure everything for the right result. Measure the furniture and any outdoor appliances against the space, and leave room to walk around them.
4. Design
When you start planning your patio keep in mind what you are going to use it for. Whether for entertainment, sunbathing or gardening, keep that objective in mind. You need a design plan to ensure cohesion and also keep your budget on track.
If you have the room for a swimming pool we recommend installing a natural swimming pond instead, to create a unique country feeling in the heart of London!
Zoning works in a small garden as well as a large one. By adding split levels, you can create a garden with more volume and character. We recommend a combination of paving, walling and edging.
5. Materials
When it comes to picking materials, you have to consider two crucial factors. Your personal taste and the style of your house. If your interior is modern, pick more contemporary paving like concrete or porcelain, while for a more traditional look pick natural stone or block paving.
6. Budget
Set the budget before you start. Price the materials, the furniture and any appliances, so you know what the whole thing costs rather than the paving alone. Every change made once work has started costs more than the same decision made on paper. NU Projects works with landscapers and can run the planning, the design and the construction together. Tell us about your garden, or put a figure on the work with the cost calculator.
Published 9 June 2021. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.