PATIO IDEAS

LEARN...

Rattan sofa, Limited Abode

Take time with PLANNING

Top questions to ask yourself before you get started

What are the practical considerations?

The first thing to establish is whether it’s a case of revamp or replace. Once you have a feel for what you want to achieve, take a good look at the site and factor in any practical problems you need to work with. These can include issues with privacy if your space is overlooked, the need for improved access points such as side gates, revamping boundaries if they are inadequate, drainage problems and incorporating lighting if you don’t already have power to the area.

Where should I position it?

Take into account how you use the patio during the day and when it gets the sun. If you’re going for a complete redesign you might even want to think about whether your current patio is actually in the right space for you or if it would be better moving it and possibly making it bigger to incorporate your new ideas.

How should I plan my design?

Next decide what sort of style you want and how you’re going to use the space. If it’s for entertaining, think about how furniture will be incorporated into the design, as well as lighting and heating options and barbecue or outdoor kitchen areas. Perhaps you’d like to work in luxe extras such as a sound system or retractable canopy to turn the patio into a year-round space. You may also want to think about zoning and creating separate areas for dining and relaxing.

What about the plants?

When you’re making your plans don’t forget to factor in the planting. It’s a good idea to include raised beds or planting pockets in the hard landscaping for an integrated look or alternatively upgrade your patio pots.

Anything else?

Finally, if you want the look of your patio to be on trend you can go in big or simply add a detail. Take a material like Corten steel. The warm burnt orange hues can be integrated into your hard landscaping as stunning metal panels and fixed planters, or can be bought off the shelf as water features or decorative screens. Either will bring the look of your patio bang up to date.

CREATE...

WORDS: SARAH WILSON Dining pergola; Refectory table and sleeper bench set, both Forest Garden

Think about MATERIALS

With so much choice available when it comes to materials this is where things can get expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget so costs don’t spiral out of control

Clashing or matching?

A good place to start is by deciding if you want to go for a complementary look with materials that sit well together for a co-ordinated scheme, or a more dramatic feel with contrasting elements to make a statement.

Paving or decking?

Another big decision is whether you want a paved or decked patio area. You will want something that’s easy to maintain so bear in mind that smooth decking options are the best choice as water can pool in the grooves of ridged designs, but you will still need to oil them regularly to keep them protected against the elements and to retain their colour. When it comes to paving, take the hassle out of cleaning by buying slabs that have been treated or have a matt finish as they require less upkeep.

Granite

Tough and hard wearing, choose granite if you want a sleek and modern look. It comes in every possible colourway and is easy to keep clean.

Sandstone

Reasonably priced, sandstone can be riven (for a more aged look) or smooth (for a more contemporary style). You can also get reclaimed sandstone.

Limestone

One of the more expensive options that requires special laying techniques, but it’s hard-wearing, looks gorgeous and comes in a range of colours.

Porcelain

Matt porcelain pavers have the look of natural stone but require less maintenance. They’re strong, durable and work well in modern schemes.

The best DECKING

Hardwood

Smooth hardwood deck boards from a responsible source are the go-to choice for a combination of good looks and longevity that’s easy to maintain.

Artificial

Made from a combination of real wood and household plastics recycled into resin, these eco-friendly boards won’t fade in the sun.

Softwood

The more affordable option, but it will need maintenance to keep it looking good. Use a protective oil after it’s been installed to stop it degrading.

Bamboo

A more sustainable choice that’s strong (it’s harder than nearly all other wood), durable and will stand the test of time. The boards won’t fade either.

PHOTOS: (GRANITE) TILE MOUNTAIN. (LIMESTONE AND SANDSTONE) TOPPS TILES.

TIMBER. FUTURE CONTENT HUB (PORCELAIN) PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE. (ARTIFICIAL) STOCKPORT Wall painted in Olive Ultra smooth masonry paint; fence panels painted in Seclusion; chairs in Black 10-year exterior satin, all Sandtex

Break up a large expanse of wall with different materials to create interest

Create a stylish BOUNDARY

It’s important to take boundaries into account when it comes to hard landscaping. Fencing can take centre stage if you choose a colour or style with impact for that stand-out factor. If you’re on a tight budget, paint is your best friend as it lets you transform a feature into something special. Rendered concrete is another affordable option to create a colourful backdrop, or think about greening up a boundary with a trellis and climbing plant combo such as star jasmine. If you have a bigger budget, consider decorative bricks or natural stone cladding (you’ll need a solid wall for this).

Corten steel planters, Garden House Design

Adding privacy

If your patio is overlooked, it’s likely you will want it to have a secluded feel. Temporary options like small trees in large planters or decorative screens can help, but if you need a more permanent structure a small pergola or automated awning are good options to incorporate into your plans. As well as providing privacy, shelter and shade, a pergola has the advantage of creating an extra planting opportunity and adds an architectural element to the look. Incorporating an awning or durable roof to cover a patio area turns it into an extra living space that can be used year round. Choose a sleek minimal design that integrates into your outdoor space. Patio covers protect you from sun, rain, wind and cold and can be fitted to an outside wall or as a stand-alone feature.

How to give planting the wow factor

l Include planting pockets in your hard landscaping by opening up small spaces for greenery. This can transform a patio, bringing it to life with shapely curves of smart planting. Low mounds of ornamental grasses work well for this look. l Modular raised planters can be lit at night to create a welcoming ambience. The light diffuses through the plants to cast sculptural shadows against the backdrop of a wall or fence. Ornamental grasses, bamboo and palms all work well and look magical at night. l A vertical green living wall allows you to turn patio planting into a practical feature. With lush plants such as grasses and succulents tucked into pockets at regular intervals, it creates an outdoor feature wall. Try the self-watering Wonder Wall from Dobbies.