7 Patio Design Mistakes to Avoid

Building a patio, whether connected to your house or detached, is an exciting way to expand your home. But, in all the excitement, there are a few common mistakes people might make when building their patios – mistakes that can sometimes be incredibly difficult to change. 

Our hope is that by reading this article, you can avoid these common mistakes altogether. So stick with us as we cover seven mistakes to avoid when building a patio.

Why Build a Patio? 

First, let’s look at some reasons why people build patios so we can get a better picture of why these mistakes negatively impact your patio experience. Probably one of the most popular reasons for building a patio is its versatility as an outdoor area. Patios provide homes with an additional living area outdoors, which can be utilised for social events or relaxing outside on a hot summer day. 

Depending on the design, patios can be used all year round, offering a convenient solution to getting out of the house a bit as well. Here’s a list of some reasons to build a patio:

• Outdoor living space

• Increase home value

• Versatility

• Aesthetic appeal

• Low maintenance

• Year-round use

• Personal enjoyment

• Entertaining guests

7 Patio Design Mistakes to Avoid

Now, aside from building the patio itself, there are also some design mistakes that people make, which we’ve added to the list below. Here are some common patio design mistakes that people make:

1. Factor in the Sun

Soaking up the sun and getting your daily dose of vitamin D is important, but even too much of a good thing can be bad. You don’t want to build your patio in an area where it gets blasted by the sun all the time. This will make it unenjoyable and you’d probably have to get an umbrella or roof over it for it to be functional. 

While factoring in a roof isn’t the worst thing to do, it does add to the cost, so it’s important to consider this before going ahead with the patio build. The same goes for the opposite. You don’t want to get a spot that’s constantly in the shade with no sunlight at all. This might make it cold and unpleasant. If possible, we’d suggest finding a place in your yard that has a good balance between the two. 

2. Using too much space

Patios don’t have to be huge, but how you use the space can have a massive impact on how spacious your patio feels. In many cases, patios have been built in a way that they can’t utilise the space available to them properly. For instance, building a pizza oven or barbeque place is an amazing idea, but once built it can’t be moved and that’s space that is no longer available now. 

Whether you prefer a cosy patio or desire more space, we suggest that you look at how you can use the space provided for your patio effectively before you start building. Consider where the furniture will go and any fixed features you may want to add, and factor in how they’ll all fit. It might be helpful to ask your patio builder to help you do this. 

3. Choosing the wrong materials

The material you use on your patio plays a big part in how the final result comes out. Further than that, they also impact how long your patio will last. For instance, you don’t want to use steel on your patio if you live right next to the ocean because, in a few years, it’ll rust. So, it’s important to use materials that fit the area you live in and suit the design. In general, wood, stone, and concrete are good options. 

Keep in mind cost and maintenance as well. For example, wood needs to be sanded and resealed every few years, meaning you’d need to purchase the sealer and hire someone to sand if you’re not willing to do it yourself. 

4. Improper sealing or coating

Patios are often made from concrete, a solid and durable material. But concrete isn’t completely indestructible. It can be vulnerable to wear and tear and develop cracks over time as its sealant fades. 

In cases where its sealant has been applied incorrectly or some spots of been missed, you might see cracks coming up even sooner. This poses a threat to your patio’s structural integrity and needs to be addressed ASAP. However, by sealing the concrete properly, you can prevent this from happening for a few years. 

5. Not considering lighting 

When designing your outdoor living space, why limit yourself to just daytime use? You should be able to enjoy it at night too! The only thing standing in your way is insufficient lighting. A porch light might help, but it’s not enough to set the right mood. Consider adding string lights or solar lamps to create the perfect ambience for your outdoor space.

6. Overcrowding the patio with furniture

As we mentioned earlier, how you use your space makes a big difference in how it looks. A common mistake people make is overcrowding their new patio with furniture that’s either too big for the area or just doesn’t suit the aesthetic. We understand that budget is something to consider here, but try to get appropriate furniture for your patio if possible. If you already have furniture in storage that you want to use, then maybe consider using less of it to optimise space. 

7. Not hiring a professional

Finally, hire a professional! DIY projects can be fun and cost-effective, especially if you know what you’re doing, but for something like a patio that requires council approval and building plans to be drawn out, we’d suggest always going through a professional. Professionals like Fair Dinkum Builds are experts in their field and have the knowledge to build you a quality patio, using the right materials and making the most of the space you have. 

Let’s not put a damper on the excitement for your new patio, but consider these mistakes and take the necessary actions to ensure you avoid them. We hope you make the best memories on your new patio. Enjoy!

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