Patios

Patios are one of the upgrades which are most sought after by many home buyers. They add value to a home and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Most importantly, patios add to a family’s enjoyment of its home. Much like a kitchen, a patio becomes a center of activity, a gathering place. Therefore, when considering a patio, it is important for a homeowner to discover the many different types of patios and the various lifestyles they support.

Homes need patios that complement the daily lives of their owners and harmonize with the architecture of the house. Of course, patios also need to fall within the budgets of the people building them. Fortunately, these days there are so many patio designs and materials from which to build patios, that meeting all three of these goals need not be difficult.

Sometimes is can be both fun and useful to just let the imagination run wild. A homeowner can open him/herself up creatively by envisioning the perfect patio. In order to do this, only one question has to be answered: What functions does the homeowner want the patio to fulfill?

To this end, consider why the patio is being built. Is it a retreat from the rest of the world? A place for the entire family to enjoy? A way to extend the season for being out of doors? A place for entertaining? Once this all important concept has been nailed down, the homeowner and his/her family can begin to look a patio designs. At first try looking at any patio which may quench the patio thirst. By doing this the homeowner may find ideas which can incorporate the dream patio into the reality patio. Many ideas can be adapted for space and budget.

When it comes to materials for patios, every season seems to bring improvements. While wood remains a perennial favorite it can be hard to maintain, requiring frequent cleaning and protective coatings. Also, anything more exotic than standard wood can be expensive. Redwood is one true wood alternative for patios that doesn’t have to be stained and is relatively low cost. People who want a wood look without so much wood worry are increasingly trying one of the composite wood twins like plastic or composite woods made from wood flour and polyethylene. Although these components will probably not be mistaken for wood, they do have the distinct advantage of easy maintenance. These materials also shape easily into a wide range of artistic patio designs. Composite woods, however, are not meant to be the framework for a patio. Framing should consist of traditional pressure treated wood.

Homeowners looking for distinctive personalized patio materials might consider stone or slate or brick pavers. Many times these patios can be built by a handy homeowner; although the wise amateur builder will make sure he/she has the needed expertise before tackling any patio project. Many times professional patio builders are reluctant to come in on a job that was started by a non-professional. What at first seems to be a fun way to save money can soon turn into a dreaded task and money pit. Poured concrete is also an option which can be both cost and time efficient. Don’t think of plain vanilla slabs when conjuring up mental images of poured concrete patios. These surfaces can be finished in many different textures, patterns and colors.

Be sure not to overlook the extras that bring a patio to life. Retractable awnings add versatility to a sunny deck. Built in barbeques make entertaining easier and in patio fireplaces accommodate cooler outside nights. Built in patio storage adds convenience when doing yard work or cleaning up after a day spent enjoying the outdoors. Power sources for lighting, music and even for televisions and computers all add to the usability of any patio.

All in all, patios are one of the best ways to improve the marketability of a house. More to the point, patios are also one of the best ways to improve the live-ability of a home.