How to create the perfect patio
Patio 2024 season is finally upon us! The days of summer garden parties and backyard BBQs are here. Maybe you’re a patio-season pro, or maybe it’s your first year with outdoor space. Either way, here are a few tips and tricks for a picture-perfect patio.
Start with a clean slate
You want your patio to feel like an extension of your home – a clean and welcoming space. Nothing kills the buzz like grimy, stained patio tiles. Aside from being aesthetically unpleasing and potentially unsanitary, grime will shorten the lifespan of your patio. The same goes for outdoor walkways and driveways.
We recommend:
- An annual power wash to eliminate weeds, dirt, stains, mould, mildew, moss and anything else that might shorten the lifespan of your patio if left for too long.
- Refinishing your deck every two to three years to ensure your outdoor space is beautiful and that your property maintains – or increases – its value.
Make sure it’s safe
We spoke too soon when we said grime kills the buzz – the ultimate downer is a totally preventable party injury.
To avoid trips and slips:
- Make sure to check for chips and cracks in walkways and other surfaces. Get repairs where necessary, always erring on the side of caution.
- Check on your railings and fencing, keeping elderly guests, kids, and pets in mind.
- If you have a wood deck, check it for damage like sagging, leaning or wobbling. Generally speaking, these are all indicators that part or all of the deck may need to be replaced.
Remember: Diligent maintenance of your outdoor space will also help to keep your insurance valid. Neglecting your property could result in a claim being denied or – worst case scenario – a refusal to continue insuring your home.
If you need help creating your patio, you can Schedule a Handyman through Odd Job.
Determine the use
This step is likely most applicable to new patio owners. Now that you have a clean, safe outdoor space – what do you want to do with it?
Will you be hosting intimate dinners or backyard bashes? Maybe you want a tranquil space that’s just for you and members of your household. Perhaps you want an outdoor office space for the summer.
Whatever it is, having a clear vision is essential to maximizing your enjoyment of the space.
Take stock of what you have, what you need, and what you want
Once you’ve determined the purpose of your outdoor space, take stock of what you have and what you might need. Does your space have privacy? What about shade? Make a list of your must-haves and your nice-to-haves.
Must-haves might include fencing in the yard, installing a pergola for shade, and putting in a sliding glass door for easy access to the kitchen.
Nice-to-haves might be new patio furniture, installing a water feature, or adding a fire pit.
Whatever your budget allows, making a list of ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ will help you get more out of your space.
Create a functional layout
Again, this might be old hat for pros, but even experts need a refresher every now and then.
Think about flow. If you intend to use the space for entertaining, create a clear path from the kitchen to the BBQ to the dining table. Keep in mind where people tend to congregate and where bottlenecks are created. Where do you want people to gather and where do you want people to steer clear of? Organize the space accordingly.
Add your personal touch
Finally, diligent maintenance will keep your insurance valid. Neglecting your property could result in a denied claim or – worst case scenario – a refusal to continue insuring your home.
We genuinely love what we do. Don’t force yourself to DIY just because you feel like you should. We’re here to help! Schedule a handyman now.
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