Patio Design Ideas and the Four S Model

What makes your patio dreams come to life are part budgetary and part creativity. Of course, without a limited budget and the ability to hire an amazing landscape designer, your backyard could look like a billionaire's estate, too. Why wouldn't you do this given the opportunity? However, when you are the landscape design team, then you need to consider certain features and factors. If you want to be safe, make sure that your patio design ideas follow the "four S" outline: soil, site, size and style.

Your patio plans will depend, in large part, on the site you have in mind. The foundation of your new patio can be damaged by roots from larger trees and can also cause problems with existing landscape features like irrigation lines; steer clear of these hazards in selecting your location. Being mindful of the sun position in the sky can affect your patio location. The seasons and time of day both affect the angle at which the sun will be striking your patio.

Maybe you have great plans for a large patio space or perhaps a more restful little patio nook. Size of your patio is not indicative of the amount of rest, relaxation or enjoyment you can experience on your patio. Your patio's design features are more of great importance than size alone.

The next factor - style - is where your personal tastes and individual patio preferences emerge. You might be more entertainment minded or have lounging on the brain. You may enjoy the lounge lizard lifestyle of hammocks, swinging chairs and poolside chaises. A patio space designed for an entertainer must take into account outdoor dining and cooking. If you have these facts in mind, you will also find outdoor rooms quite appealing.

What your soil conditions are like is the final piece of the "S factor" components. You need to make sure that your patio design can be built upon the soil conditions found in your yard. All your patio flooring options, like footers, pavers, stamped concrete, etc. will be placed and supported on the soil found there. The proper drainage and grading are essential points for your patio design ideas to be long-term additions to your backyard space.