Backyard Oasis Projects

A patio will give your home new life and a new look. This backyard project can be a huge undertaking or can be very reasonably priced and take a weekend to put in. The project is all based on the needs and budget of your family

photo credit: Bex.Walton

There are many considerations to think about there are three points that should be your top concern.

Location

What is the intended purpose of the patio? If you intend to entertain a lot, setting the patio up off the kitchen will make parties and dining an easier experience. You will find that the morning will be the perfect place for reading the newspaper and the first cup of coffee.

Locating the patio off the living room tends to lend more to family activities. And if properly decorated you can create a flower between the indoor and outdoor areas making both feel larger.

By selecting a place in the backyard that is away from the house you will create a patio with added privacy. A patio by a pool becomes a small party area and summer resting spot. A small patio near a garden or wall can become a secret garden, perfect for reading and escaping from the world for a few hours.

And with location you need to consider microclimates. If you live in a cooler area a patio attached to the home or a wall will stay warmer, particularly in the fall season and at night.

Patio Styles

Your patio can be surrounded by plants, miniature potted trees and shrubs for a secluded garden look. Or it can be more open with rock and hardscape for entertaining or backyard activities. If you have paths that lead off your patio you will create a flow in the backyard which works well for a children’s play area or pool that set off to the side.

Privacy

Privacy is one of the most important issues to consider in creating the patio. Placing a patio off the home or near a wall will instantly give you a certain amount of privacy but there are a few more steps you can take to make the patio an area for relaxation and quiet.

• Lattice screen with raised bed garden at the bottom
• Fencing
• Living privacy wall. Privets and evergreen will work well for a living wall.
• Trees
• Plants. A range of small to large plants will create a lush barrier

With a little planning and thought the patio will become part of the house, create a backyard oasis feeling and the compliment the personality and needs of your family.