1. Pinpoint the purpose

A patio created to entertain the masses will require a larger surface area than a private retreat. Start planning your patio dimensions by identifying its different functions, for example, an outdoor kitchen, dining area and conversational zone. Establishing the relationships between them will allow you to include the square feet connecting each area in your plans. Several small patios are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to one huge expanse of patio stone and can be customized for different functions to form outdoor rooms. Placing your patio in the front yard can serve as a less intimate area for visitors to stop by or a small space from which to watch your kids play on the front lawn.

2. Exploit the landscape

Capturing the perfect view for your patio or finding an isolated niche for your tranquil getaway can be achieved by walking around the property and determining the best vantage points. Entertainment areas should be easily accessible from the kitchen and bathroom while a patio connected to the family room can serve as an extension of the existing sitting space. A good rule of thumb is to design your patio proportionately to your house and surrounding grounds, rather than allowing an exceptionally large patio to overwhelm a modest home, for example.

3. Arrange your furniture

Visualize your patio by marking off the potential area and arranging your outdoor furniture within that space. Your indoor furniture can also be used for this process, bearing in mind that outdoor furniture tends to be larger. Remember to include your desired extras, like fountains for ambiance or fire pits for evening appeal. Leave approximately 3 feet of walking space around the furniture and remember that dining chairs will be pulled out from under the table. If your available space is too limited to accommodate all your desired furniture, consider integrating dual-purpose structures like seating walls adorned with vibrant scatter cushions into your design.

4. Select a shape

The size and placement of your patio can depend on your desired shape. A modern, minimalist geometric design better suits an entertainment area and can easily be placed adjacent to your home. A meditative oasis consisting of curves and organic shapes might entail compromises in placement, however, to avoid awkward open spaces.

5. Integrate the environment

Consider the amount of nature you prefer and are prepared to maintain around your patio. A patio nestled under big shade trees should allow enough space between the concrete of the patio and the trunks as roots often interfere with patio paving, or alternatively utilize a section of decking around the tree. A patio assigned to sunbathing and poolside entertainment should be built near the pool, in an area receiving plenty of sun. Taking your desired patio surrounds into account will narrow your size and placement options even further.