The Best Patio Designs

Ample Room

• Create the patio with adequate dimensions. Limited space makes it difficult to include a grill and dining table. A good-sized patio requires about 12 feet by 20 feet of yard space. If possible, visit the homes of friends to measure their patios. Most patios look nicer with a landscaping border, which requires additional space.

Space for Active Living

• A patio's design can allow it to function as an outdoor room. Seating areas and cooking space are necessary, and it's often wise to include a porch cover. Your family can still grill out or enjoy outdoor dining during light rain or during midday sun with a roof in place. If the patio has a roof, consider enclosing one wall for storage or for placement of a television or compact disc player during parties. The storage wall section can house grilling equipment and supplies.

Right Roof

• The best patio roof complements the house structure. A pergola-type roof works well on a beach home or high-tech house. In many cases, however, the patio roof needs to tie in with the house roof to look appropriate. One option is to design a hip roof over the patio if the patio roof will not join the house. A roof design that provides good curbside appeal does not detract from the home's value.

High-Quality Materials

• High-quality materials are best. For example, you might wish to install cedar lattice on one or two walls and cedar shakes on the roof. Avoid adding inexpensive materials, such as rough plywood or corrugated plastic. Invest time in designing generous overhangs and a guttering system that blends perfectly with the home's existing overhangs. A simple square patio with an A-frame roof should look upscale and original to the home's construction.

High-Quality Flooring

• Porcelain ceramic tiles and flagstone over concrete are examples of high-quality flooring for a patio. Avoid using a plain concrete patio surface if the budget allows nicer flooring. The beauty of a patio's flooring provides a lot of ambiance. You could install wood flooring for sunbathing in part of the patio area; that area can be left open and uncovered year round. A wood patio floor is an ideal place for lounging chairs if the home has a pool, too.