Backyard patio landscaping

If your patio is on the east or north side of your house, consider yourself fortunate. As the summer heat comes, you are typically going to be cool in the shade in the afternoon and evenings. If your patio is on the south or west side of your home, you are going to bake. We’ve consulted with many clients over the years that tell us that they can’t even stand to use their patio when it is so hot. In addition, there should be space for access throughout the patio. Size is often based on what you will be using your patio for. Is it just a cozy spot for a small family or will there be a lot of entertaining? Consider how you live and entertain to help determine the size of your deck and patio designs.

Some people have a small patio, where they have a cozy 10 x 10 space to decorate. If you’ve got a big backyard like I do, you’ve got a lot more area to cover as far as your patio design is concerned. Big or small, the first thing you should do when designing a patio is designate your areas: one for seating with a group, another for sitting solo, a spot for your patio heaters, and select an area where you’ll add patio décor like a fire pit.

Stylish new offerings for outdoor living have elevated the backyard into a space for resort-level luxury, with water features, fire pits, and convivial dining areas. Homeowners and guests alike feel as if they have arrived at a destination just by walking out the door. We polled top designers for their insights into not only trends, but also solutions for your garden. Read on for their expert tips.

So, you just built a fancy new patio, eh? Or, if you're allergic to back-breaking hard work like me, you hired a pro (smart move). Either way, you've probably been left with a giant rectilinear or amoeba-like structure, sitting alone in your backyard. Don't leave your patio shivering in the cold, fully exposed. Your new patio needs a little love, and a lot of bling.

Add a dining table onto a patio or under a pergola to create the perfect outdoor dining space. You can even hand string lights from the rafters for a truly picturesque evening. Use it for large gatherings or special nights under the stars with your family.