What kind of patio design would look best in front of your home? It’s a great question to ask yourself when you’re looking to buy a house, perform DIY renovations, or upgrade your outdoor living space.

To get the most out of your patio, you need to start with the planning process. If you don’t plan your patio the right way, you might end up with some common patio design mistakes on your hands.

Here are some common errors with patio designs and how to avoid them.

1. Making Outdoors Look Like Indoors

Common errors in patio designs that involve making the outdoors look like an indoor one is not considering environmental factors. Inclement weather, such as rain, strong winds, and varying temperatures, can affect outdoor furniture, making it susceptible to damage or fading from the sun’s rays. To remedy this, when choosing patio furniture, choose those specifically designed for outdoor use and have been treated for UV protection.

2. Trying to DIY Everything

Trying to DIY everything can be a great way to save money, but it can also lead to costly errors when it comes to patio design. It’s important to understand the basics of patio design before attempting to DIY everything.

If you don’t have experience with stonework, for example, it would be wise to consult a professional. You can opt to contact concrete contractors to weigh the patio construction costs. 

3. Problems with Furniture Placement

Problems with choosing patio furniture and placement result in a space that is untidy and not functional. The improper size of furniture relative to the size of the patio.

Failure to properly plan for a space that provides adequate seating for the number of people in a household. This issue can be rectified by selecting smaller scaled, multi-functional pieces that make the most of the area. 

4. Not Adding Enough Lighting

Many people underestimate how dark outdoor areas can be at night. Without proper lighting, the patio is not only unsafe to use in the evening but also not visually compelling.

To avoid this, consider both functional and decorative lighting options and then factor in the cost of high-quality outdoor lighting for patios, such as electric, solar, or battery-operated lights. Take advantage of sunlight and natural elements to light up the patio during the day, and utilize low-light LED lighting at night.

5. Failing to Set Up Drainage

Another common mistake is not setting up drainage correctly. If water can’t properly drain, then it can soak into the ground beneath the patio, which can cause cracking and also create a muddy and slippery surface. Be sure to evaluate the terrain and install proper drainage pathways to redirect water away from your patio. 

6. Lack of Decor or Accessories

Mistakenly overlooking the need and potential for patio accessories and decorations. Having a beautiful patio without the extra touches feels empty and unexciting. To avoid this, consider adding cushions, pillows, throws, hanging plants, wall décor, outdoor rugs, and lighting. All these items can personalize outdoor living space and put warmth into the patio design. 

Avoid Common Errors with Patio Designs

Designing a patio can be a big project. To ensure the best outcome, it is important to take into consideration the common errors with patio designs that can be avoided. By avoiding these errors, you will have a patio that you will enjoy for years to come.

So make sure to review the tips before starting your next patio design project.

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