| Garden designers love to talk about the benefits of a | | | | planting. |
| seamless extension of your indoor living | | | | A circular patio in the middle of the garden will reflect |
| accommodation into your outdoor space - and the | | | | a modern look, although it can also be used in a |
| installation of a patio is the natural first step to | | | | formal garden. Think about having two overlapping |
| achieving this idyllic scenario. | | | | circular paved areas, of different sizes or at different |
| As a result, patios have become one of the most | | | | levels, for a less symmetrical look. Positioned at the |
| popular features in UK gardens today, providing a | | | | rear of the garden a circular paved area makes an |
| dedicated space in the outdoor room (which joins | | | | unusual 'hidden' feature, or it can also provide a |
| with the main living accommodation), specifically | | | | perfect base for a gazebo. |
| designed for outside dining, relaxation or recreation. | | | | Square patios: a square patio at the front of the |
| Regardless of whether you have a rambling country | | | | garden can easily look a little unadventurous, unless |
| retreat with plenty of space, or a small urban back | | | | you use a variety of textures, or add detail around |
| yard, a patio makes it possible to create a dedicated | | | | the edge, such as building hollow-topped dwarf walls |
| outdoor living zone. And if you needed any further | | | | to plant in. it may be worth considering taking a |
| persuasion, lifestyle benefits aside, a patio will also | | | | corner out create a more inspiring L-shape. |
| add to the value of your home, according to a report | | | | A square patio in the middle of the garden suits a |
| in the Scottish Sunday Mail which claims "a new patio | | | | formal courtyard-style garden, but once again, it is in |
| will add more in value to your house than the cost of | | | | danger of lacking impact unless you add detail like a |
| laying it". | | | | central water feature, sculpture or container display. |
| The key benefit of a patio lies in its undisputed ability | | | | A plain shape is easily lost when positioned at the |
| to extend the amount of time you are able to spend | | | | rear of the garden where it's flanked by planting, |
| in the garden. In the warmer months, the patio | | | | although it makes a good base for a summerhouse |
| becomes the central hub for informal entertaining and | | | | with seating space in front of it. However, note that |
| socialising with an endless flurry of barbecues and | | | | a square, rectangular or L-shaped patio is the most |
| impromptu garden parties - with the excellent | | | | economical shape if you are a sun worshipper and |
| advantage of dispensing with worries about mess | | | | plan to install a series of sunloungers in the garden. |
| and accidental spillages ruining the carpeting! As the | | | | Triangular patios: a triangular patio at the front of the |
| temperatures begin to drop, the patio comes into its | | | | garden suits a modern design, and it adds drama to a |
| own by providing a safe place for the kids to play | | | | typically rectangular garden. A triangular patio in the |
| (thankfully without their play stations or Wii games) | | | | middle of the garden is only really suited to an |
| whilst getting some good old-fashioned fresh air. | | | | outdoor space which boasts a very strong modern |
| Location location location | | | | design. At the rear of the garden a triangular patio is |
| The natural siting for a patio is immediately outside | | | | ideal for a private seating area tucked away in a |
| any patio doors (if your property boasts this feature) | | | | corner. |
| or alternatively immediately outside the back door of | | | | Sort out your surface |
| the house. Given you are likely to be using the patio | | | | The appearance of the finished patio is often the |
| for outdoor dining, easy access to the kitchen is key. | | | | first priority for many people. The choice of materials |
| Think carefully about which parts of your garden | | | | available to work with is endless and includes natural |
| enjoy a sunny aspect - although sitting in the glorious | | | | stone flags, man-made slabs, slate paves, bricks, |
| sunshine sounds appealing, the reality is that when | | | | crazy paving, concrete paves and granite setts. |
| you are sitting down eating a meal it is far more | | | | Generally your final decision in terms of surface |
| comfortable to be in a slightly shaded area. Many | | | | choice will be largely dictated by budget, the style of |
| people choose to position the patio in the warmest | | | | your property, anticipated practical usage and |
| part of the garden but invest in a shade solution such | | | | personal preference. It's harder to place furniture on |
| as a good size parasol, bespoke awning or even - for | | | | some of the rough textured surfaces and if you |
| the more adventurous - a contemporary sail. | | | | have children riding tricycles, elderly friends or family |
| Shapely solutions | | | | who might trip, be sure to avoid anything that might |
| The shape of your patio needs to be considered not | | | | produce an uneven surface. |
| only in terms of the space available, but also in | | | | One important consideration to bear in mind if you |
| relation to the overall styling you are hoping to | | | | opt for a natural sandstone surface in today's |
| achieve in your outdoor room. | | | | increasingly "ethically conscious" society is where and |
| Circular patios: part of a circle can often look better | | | | how the stone has been sourced. Make sure that the |
| than a full circle when it's right up against the house - | | | | stone has been processed and supplied to comply |
| it creates interesting shapes around the edges for | | | | with ethical trading standards. |