How To Choose the Right Size for Your Patio?
What type of patio should you get? Whether you want a patio for large gatherings or you want it for outdoor dining, or relaxation, whatever the reason is, in this blog, you will get to know the tips you must follow to choose the right size for your space.
The primary design guideline for a patio is to make it large so that it comes to some use. With a large patio, you will be able to accommodate various activities.
Just take an example, if you desire a large, second dining room table, you might need extra space. Getting a new room can become a challenge and can also be a time-consuming process. So, if you need more space and also if you want to build it in less time, then nothing can beat having a patio at your place.
We have clubbed some planning tips to guide you through the patio sizing process. At Strong Build Sunrooms, patio builders Vancouver, we have ideas for planning, testing the site and also utilizing the space.
Here’s What You Can Do!
Start Simple
Start with a simple sketch. You do not have to be an artist. Put your thoughts on a piece of paper, draw what you want. Here’s something to simplify the process.
*Assign each activity to different parts of a patio.
*Allow proper space for the activity itself, traffic flow through, around the area.
*If the patio you have thought about is not large enough, just expand it or look for different ways, the spaces will be able to serve double duty.
It all depends on you how you want. Whether you want to keep one corner of the family dining space as a secluded retreat or you just want to make a small part of a big area more secluded, whatever you choose for yourself, make sure you have everything planned with you.
Structural change for a patio will make it even stronger.
For example, a t-shaped patio might help in dividing the space that can be utilized for conducting different activities.
Test the Site
To see if your proposed patio is big enough, rope off the area or mark it on the ground with chalk or with spray paint. Then you can move in the furniture and equipment you will have on the patio.
Even if you do not feel like purchasing furniture, use interior furnishings and also add a foot more space for every item.
If the patio is large enough, consider its scale. The patio should look proportional to the house and the ground. Small patios usually do not cause any issue. They are just less likely to be built next to a big house. More common is a large patio that can even overpower a modest home. Begin with a design that fits the use you envision. Then you can fit it as per the budget and terrain. When you finalize the size of the patio, just pen down the entire plan.
Fit Function to Footage
Many patios have plenty of square footage but might end up feeling cramped because usually these are not planned. It is better to follow the basic yet important guidelines and avoid any problem that might arise. To have an idea about the size, you can contact Strong Build Sunrooms and patio builders in Vancouver.
Tips for Buying Outdoor Furniture
Patios, decks, sunrooms, and other outdoor spaces naturally beckon to us, especially in the warm and cozy weather. When it is properly appointed, they add to the living space of the home and also set the backdrop for fun and relaxation.
So, when you have to shop for outdoor furniture, it is important for you to consider factors such as comfort, functionality and materials, in addition to the basics such as size and cost.
Buying outdoor furniture involves a similar process. It is just like buying indoor furniture. However, the outdoor environment must be taken into consideration.
Consider the Weather
What is the weather like? Does it rain? Is it hot and dry? Do you live near the coast or what exactly is it? These are some of the most important questions that you must answer before selecting furniture for a patio.
Strong winds can send aluminum furniture flying; iron will not blow away but will also not stand up to salty air. The sun perhaps be the worst of all. Strong sunrays dull and discolor the paint, bleach fabrics, wood, and also degrade plastic and other synthetic materials.
To choose the furniture that will last, make a realistic choice about the material’s inherent properties.
Metal stays unaffected by the sunlight. Plastic and rubber are vulnerable to UV rays, irrespective of what the product’s manufacturing talks about. Similarly, wood furniture may also come with a quality, factory-applied, weather-resistant finish, but, eventually, that finish will wear down, and you will be faced with refinishing the wood or maybe replacing the furniture.
Measure the Space
Total space and the shape are two considerations that you must take into account. A long and narrow balcony or a broad and wide deck? Just like you would furnish a living or a family room, use the area and also shape the outdoor space to determine the size of an outdoor furniture.
Also, make sure you leave enough space around your furniture to walk comfortably.
For a small space, you can also set a bar table. If not, keep stools that look cool. Stools will also take up less room than chairs. You can also consider having chairs or bistro tables.
Here’s a pro tip- Before you head out, make sure you keep all the measurements, dimensions. This will save you a lot of leg time and you will be able to make a conscious and a smart choice.
Decide the Position of the Furniture
Determining the space is also a prerequisite in choosing the right furniture for your patio. Ask yourself some questions such as will your furniture rest on soft ground and grass or on a hard surface like a wooden deck, or a paved patio? This will help you in choosing materials
This helps you choose materials that are a good match for your environment and surroundings. For example, abstain from placing soft woods like pine on a grassy surface.
Comfort is Important Too
You will be using your outdoor furniture for relaxation so make sure it is comfortable. If the chairs and lounges do not come with cushions, you can always try to make your own pillows and cushions. Also, make sure you choose a good quality outdoor fabric which does not fade.
When purchasing cushions, keep in mind that the furniture itself will long outlast any upholstery, and you are likely to replace the pillows one or more times.
Fabrics will look their best if those are stored and taken care of when not in use.
In addition to comfy chairs, you can also consider some pieces such as chaise lounges, recliners and rockers for relaxing outdoors.
Make sure you try out the furniture before investing in the patio.
Storage Space
Have a separate storage space or a room to store your outdoor furniture for winters or you can also keep pillows and other fabric items inside.
Sometimes, even furniture covers might not provide enough protection, especially for materials such as wicker. You must either have storage space for your furniture, or you must buy something that you can use indoors during the winter season.
Your Budget
Everything just boils down to your budget. How much can you spend, what all that can you buy and everything else that comes in between.
If you economize, there will be options to ensure that you get the best quality for your money.
Getting a patio is a good decision but managing everything in a row by yourself can be taxing. This is the reason that there are experts who handle everything from scratch. The steps described above might seem easy but once you indulge yourself, calculations and figures might exhaust you. So, to help you in getting rid of any such hustle, we have got professional sunroom and patio installation experts. Contact us to get a free quote.