Tips for Sizing Your Patio
Concrete patio sizing is all about determining your needs for the space and making it large enough to accommodate those needs. This video by ConcreteNetwork.com presents several tips and examples of patio sizing:
1. This freestanding patio and pavilion is large enough for the table and four chairs plus space to walk around and sit adjacent to the outdoor fireplace – 16′ x 16′. To maximize the use of space in this backyard, an outdoor room was created in the far back corner. Cast concrete pads in the fountain that separates the two areas provide a connecting walking path.
2. Take into account the trend toward larger outdoor furniture. You will need an additional 3-4 feet of walk-around space around the furniture. This particular seating area is 18′ x 22′. An adjacent loggia (covered area of concrete) is about 7 or 8 feet deep, only large enough for a small bistro set. The outdoor dining room is 16′ x 18′, large enough for a table and 6-8 chairs.
3. You want to achieve “just right” sizing with your patio. This outdoor set has a 48″ round table and six chairs in a space of a 14′ diameter circle. The patio consists of cast concrete pavers with a decorative concrete band delineating this room from the adjacent living room area. Using different concrete colors and patterns helps to define space in the outdoor rooms.
4. This patio adjacent to a spa consists of cast concrete pavers with grass bands in between and is large enough to accommodate six lounge chairs and walk-around space.
5. A flagstone patio over a concrete subbase is the foundation for this outdoor dining room which measures 16′ x 18′. It is designed to
accommodate a table and ten chairs. The addition of a canvas pavilion creates a sense of being in an outdoor room.
When you’re laying out the design of your patio and other outdoor rooms, know ahead of time what types of furnishings you’re going to have. That way you can ensure you have enough space to accommodate lounge chairs, dining chairs, dinettes, bistro tables, deep seating, shallow seating and couches, plus sufficient walk-around space. You’ll then have a project you’ll be proud of for years to come.
