| Creating an outdoor patio is one of the best | | | | 5. Research, research, research. Visit your local library |
| investments you can make in your family's lifestyle. | | | | for as many DIY building manuals as you can lay your |
| Building a patio is a job you can make as simple or as | | | | hands on, or look for magazines that specialize in |
| complex as you like, depending on what type of | | | | outdoor patios and pergolas. The more you know, |
| materials you use and how ornate you want it to be. | | | | the easier your job will be. |
| So let's assume you know how to hold a hammer | | | | 6. Consider carefully what furniture you intend to use |
| and what a nail looks like and go from there. Here are | | | | and measure the dimensions, and then add least one |
| 10 of the top time and labour saving tips you can use | | | | metre to allow enough space to move around. For |
| to build a patio you'll be proud to show off. | | | | example, a sofa that measures 250cm x 120cm |
| 1. Without careful planning, your perfect patio could | | | | needs at least another 150cm to 200cm around it so |
| turn into a nightmare. | | | | you can sit in comfort. |
| Consider exactly where the patio is going to be | | | | The best idea is to grab a piece of graph paper, |
| located and the dimensions, and then measure it out | | | | outline the intended dimensions in pencil, and then |
| using builder's chalk or a small stake and tape at each | | | | draw to scale the pieces of furniture you want to |
| of the boundaries. Add an extra metre to allow for | | | | include. |
| roof overhang. | | | | 7. Decide if your outdoor patio room is going to |
| Is the ground level? And what lies beneath? | | | | include electrical equipment. If you intend adding a TV |
| Remember that you may have to dig down at least | | | | or stereo unit, plan where these items will be placed |
| a metre (3 foot) to secure the corner posts. | | | | and have a qualified electrician install the wiring. |
| Make sure there are no obstructions that can't easily | | | | 8. Lighting is another major consideration if you want |
| be dealt with. | | | | a covered pergola. How much lighting does the area |
| 2. Decide on the type of materials you plan to use | | | | need and what type of lighting is appropriate? Once |
| and then go out and price them. You may find that | | | | again, you will need to call on the services of an |
| the relatively inexpensive holiday or weekend project | | | | electrician to install the wiring. |
| you had planned is going to go way over budget. | | | | 9. To allow for adequate drainage, most builders |
| Think outside the square. If you've got your mind set | | | | suggest a site slope of 0.5cm per 30cm away from |
| on granite pavers that you believe will offset the | | | | the house. You also need to consider guttering if the |
| colours you've used indoors, then opt for recycled | | | | roof is flat so that water drains away from the patio. |
| wood from old constructions as support beams. | | | | 10. When all else fails, call in a contractor. Sure, we all |
| If you intend enclosing your outdoor patio, concrete | | | | start with the best of intentions, but sometimes the |
| masonry blocks are a relatively inexpensive option | | | | best laid plans come unstuck for reasons beyond our |
| – particularly if you use a masonry chisel to split | | | | control. |
| each block in half. A cheerful coat of paint or render | | | | Don't persist when you know you're in trouble –- |
| can make all the difference. | | | | although a qualified builder is going to cost you more |
| 3. Design and plan your outdoor patio with low | | | | than you may have originally budgeted for, trying to |
| maintenance in mind. This is an area for relaxation, so | | | | overcome an issue that is beyond your capabilities |
| you don't need to spend every weekend battling to | | | | and knowledge can cost you a heck of a lot more. |
| keep it clean. | | | | And when your carefully considered and brilliantly |
| 4. If your outdoor pergola is going to be attached to | | | | executed outdoor pergola is built, take the time to |
| the house, work out how you are going to do that. | | | | congratulate yourself on a job well done and toast |
| You may need to consult a builder or patio specialist | | | | your success with a well-earned beer! |
| before you do any damage to your home's exterior. | | | | |