| There are many reasons homeowners opt to build a | | | | How do I prepare my area for a patio? |
| patio or deck. Designs are a beautiful way to enjoy | | | | Start by thoroughly reading your patio designs and |
| the great outdoors throughout the year, and they | | | | other instructional materials. After you understand |
| can be a great place to host parties, backyard | | | | exactly what needs to be done, the next step is to |
| barbecues and even your son or daughters wedding. | | | | dig out the area to a depth of 8". The ideal floor |
| Building a patio to be proud of is well within the skill | | | | should slope away from the home to ensure proper |
| level of most homeowners, and there are many | | | | drainage. If using rectangular designs, be sure that |
| designs to choose from, both for brick patios and | | | | the four sides are of equal length. |
| concrete patios. | | | | If using brick for your patio designs, the next step is |
| What is the first step? | | | | to do a test run to check your measurements. Lay |
| When looking at designs, the most important thing is | | | | out the bricks in the excavated area and be sure |
| to measure the area where the new patio will be | | | | that the measurements are correct. This trial run |
| placed. Getting accurate measurements up front is | | | | allows you to test your measurements before you |
| the best way to ensure that your designs will be | | | | actually begin. |
| adequate for your needs. The old adage to measure | | | | After the measurements have been proven, it is |
| twice and cut once definitely applies to designs. | | | | time to lay the bricks or pour the concrete. The |
| When designing your new patio, remember that a | | | | designs and instructions you receive with your kit |
| rectangular design will be easier to work with than a | | | | should provide detailed instructions for the installation. |
| curving one. Many people like the curved designs, but | | | | If you are unclear about anything, be sure to ask for |
| keep in mind that it will be more difficult to build such | | | | clarification. |
| a design. | | | | How can I dress up my patio? |
| What is the best type of patio - brick or concrete? | | | | After the patio designs have been implemented and |
| The best types are those that best meet your own | | | | it is in place, the next step is to make it a warm and |
| specific needs and skill level. Those homeowners who | | | | inviting place to be. One of the easiest, fastest and |
| have experience working with concrete may be | | | | least expensive way to dress it up is to add lush |
| more comfortable using concrete. On the other hand, | | | | tropical foliage. The addition of a few potted palms |
| those who are comfortable working with brick may | | | | around the exterior of the patio can do wonders to |
| want to opt for a brick patio. | | | | make the space more livable. |
| It is also important to match the patio to the overall | | | | Other tropical touches are great as well. Some |
| design of the home itself. Those homeowners with | | | | hanging lights and other accessories are popular ways |
| beautiful brick homes may want to compliment the | | | | to make your patio a special place to be for yourself |
| brickwork on the home by building a brick patio. | | | | and your family and friends. And of course a great |
| Those whose home is stucco may find a concrete | | | | set of patio furniture is the perfect finishing touch. |
| provides a better fit. | | | | |