A patio is a great place to relax in the sun and enjoy the outdoors. However, many people do not take advantage of their patio because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. By following these tips, you can easily make your home’s patio more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your family.
Make your patio functional
To begin with, you need to make your patio functional. Make sure there is enough room for people to sit, stand, and move around so they can enjoy themselves. If there are things on the patio that are not being used regularly throw them away or find somewhere else to store them. Clear off the table at least once per week unless you have a cover to protect your patio furniture from rain and sun. Make sure you get things out of the way when they’re not being used.
Make it easy to clean
You should also make it easy to clean by taking away anything that will stain or soak into the concrete such as paint, stainless steel furniture, or fire pits. Unless you specifically want these stains, remove them from the patio. They will make it very difficult to clean up if something comes in contact with them and they soak into the concrete permanently unless you use a professional tool such as a pressure wash or steam cleaners which can damage the concrete. If you have a fire pit, make sure there is at least a one-foot border around it to prevent fires from spreading to surrounding areas or furniture that can be damaged by high heat.
Create a good shade source
Create a good shade source by planting trees or building a pergola. You don’t want to cook outside in the hot sun, so make sure your patio is shaded from direct sunlight during peak hours of the day. Another option you can opt for is to use an awning. There is a well-known awnings supplier operating in Bergen County, NJ so if you are from the area you should definitely consider these sun-blocking solutions. Awnings don’t just make the patio more comfortable, they also make for better living by providing protection from harsh weather elements.
Create a proper drainage system
Creating a proper drainage system is important for any patio location. If your patio is not on the ground level, make sure you create a path or road that will lead away from it and eventually to a drain outside of the structure so water won’t build up and damage your patio. If your patio is on the ground level, make sure you have a good place for water to drain from the patio up and away from it before it can cause any problems such as mold or mildew.
Make it accessible
You should also make your patio accessible. If you have a deck that needs to be replaced, ensure that you hire professionals to do the job. Maybe your patio is not accessible at all by steps or a ramp. Take this into consideration before it becomes an inconvenience for someone in your family who will need to use the patio regularly. Thinking about this in advance can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
Be aware of changes in your patio over time
If your patio has been through many summers and winters, you might find some cracks and uneven areas. If this is happening, do not try to work around them because you could make the problem worse. Over time, these problems will erode the concrete and cause it to crack further. You can hire a contractor or even rent a jackhammer from your local hardware store to remove the concrete in that area and then replace it with fresh concrete. If you are unsure of the best way to do this, ask for advice from someone who does concrete or masonry work.
If your patio is not very large, consider building up flower beds within 15 feet of the patio on either side so people can enjoy some natural beauty while they relax and enjoy themselves on their patios. If you have a larger patio, consider adding a water feature such as a pond or small waterfall so you can enjoy the sound of moving water.
Take care of your lawn and plants around the patio
Another thing you have to do is take care of your lawn and plants around the patio. If you have any plants in pots that are near the patio, make sure they are not sitting in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Unless you have a cover for them, put them somewhere where they will be shaded until it is time to enjoy your patio again because the heat from concrete can quickly dry out plants and grass.
Make sure your lawn is well-maintained and watered so it doesn’t wither and brownout in the hot summer sun. If you have grass, pull any weeds that might be growing between the blades because they will compete for moisture and nutrients from the soil. If you notice any weeds in your flower bed, pull them immediately before they cause problems. Though your patio does not need to be perfect when you keep it clean and functional people will enjoy spending time on it.
Make it inexpensively
Finally, make your new comfortable and enjoyable patio cheaply by thinking outside of the box when furnishing it. You don’t need to get expensive patio furniture or even new chairs and tables each season. If your old stuff still has life in it, refurbish it with some paint and new cushions. Making your patio more comfortable doesn’t have to be an expensive job and can easily be done with DIY projects.
If you follow the advice listed above, your home’s patio will be more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your family. Your costs will also be lower because you can refurbish old furniture to make it new again without having to buy all new stuff. So don’t delay! Start making your patio more comfortable right away. You’ll thank yourself in the future when you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day. We hope this article has been helpful and wish you the best of luck with your project!
