Have you been dreaming about a custom patio that elevates your living experience? Adding a custom patio to your outdoor living space invites you to spend more time outside. It creates a natural sanctuary and ties your indoor and outdoor spaces together.
With custom designs, you can build the space you’ve imagined — a patio for family gatherings, relaxing and listening to the rain, or waking up with coffee on a warm spring morning. Outdoor patios create a welcoming ambiance, whether you use it alone or host get-togethers.
If you’re looking for custom patio services near Columbus, look no further — Shearer Patio & Landscape Services can help you design, construct and maintain a stunning outdoor patio area customized to your preferences. Keep reading to learn what you should consider when choosing and installing a custom patio, or jump ahead to a specific section.
In This Article
Before you start, stop to consider how you see yourself using this space. Here are a few possibilities:
There are endless ways to use your patio, especially when you opt for a custom design. A custom patio can transform your space from an empty plot into an oasis with shape and movement.
Think of the difference between the wilderness and a garden. While both are full of living things, one is much more enjoyable to interact with. You know how to enjoy and take care of a garden. Adding a custom patio with complementary landscaping elements has the same effect.
Make a list of the three top things you want to use your patio for. Try to be realistic — think about how much time you have for entertaining, for example. However, don’t worry if your priorities change. A custom patio space can absolutely be adapted to suit your needs over time.
Once you’ve thought about the purpose of the space, it’s time for the fun part — working out the design. There are many elements to creating a successful outdoor space, and being intentional with design is a winning part of your strategy.
Custom patio design elements include patio material, colors, size and more. Each detail is crucial to creating a holistic space that feels like a natural transition from your home to your yard.
Here are some things to consider before installing a patio.
Some key considerations for the best patio material include the following:
The building materials you choose should be high-quality and handle your climate well so you can enjoy them for a long time. In general, a paver patio will last longer than a poured or stamped concrete patio. If you don’t like brick patio pavers, you can always consider natural stone or concrete pavers. There are many quality options for finishing your patio space.
Depending on your location, some materials may be more accessible and affordable than others. You can spend some time observing local neighborhoods to see which materials are chosen most often in your area. Another factor to consider is sustainability — think about where your patio materials are sourced from and how that impacts the environment.
Because your patio space ties together the inside and outside of your home, it’s common to use neutral colors in this space. Think warm wood shades, tan, cream, black and white. You can choose neutral shades for paint colors and furniture and opt for bright colors — like yellow, coral or turquoise — for accents.
When you choose a neutral backdrop, it’s easy to refresh your patio by simply changing the accent color. For example, you could switch out pillows, flowers and decorative pots each season. If you plan to sell your home, neutrals are also a good way to appeal to buyers whose tastes may differ from yours.
However, this is definitely a matter of personal taste. If you’re planning to stay in your home for decades and want a bright yellow patio — go for it! Keep in mind that there will likely be a lot of green, blue and brown already since your patio is outside. Choose colors that blend well with nature for the most serene experience.
The size, shape and layout of your patio can be customized to fit your yard, home and preferences. For example, a large patio isn’t always the best solution for a small yard. However, you could combine a small patio with a walkway to create an outdoor area that feels cohesive and functional.
Another thing to consider during this phase is the patio shape you want. Take a step back and consider how many circles you’ll see. How many square edges will there be? How many triangles? In general, mixing curves and straight lines creates balance.
If your architecture is heavily square-edged and triangle-based, you can soften these lines with rounded furniture and foliage. It’s usually best to stay fairly consistent with the patio shape and add variety with accents — this way, the patio feels intentional but interesting.
Before you decide on your patio’s location, spend some time canvassing your yard. Go out during different times of day, and think about where the sun rises and sets. If your backyard is facing west, it may be uncomfortable to sit outside in the hot summer evenings — even if your patio is covered.
You can strategically place your patio and design elements to make the most of your outdoor space. Consider the example of a west-facing yard — adding a water feature, planting a tall hedge or building a trellis can help block the sun and keep the space cool.
Also, consider the location of your utility lines. If you build a patio over these, you could potentially damage them during the construction process. Even worse, you won’t be able to access them if they need repairs. Make sure you locate your utility lines before forming any definite plans for your patio.
Next, consider the features that best support the way you’d like to use the space. Here’s a quick list of several possible features:
There are many yard features to consider — think water features, retaining walls and trellises — and anything you choose should add convenience and functionality to your patio space.
One way to seriously upgrade your patio space is by adding a pool. At Shearer Patio & Landscape Services, we can help you design a custom patio and pool space that meets your needs and matches your home’s aesthetic. Adding a pool to your patio space can enhance your outdoor living experience.
As one of the most magical finishing touches, patio lighting warms up your customized space and makes it feel welcoming. Just a few well-placed lights can help create a warm glow that’s inviting, cozy and exciting all at once. Hanging fairy lights inside a pergola is another option, but built-in lights are often more practical.
When planning patio lighting, consider patio features like fireplaces and ceiling fans. Your patio lighting should make sense in combination with the structure and enhance your outdoor experience. Lights help set the tone of the space and help ensure you can enjoy your patio regardless of the time of day.
The process for installing a custom patio is similar to installing a cookie-cutter patio. However, throughout the process, you’ll consult with your contractor to discuss preferences and choose a personalized design.
Keep reading to learn more about each phase of the patio installation process and things to consider before building a patio.
During the preparation phase, you’ll communicate with your contractor about the design, construction timeline and final project estimate. Once you’re on the same page and have signed the initial documents, your contractor can start preparing the space for your custom patio.
Although the preparation phase may be the least familiar to you, it’s one of the most important parts of the process. Clear communication, careful planning and thorough preparation for installation lay the groundwork for success. The more planning and prep your contractor does during this phase, the smoother your patio building project will go.
During the preparation phase, the contractor will measure and mark the area, remove current landscape features and prepare the ground for the patio. If the ground isn’t already level, your contractor may need to bring in the necessary equipment to fix that. It’s also important to address draining and ensure water won’t pool under the foundation.
Additionally, part of this stage is getting all the permits and documentation in order to ensure your patio is legal and up to code. Your contractor will help you navigate this process successfully — they have experience in the industry and know what’s required. If you live somewhere with a Homeowner’s Association, you’ll also need to plan around any HOA requirements.
During the installation process, your contractor will implement the designs you discussed and build your custom patio. The process can get messy, but the final results will be worth it.
Some of the challenges you may face during the installation process include:
With the right contractor, these challenges won’t significantly impact the process. Contractors with experience plan ahead for disruptions, and they often order all the materials before beginning the work to ensure your timeline won’t be extended.
The installation process is the most exciting phase, as you see your design come to life one piece at a time. Although you won’t be able to use the space until everything is completed, you can start to envision how you’ll enjoy your custom patio once it’s finished.
After the construction phase is over, your contractor will thoroughly clean up the area. That’s when you get to finish the final design with furniture, potted plants and other design elements. If you’ve also updated the landscaping, it may take a few weeks for the new plants to relax and settle into your yard.
A good rule of thumb when decorating your patio is to think of each activity as a zone. For example, you can create a zone for relaxing that includes comfy seats, tables, potted plants and a rug to tie everything together. Other zones could be the grilling station, fireplace area or outdoor bar.
Bringing potted plants onto your patio is one of the most effective ways to tie this space into your outdoor area. Plants and greenery create a sense of freshness, a nurturing ambiance and a smooth transition between your indoor and outdoor space. Make sure you choose plants that can tolerate the light conditions.
A final aspect to consider is maintenance and upkeep. Ideally, your patio should be easy to clean and maintain. Adding overhead covers like a pergola or large umbrella can block rain and plant debris and simplify cleaning. If you’ve chosen weatherproof building materials, you won’t need to do much maintenance after your patio is complete.
The most important part of building a custom patio is choosing a trustworthy and experienced contractor. Your contractor plays a significant role in your satisfaction with the final product, the construction experience and the speed with which your patio is completed.
Here are a few questions to ask when choosing a contractor to build your custom patio:
When you choose a quality contractor, you can save a lot of time and stress during the preparation and installation process. It’s worth it to research and talk with several contractors before making your final decision. Like the preparation stage of building your patio, doing this initial work will pay off.
Shearer Patio & Landscape Services began in 1996 as a landscape maintenance firm in Lewis Center, near the Columbus area. Since then, we’ve expanded our capabilities and now offer hardscaping, pool installation and custom outdoor living space services. Our past clients have included homeowners, schools, hospitals, hotels and places of worship.
We approach projects with a holistic view of what clients want and what’s best for their overall space. Our clients love working with us because we’re trustworthy, responsive, timely and respectful. We can create a dream backyard you can enjoy every day.
Contact us to request a free quote and get started on your new backyard today!