If you have managed to make the interior of your home just as you like and the next project is a patio, you’ve come to the right place, as we outline the various steps to creating a terrace that will be the envy of your neighbours.
- Start with a floor plan – Assuming you have nothing but topsoil behind your home, the first logical step is to create a ‘to scale’ floor plan. This will enable you to plan the placement of furniture and other attractive features, before doing any work and get a good idea of proportion. If space permits, why not create a bar in one corner? Add a few wooden bar stools and make the space look warm and inviting.
- Materials – Of course, there is more than one way to build a terrace; timber decking, natural stone and pavers are all options to consider. Concrete is another popular choice, which can be covered with ceramic tiles. Once you decide on materials, you can crunch a few numbers and calculate how much timber or stone you will need; we recommend building a solid base with hardcore and concrete; make sure to create a slight slope running away from the house for excess rainwater to drain away.
- Shade – There are numerous shading solutions for a patio; a couple of umbrellas would do fine and if your budget stretches that far, a fully retractable roof is the ultimate shading solution. You could compromise and order a made-to-measure awning, which gives you as much, or as little shading as you need.
- Plants, shrubs and flowers – If ever there was a space that calls for plants, the terrace would be it; lush green plants add a touch of nature and make the space more inviting. Take a drive to your local nursery and see what they have on offer to transform the terrace.
- Hanging chairs and a hammock – A pair of egg chairs at each end of the patio offers comfortable seating and a hammock to one side offers the ultimate in relaxation. Buy good quality garden furniture, as it will stand the test of time and give you many years of use.
If you prefer to leave this to a landscape gardener, search online for a local contractor and see what they have to say.
