Whether you own a traditional tile patio in Salt Lake City with a nice fire pit or a rustic, roofed patio in Montana, you can agree on one thing: a patio is essential for gatherings this summer. A patio allows homeowners and their guests to relax and enjoy the great outdoors in all seasons within the comfort of a safe home.
Ensuring that your patio is in good shape in summer has many benefits. Not only is it a great way to get your kids to step out of their rooms during their vacation, but any surprise guests can also be entertained with a well-designed and well-stocked patio. Aspiring patio builders can use the following tips and definitions, from concrete leveling to the difference between a balcony and a terrace.
Is a Patio the Same as a Porch? What Goes Where?
A patio and a porch share a few similarities: They’re both paved outdoor areas, adjoining a house, and used for dining or recreation. What makes them different is that porches typically welcome homeowners and guests into the home and patios are found at the back. Patios reflect their Spanish meaning: They are inner courtyards open to the sky and used for relaxation.
Do I Need to Relevel or Re-cover My Patio?
Patios with dips, bulges, or cracked covering need releveling or their coverings fixed. Leveling helps make the ground smooth and even. Patio surfaces can range from flagstones, clay brick, pavers, concrete, and gravel. Each patio covering comes with its own pros and cons.
How Do I Decorate My Patio?
Patios are as varied as the colors of the rainbow. Wicker-themed patio furniture may appeal to homeowners who like to keep it breezy; metal furniture can entice those who want a low-maintenance decoration that can last a long time. Those who love barbecue may pop in a grill there, while whimsical or party-minded people may opt for a fire pit or fairy lights.
What is the Difference Between a Balcony and a Terrace?
Balconies are extensions connected to rooms at upper floors, enclosed by three-feet tall walls, balustrades, or railings. Terraces are usually on a raised slab or flat area on top of homes. Imagine rooftop terraces or the long, flat area between tower flats. Pools, hot tubs, gardens, and clotheslines can usually be found in these cozy spaces in urban areas.
As with any home improvement project, remember not to go overboard. It’s all fun and games until you’re a thousand dollars over budget, or you bought enough patio trinkets to overflow into your kitchen. Remember to keep a ledger, a notebook, or an app ready that will help keep track of your expenses. Having a list of purchases will help you review what you’ve already purchased. Consulting this list will often keep you on budget and stop you from buying décor or patio furniture that clash with what you have.
Remember that a patio doesn’t need to have a fountain or crazy expensive décor for your refurbishing project to succeed. As long as you use the right combination of aesthetics and function, and you and your loved ones can relax outside, you’re all good.
