The word patio is from the Spanish language and can be translated in English as the ‘courtyard’, ‘forecourt’ or the ‘yard’. Patio is actually an outdoor space. The main purpose of patio is recreation. Patio has many uses but it is majorly used for the purpose of dining and entertainment. Patios are actually spaces that are constructed between the interior rooms and the gardens. A patio can have many variations. Patio can be a courtyard, which is constructed as a part of the building. It can also be a terrace with open sides and no boundaries. It can be covered by a roof but there are roofless patios as well.
Patios can be made through a variety of materials. These materials include proper water proof items such as tiles and stones. The main purpose of using such materials is that it would become long lasting. These materials can be used to make durable surfaces for the patios. In addition, these materials are also used to make several architectural designs in these patios. A drainage system can also be constructed by making use of these materials, which can take the water away from the building.
The term ‘patio’ has different meanings throughout the world. In India and Australia the word ‘patio’ denotes any kind of balcony or the verandah which is constructed in a building. In Iran the word patio is actually used for a quiet and private yard. This kind of courtyard is actually between walled buildings, and is usually a covered courtyard. Such courtyards or patios are constructed to keep the privacy for women. Open courtyards are not common in Persia, so patio is used mainly for the covered courtyards. In Oulu, Finland; the term ‘patio’ is used for a furnished drinking area which is usually located outside a pub or a restaurant. In other parts of Finland, these areas outside restaurants or pubs are usually called terraces instead of patios.
Patios are not a new concept. These patios were present in the historical times as well, though with different names. Many patios can be found in the historical buildings on the Indian subcontinent. These patios or courtyards were quite a common element of the buildings of the Mughal era. The buildings of 1930′s and 1940′s present in Pakistan and India also have the influence of Mughal era. The Mughal elements such as the presence of patios in homes can be observed in the buildings of the 1930′s and the 1940′s, which are present in different areas of India and Pakistan. The warmer climate of Indian subcontinent also encourages this architectural design of having patios at homes. The warm and humid climate of many areas present in the Indian subcontinent makes people build such patios, so they can take advantage of fresh air and entertain themselves in the summer evenings by sitting in these patios. These patios are also made to give the homes an aesthetically appealing look. Homes with beautiful patios are considered elegant and also have a high resale value.
Outdoor living is more popular than ever. Even in the colder states, the growing popularity of patio fire-pits and fireplaces has lengthened the patio season. Patio lighting and heating has come down in price, making it more and more affordable to enjoy your patio from early spring all the way through late fall.
Along with the enjoyment of using your patio, however, comes the need for doing proper upkeep and maintenance on your patio, patio equipment and patio furnishing. Proper maintenance will lengthen the life of your deck or patio and add to its enjoyment for decades to come. Here’s a quick overview of how to keep your patio in tip top shape with year round hints for maintenance and care.
Getting Ready for the Patio Season
If you live in a region where the weather makes it impossible to enjoy our patio year round, Spring probably has you preparing for the outdoor season. Here are some tips for getting your patio ready for the summer.
1. Spruce up your patio for the spring.
In the past a patio was just a patio; a concrete slab at the rear entrance of your home with just enough space to put a patio table and maybe a small BBQ grill. The terms “Outdoor Living Space” or “Outdoor Rooms” weren’t even heard of and the only people that had these types of outdoor spaces were the rich and famous. Today, with the demand for homeowners wanting to spend more time outdoors these terms have become more a part of daily life. This demand has not only forced landscape contractors to be more creative with their designs, but has created an industry within itself. All of your big box stores are catering to this industry with patio furniture, stainless steel grills, pre-built grill stations, portable fire pits and it is not unusual to see contractors who specialize or only design and install patios.
Due to the increasing popularity of brick paving stone or “pavers”, homeowners are no longer satisfied with the standard rectangle concrete slab. Pavers allow patio designers to be much more creative in implementing you patio ideas. They can utilize radial and circular designs, different patterns, borders and colors. Also, the introduction of patio block has changed the way patios are designed and used. Each manufacturer has a different name for them, but in a “nut shell” they are stackable blocks that can be used to create seating walls, columns, grill stations, outdoor bars and kitchens. If you can imagine it, you can build it with these blocks.
If you are a do-it-yourself kind, paving your home patio can be an amazing activity to brush up your abilities. Laying down the paved patio is not a daunting task; however, choosing a design that embellishes your patio is really a challenge. You will need to have an artistic eye to visualize some thing inventive and exclusive, with which you can put your personal signature mark on the patio.
How to Start?
Go across the shops or search on the Internet to obtain hold of some exclusive and artistic patio designs. Look for some vintage materials to give that classic yet distinctive appear to your patio. Following are couple of types of Pavers that may provide just the look that you desire:
• Bricks – The classic bricks that once formed part of the patios are an excellent style signature now days. The rounded surface at the top provides a distinctive but stylish appear towards the patio. Lay them in an old-fashioned staggered-row design that you usually locate on cobbled streets.
• Flagstone Slates – For a much more natural appear, flagstone pavers in their natural irregular shapes operate terrific. Develop a randomly placed flagstone patio that is sure to catch the envious attention of your guests. Fill the gaps in between the flagstone with mortar or sand to add a touch of multi-material and colors.
• Conventional Grids – If you prefer the conventional patio designs, then straight, square grids with glazed finishing might be your factor. It offers a simple and conventional look to your patio. Add a creative touch by filling the gap among the grids with crushed or irregularly sized decorative stones.
Some Distinctive Concepts
Those that would want little distinctive and edgy Paver Patio Designs, here are some ideas to savor your creative appetite:
• Seat Wall – Make your patio a relaxation or socializing place by adding a seat wall to your Paver Patio Designs. The seat wall won’t only be a chatting place, but it will serve as a focal point for your patio. If you have a curvilinear patio, then a curved seat made adjacent towards the patio boundary could generate an aura of beauty and style in your patio.
• Circular Paver Kits – Produce a circular style in the center of the patio to develop a point of concentrate in the design. The circle will not only draw all of the attention, but will also develop a point from exactly where the paver will radiate out. If you want a chic touch, use various colors in the circle to add a little bit of blush towards the patio style.
• Border – Adding a border of straight cut bricks around the patio will give it an additional defined and framed appear. You may make the border having a differing material than utilized for remaining of the patio. Also you have the option of opting for the comparable or contrasting colour to make the patio look a lot more eye-catchy and appealing.
• Additional Structures – How about adding a gazebo or pergola to your patio. Gazebo can be placed at one of the patio corners and it will offer shade and will add an fascinating stroke towards the patio.
Patio is a place adjacent to your house. To make that place more attractive and suitable as your resting and entertainment space it is better to add more colours to it by adding patio cushions. It allows you to choose from different colours and styles. Instead of buying ornaments and putting waterfalls in your patio space, patio cushions will allow you to have such designs for your preferred theme.
Desings which makes a tremendous impact on our patio space are as follows: – waterfalls, fountains, nature, floral, and other ornaments. Do remember that designs, styles and colours should blend with the surrounding and patio furniture.
It is agreeable that to do maintain the quality of the patio is a herculean task given the fact that there are lot of factors which will wipe-out the quality. One can simply clean to get back the patio quality. One can make use of detergent solution and a water hose to clean and wash the patio cushion. Do remember that failure to maintain the quality of patio cushion will result in the replacement of the cushion which in turn will burn your pockets. There are lot of companies which offer cushion replacements, but it is advisable that maintains the quality of the cushion by simply adhering to the above process.