Planning is the most important aspect to consider when designing your patio. Give yourself plenty of time as the task can be difficult, but the end result is intensely satisfying. Take time to research, look at websites, read magazines and go and see example patios. All this will give you ideas and ultimately a patio should reflect your own ideas, your own character and your own tastes. You need to feel comfortable and at home with your design.

Carefully work out your budget and adhere to it. Work out whether you intend to use the patio all year or whether it is mainly for the summer. Will you use it for morning coffee, a relaxing afternoon on your own or will you be entertaining your family and friends a lot. If you intend to use it mainly in the evening your design will need to be different so think about how it will be used and when.

Consideration should be given to ways of protecting your furniture when not in use. Always ensure you include good quality patio covers in your budget.

Now choose a theme for your patio. Perhaps you want it to remind you of a special vacation you have had. Go for a Mexican or Spanish theme if you want to reproduce the feeling of hot sultry nights. Maybe you prefer something reminiscent of the Big Easy with laid-back French style or something ultra modern, slick and minimalist which would not seem out of place on a New York penthouse layout.

Whatever theme you choose add plenty of plants as a couple of large tall plants enhance a patio. Hanging baskets with vibrant summer colors are also great. Always include a water feature. A bubbling fountain or water tricking over stones gives such an effect. It looks good gives a relaxing feel.

If you intend to entertain in the evenings consider ways to heat it and purchase lighting that reflects the mood you want to create.

Your furniture must follow your general theme and the patio should look attractive but comfortable. Make sure you use materials that adhere to the overall design. Get comfy bright cushions. A low coffee table and some incidental furniture will enhance the overall ambience. Don’t over furnish as too much furniture is worse than too little. Make sure there is room for a dining area. Your furniture should be able to stand variations in temperature and weather, but remember, you will need to protect your investment with patio covers.

The way you intend to use your patio affects the type of covers you need to choose. If the patio is totally outside, then waterproof heavy duty patio covers are needed. They should completely cover the furniture ensuring that no moisture gets in but air can circulate. Always remove your cushions when not in use. Bad weather on unprotected furniture will cause damage that cannot be repaired.

If your patio is covered then you can lighter style patio covers. These will protect your furniture from dust and will stop fading as sunlight can cause a lot of damage.

Patio covers are available in many styles and colors. Try to get ones that match your theme. This ensures that even when not in use the patio area remains attractive to everyone.

Now your patio is complete invite your friends and family over to enjoy your achievement.

Author Bio: Jack Labens works for Empire Patio Covers, a leading provider of patio furniture covers such as patio sofa covers and square patio table covers. Empire Patio Covers can be found online at: EmpirePatioCovers.com or at their blog EmpirePatioCovers-Blog.com .

Category: Home Management
Keywords: patio covers, patio, outdoor living room, chair covers, patio table covers