Patio Ideas to Make More of Your Garden
M&C ADVICE & INSPIRATION
Patio Ideas to Make More of Your Garden
Plan your outdoor space
with a clearer picture.
A new patio can give your garden a fresh purpose, from a place to eat outdoors to a quiet corner for relaxing. Plan the work around your garden, your contractor’s availability and suitable weather, rather than assuming one season is always best.
Start with how you want to use the space. Our patio installation service can help you discuss the layout, surface and preparation before choosing furniture or accessories.
A well-planned patio can also bring the garden’s overall appearance together. Here are some ideas for making the space useful as well as attractive.
Outdoor Kitchens
Dining al fresco is always a lot of fun during the summer, so why not go the whole nine yards and cook outside, too?
Whilst the UK may not be dry or warm enough to justify an all-inclusive outdoor kitchen, building a kitchen area complete with pizza oven, barbecue and grill will allow you to make the most of the al fresco experience, cooking and dining with friends from your patio!
There are plenty of different styles to go with when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen, but a more rustic, traditional look remains the most popular. However, there’s plenty of room to shop around and see what you like.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
Get the most out of your new patio furniture by taking the multi-purpose route.
These days, plenty of high-end garden furniture is designed to fulfil a range of different purposes, making it fantastically versatile and making for better storage and range of use. These pieces may be a bigger investment, but they’re certainly worth the money in the long run.
Examples of multi-purpose furniture include extendable dining tables, convertible 2-in-1 benches and tables, stackable sun loungers and bottle coolers that double as speakers and lamps.
Outdoor Technology
Outdoor technology can make the space more useful, provided equipment is suitable for its location and installed correctly.
Outdoor workspaces (for those working from home) are on the rise. Adding music and TVs to your outdoor space is still at the top of the wishlist for many homeowners, too. There are also aesthetic upgrades – LED color-changing technology can be a fun way of changing the atmosphere in a space, as accompanying apps allow you to change the color of the lights to any color, including green and red for Christmas or orange for Halloween.
All-Weather Furniture
Weather-resistant seating, suitable covers and blankets can help you use the patio beyond the warmest days. If you add a heater or fire pit, follow its instructions and check clearance from furniture, planting and structures. Protect the paving as the manufacturer recommends; heat can damage some surfaces.
Is there anything better than spending a winter evening surrounding a warm fire pit and toasting marshmallows with friends?
Get Your Garden Makeover Started
M&C Paving Northeast is a professional landscaping business which is located in Blyth.
Our staff are highly trained in all aspects of landscaping, taking great pride in their work. We have the resources, skills, and experience to deal with all of your needs and requirements.
All the work carried out by M&C Paving Northeast is of the highest standard and we have been successfully completing work for satisfied clients in Blyth and the surrounding areas for many years.
With M&C Paving Northeast you are in the safe hands of a reliable and trustworthy company that can meet all your individual needs and demands.
No job too big, no job too small, just give us a call. Contact us today!
Ready to discuss your own project? Contact M&C Paving Northeast to arrange a free site visit and quote.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a patio around the way my family uses the garden?
Start with the activities the patio needs to accommodate, then measure the furniture and circulation space those activities require. A dining table needs room for chairs to be pulled out without blocking the route to the house.
A cooking area needs a suitable location and the clearances specified for the appliance. Mark the proposed layout on the ground before choosing paving, and check doors, steps, shade and access to the rest of the garden.
What makes a small patio feel more spacious?
A simple layout, proportionate furniture and a clear route through the space usually make a small patio easier to use. Too many changes of material or separate seating zones can make the area feel crowded.
Consider where folding furniture or built-in storage would help, while keeping inspection covers and drainage accessible. Take paving samples outside and assess them beside the house rather than choosing a finish from an indoor photograph alone.
Should a patio be level with the house or lower down the garden?
The best patio position depends on access, existing levels, sunlight and how water will be managed. A terrace close to the house can be convenient for meals, while a separate seating area may make better use of evening sun.
Neither position removes the need to assess thresholds, damp-proof courses, steps and drainage. Ask the installer to explain the proposed levels and water route before agreeing the layout, especially where the garden slopes towards the property.
Can lighting and planting be added after a patio is installed?
They can often be added later, but planning them before installation can avoid disturbing finished paving. Discuss cable routes, suitable outdoor electrical work, planting pockets and any watering provision while the ground is accessible.
Keep planting choices proportionate to the space and allow for mature growth beside paths and seating. Ask an appropriately qualified electrician about electrical installations, and make sure future maintenance will not require lifting large sections of the patio.
What information should I prepare before asking for a patio quotation?
Prepare approximate dimensions, photographs, access details and a short explanation of how you want to use the patio. Include any known drainage problems, awkward steps, restricted side access or areas where water gathers.
A list of preferred materials is helpful, but keep room for alternatives after a site assessment. Request a written scope covering excavation, waste removal, supporting construction, drainage and finishing, so you can compare the complete proposed installation rather than only the paving price.
FROM IDEAS TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
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