When a simple deck or porch isn’t enough, more and more homeowners are expanding their outdoor living spaces with interconnected patios. These spaces can also include fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and even pool and spas.

Connecting existing decks, porches, entrances or outbuildings with patios creates the opportunity to have one cohesive, connected space allowing better flow throughout the property. These spaces become focal points when entertaining, as they allow guests to choose rooms or features to visit while socializing. Some designs allow guests to enter the space directly from the driveway, with access to the house via the patio.

Drainage of patio areas away from buildings is an important consideration, one that becomes more challenging when areas are at different elevations. Decorative drains can alleviate water issues and creative grading also provides architectural interest.

When making choices for materials, natural stone is still the most popular option; granite and bluestone are used the most.

Other important design considerations are: determining the size of the patio and outdoor rooms so that there is enough room for furniture and for people to move around; providing landscape lighting for safety and to highlight features; and including plantings, when possible, to soften the scale of a large space.

Having an interconnected patio is a great way to increase the size of your outdoor living area, providing ample room for fun and entertaining.

 

Source: Landshapes, 88 Rogers Lane, Richmond, VT