Patio Remodeling

One way to enhance your outdoor living experience is by patio remodeling. This can mean replacing the doors which lead to your patio. It could mean adding components for extra comfort - like umbrellas, hot tubs, or pools. Or you might just be enlarging your existing patio.

It could also involve partial or full enclosures, creating a lanai or sunroom. Or it could mean a cover of some sort - either solid (like a roof) or open (by adding a pergola or arbor). The latter would be a good provider of shade, but wouldn't protect the patio from rain.

The word "PATIO" has a Spanish origin. It meant courtyard or inner area open to the sky. It has evolved any outdoor hardscaped area, usually with furniture for lounging, dining, or entertaining. The design of your patio reflects the personality of the homeowner.

In selecting materials for your patio remodeling, look at the architectural style of your house and any other exterior materials used in the proximity of the patio. Your finished patio should blend with your home's surroundings.

Regarding furniture, your table and chairs should be proportioned to the size of your patio, and it should be comfortable and durable. Choose this first - it is the core of your overall furniture layout. Then you can add seating (or lounging) depending on the space you have left.

Your patio remodeling project can be done with a variety of materials. These include, but are not limited to: brick, bluestone, concrete, pavers, tile, interlocking decking, and loose materials such as gravel, crushed granite, or bark. Some of these can be paired so that the patio doesn't seem too monolithic.

If planned well, your patio remodeling project can increase the value of your house and make it a place where your friends will love to come and spend time. A flower bed, fountain or statue can serve as a visual focal point for your patio.

Lighting should be used to bring the patio to life after dark. Proper lighting will add beauty and make the area safe for walking.

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Doors

Your patio doors should be stylish and elegant. Your choices include: French doors, sliding doors, and folding doors. Double doors are preferred to single because they allow more light into the house, and make it easier to walk through while holding trays of food.

If you select sliding doors, make sure the overall opening is at least 6 feet wide. Doors that are 5 feet wide will not give you more than 28 inches to squeeze through. Hold a ruler up in front of you and you'll see what I mean.

I also recommend that you buy double-glazed doors. With such a large opening, you'll want the glass to be well insulated.

Do you like tropical images? Want to pretend you're in the Caribbean? A Tiki bar can transform your poolside patio or deck into a tropical paradise - without the airfare. Tiki bar designs vary, but the essential element is having carefree fun.

Since this is a long-term investment, use wood that stand up well to the weather. Teak is best; epi is very good (it's in the Brazilian mahogany family); cedar and redwood are both good, although they will require more future maintenance than teak or epi, but will be easier on your pocketbook.

A nice touch would be a thatched roof over your tiki bar. The shade will be welcomed by those sitting at the bar on those really hot days. Some bamboo trim would give it an authentic finishing touch.

Many designs can easily be found on the internet. However, they will fall into one of two categories: the smaller "portable" design, and the larger "tiki hut" design. The smaller version will work well where space is limited. If that's not the case, go with the larger, more comfortable option.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that most patio remodeling projects are designed by a builder or a homeowner. Some are designed by professional landscape designers.

In my opinion, you can REALLY tell the difference. Not that I'm trying to spend your money for you, but if you can afford it, I would go with a pro.

If you want more in-depth information about patio material, patio remodeling, and patio design, try Patio Designs.

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