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PREMIER CONSTRUCTION OF DES MOINES

Things to Consider When Designing a Backyard Patio

As the weather gets warmer, people are looking for more and more excuses to spend time outdoors. For many homeowners, the backyard can be a great place to entertain friends and family, enjoy games and recreational activities, and create an outdoor dining center. If you’re thinking about adding a patio space to your yard this summer, it’s important to make sure you’ve thought through all the possibilities before getting to work. Your budget, any additional features you want to add, and the materials you choose will all impact how your patio is designed and built. As you begin to create a plan for your dream backyard patio area, keep these tips in mind: 

The Patio Planning Process

1. Start by setting a budget

Backyard patios can be as simple or as complex as you like, from a basic dining space just big enough for a table and chairs to a large entertaining area with a fire pit. Before you get started planning out your patio, consider how much money you’re willing to spend and what features are most important to you. This will help guide the rest of your decisions and keep you from investing in things you don’t actually need. 

2. Think about your patio’s location

In your backyard transformation plans, consider the most logical and safe place for your patio. Most homeowners choose to build a patio directly behind their home, but some prefer to build in the middle or towards the back of their yard. If you intend to use outdoor dining or lounge furniture on your patio, consider where you plan to store these items during the colder months as you plan your patio’s location. You likely don’t want to drag a bulky couch all the way across your yard at the end of the season, so building within a reasonable distance of your storage unit or garage will minimize this hassle. 

3. Figure out how much space you’ll need

It’s also important to think about how big your patio should be. If outdoor entertaining is the main activity you’d like to use your patio for, figure out how much space you’ll want for furniture, fire pits, grills, or water features. If you’d like a smaller deck that still leaves room for pets or kids to play in the grass, consider how much yard space you’re willing to sacrifice for your patio area. 

4. Decide on materials

Your new patio can be made from a variety of materials, from pressure-treated wood to composites, stone, or aluminum. Depending on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and how much work you want to put into maintaining your patio, different materials might make more sense than others. Our design team at Premier can work with you to determine which materials will work best to complete your patio. 

5. Call your Des Moines general contractor

Once you’ve put in the time and forethought regarding your wishes and vision for your space, contact a home contractor like Premier Construction to start talking logistics and specifics.

Additional Features for Your Outdoor Patio 

Fire Pits

A fire pit makes the perfect addition to your backyard patio, creating a welcoming space for entertaining guests and enjoying the outdoors. If you’re considering adding a fire pit to your yard, first double check your local codes and ordinances to find out if fire pits are legal in your area. If they are, it’s time to start thinking about what size, fuel type, and materials you’d like your fire pit to be made out of. The experts at Premier can help you determine which fire pit options are best for your specific project. 

Materials for your fire pit 

Fire pits can be constructed out of a variety of materials, from stone and marble to stainless steel, concrete, or cinder block. At Premier, we design fire pits using stone materials from Centurion Stone, which create timeless, high-quality products that will elevate your backyard design. 

Fuel Types

You’ll also want to think about the type of fuel your fire pit will have. Gas and wood are the two most popular fuel types for fire pits. While there are many factors that may go into this decision, there are a few quick things to keep in mind: wood-burning fire pits are typically less expensive and can be installed faster; gas fire pits are easier to keep lit and more environmentally friendly. Our team can also help you determine which type of fire pit makes the most sense for your project if you’re unsure.  

Work with an experienced Design and Construction Team to Complete Your New Backyard Patio 

A well-maintained outdoor patio adds value to your home and provides the perfect place to enjoy your yard with your family and friends. Work with a construction team who has the experience and quality materials to complete your project and exceed your expectations. We’ll work with you to determine your goals for your patio, select materials, and decide on additional features to create the backyard space you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to get a quote!