A patio can add value to your home and increase your overall enjoyment of it. Whether you are installing a patio for the first time or upgrading an existing patio, there are a lot of details to think about. Here are a few things to consider for a new patio:

1. Location

Your house, lot, local building regulations, and more will put some limitations on where your new patio can go, but you’ll still need to consider the location of your new patio. Patios attached to the home are the most popular, but there can be cases for other locations on your lot depending on your backyard and other structures you may have. Wherever it ends up, a new patio is one of the ways to improve your backyard.

2. Size

Another one of the major things to consider for a new patio is the size. You may have limitations on this based on the size of your yard and other features specific to your lot, but, provided you have the space, there is a lot of flexibility with the size and shape of your new patio. You could even go multi-level and include a step or two to an elevated area if you wanted to!

Adding a patio is one of the exterior home remodeling ideas that can increase your curb appeal and get you more functional space. You want to make sure it’s big enough to be comfortable for your needs, but not so big that it detracts from your home or takes over your yard.

3. Material

There are also a lot of materials to choose from when it comes to your patio. You can go with a simple concrete pad, something more elaborate with pavers, or get something even more unique with stamped concrete.

There are many ways to incorporate stamped concrete into your home and patios are one of them. You can use stamped concrete to mimic the look of a variety of materials, choose different colors, and include designs. Whether simple or detailed, stamped concrete can give you a durable, low-maintenance patio with the look you want.

Watch the time-lapse video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team replacing a concrete patio for this homeowner!

4. Open or Enclosed

Another thing to determine for a new patio is whether you want to have it open or turn it into a patio enclosure. There are many benefits of patio enclosures, including year-round or almost year-round use with weather protection. There are also many ways to enclose a deck or patio to create an addition to your home.

Depending on what you are looking for, you may prefer to have your new patio remain open. In this case, you will still want to consider weather protection through permanent or retractable patio covers or awnings. There are a variety of options that can give you some weather protection and shade when you want it while still giving you the open, airy atmosphere you want when the weather is nice.

Check out the video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team installing retractable awnings on this homeowner’s patio!

5. Other Upgrades and Features

There are several ways to upgrade a patio. How you decorate it when it’s done can make a big difference in your enjoyment of it and how it looks, but there are also things you can consider during the design and construction that also enhance your patio.

In addition to doing cool things with stamped concrete or the material you choose for your new patio and including some sort of cover, you can also consider vinyl railings if you’ll have stairs or a ramp, or if you need a structural barrier of any kind. If you don’t already have a door leading out to your new patio, you can install one for easy access to your new outdoor living space.

If you already have doors that will lead to this area, you can also replace and upgrade your patio doors. Whether you go with French doors, sliding glass, or other options, an upgraded look, increased energy efficiency, and more are all benefits of new patio doors that can help elevate your new patio and your home overall.

Take a look at the video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team replacing this homeowner’s patio doors!

Get a New Patio With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few things to consider for a new patio. Partnering with a reputable, experienced contractor goes a long way in making the process easier. If you’re interested in a patio, patio enclosure, or sunroom addition for your home, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate!

The video below shows the Zephyr Thomas team building a custom door & patio for this homeowner!