Patio ideas sure to fit your customer’s preference

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Updated Dec 13, 2022

Outdoor PatioFor customers ready to start spending more time outside, a patio is an excellent addition to their yard.

Depending on your customer’s location, budget and plans, the possibilities are numerous when it comes to creating the perfect patio, but it’s very important to know exactly what size patio your customer needs before getting started.

If your customers don’t plan on hosting many parties or being the center of the social scene, they might not need a large patio. So, take a look at a few suggestions on fitting your customer with the correct patio size.

Why does patio size matter? 

Getting the right size patio for your customer’s lifestyle takes a little bit more research than one would initially think. If it turns out to be too small, your customers won’t be able to use it in the ways they had planned, and if it’s too large then it could end up costing them more than they originally planned to pay.

A few key factors to keep in mind when planning for a patio are scale, location, patio covers, and permeability.

Be sure that the patio size will fit the scale of the home and surrounding landscape. For those with a small-to-medium-size lot, consider creating a smaller patio that still suits their needs but leaves room around it for planting or shading.

Larger lots give more flexibility, but it’s still best to not go overboard with sizing. Keep in mind that the patio still has to visually fit with the other elements in the yard, and less can sometimes be more.

As in the real estate business, location is key. Patios just off the house tend to be larger than those set back in the garden area. Garden patio size can also be determined based on the number of structures, foliage, walls, and more that surround them.

Adding a shade or cover over the patio is typically high on the priority list when discussing patios, and the type of cover your customer wants can determine the overall size of the patio.

Natural tree shade canopies or movable umbrellas won’t take up much floor room on a patio, whereas a wooden pergola or shade sail mounts would take up more room.

Some regions regulate the amount of permeable versus impermeable surfaces allowed in residential yards, so be sure to check with your local building department beforehand.

Small patios

The goal of small patios is to host up to three people comfortably, and the approximate size should be 6-10 feet by 8-12 feet.

These patios don’t require much space to support a small table and chairs. Generally allow at least 2 ½ feet from the edge of the table to the end of the patio to allow space for a chair and walking room.

Medium patios for outdoor dining

Customers who plan on entertaining a bit more may want to try for a medium-sized patio that allows them the option of adding in a dining table and chairs.

This space should be able to fit four to six people comfortably, and the approximate size should be 10 to 16 feet long and wide.

Generally speaking, round or square tables can fit well on this patio type as long as it’s at least 10 by 10 feet. Round tables that sit six typically require at least 10 ½ by 10 ½ feet and 12 by 12 feet or larger. Rectangular tables that can sit six usually need to be 10 by 12 ½ feet.

Larger multipurpose patios

For customers who just want to use their patios for events and relaxing hangouts for guests, an approximate size of 16 by 16 feet should work well.

Using movable chairs and other furniture instead of built-in furniture will allow ease when arranging and re-arranging for seating.

For customers who want to use their outdoor patio space for anything and everything, it’s recommended that the size be approximately 25-30 feet or larger.

This allows customers the option of adding in furniture, grills, fire pits, hot tubs, and more while not looking crowded and still having walking room.

Even with the excess room, it’s recommended that when adding in tables and chairs that at least 3 by 3 feet be left for each chair placed around the table.

Secluded side yard patios   

For customers who want to make something nice out of an abandoned, secluded area on their property, consider creating an isolated resting patio space.

This area can be around 10 by 12 feet and can consist of mixed paving materials to add a more unique look. These little spaces are cozy and intimate, and they easily allow customers to add tables and chairs or even benches.

Fire pit patios

For customers who already have a fire pit in their backyard, talk to them about adding in a patio lounge around their existing pit.

These can be about 15-20 feet long and wide or larger, depending on how much walking/sitting space your customers require.

No matter what kind of furniture or built-in seating options your customers want around their fire pit, always keep 2 to 2 ½ feet distance between the seats and the edge of the fire pit.

If your customers want room for chairs and walk room behind them, the patio will need to be at least 15 by 15 feet to accommodate the fire pit, chairs, and extra room. The larger the fire pit, the more patio space it will require.

Patios for outdoor kitchens, grilling

Patios that harbor outdoor grills and cooking spaces can range in size from 8 to 10 long and wide to 14 by 20 feet depending on how often it will be used and how many guests will frequent it.

When planning out a patio of this type, take into consideration that there will need to be a space for cooking, serving, dining, and sitting. Look at the size of the grill or outdoor kitchen for starters, and allow at least 3 ½ feet around the grill for circulation.

Grills should be positioned at least 4 feet away from buildings, and consider adding in about 1 ½ to 2 feet of space on each side of the grill for cooking utensils and for resting pans.

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