11 best tips for planning patios, decks, outdoor kitchens and bars

The easiest patio to lay and maintain is one made with dry-laid bricks or pavers. Because these are laid in sand and are set without mortar, they go through freeze-and-thaw cycles without cracking. Flagstones laid directly into well-tamped soil or sand make an attractive, more natural-looking patio, as low-growing plants or moss eventually grow between the joints.

Experts recommend a minimum of 2.3 square metres of patio per person and a minimum length of 4.9 metres. You need at least a 1.8 square metre area out of any traffic path for a dining table and chairs. Next, ask yourself how you’ll be using the patio. Do you want space for a barbecue? Lounge chairs? Planters?

Find out more about taking the indoors outdoors.

Use a garden hose to plan a curve or an irregular shape. Lay the hose on the ground and adjust the shape.

Planning a deck is a lot like planning a patio. The first thing you want to do is scout out your property. Take a walk around to nail down the best location. Consider how much sun and shade you want to have on the deck and how private the spot will be. Wherever the location, it should be easy to access from the house, especially from the kitchen, if you plan to eat meals there.

We show you how to create the perfect deck. 

Your drawing need not be artistic, but it should include as many details as possible. Consider what special features, such as built-in seating, planters, or a barbecue, you would like to have. Note any problems to be dealt with, such as sloping terrain or a nearby tree.

Follow these tips for planning the perfect garden. 

Be sure they follow the zoning regulations in your community and are approved by the building department, which may require you to get a permit before you start building a deck.

Constructing an outdoor kitchen is a big project, but one most people find manageable. Expect a lot of heavy lifting and consider calling in a contractor to button up skilled tasks, like gas appliance hookups.

Check out this alfresco reno for inspiration. 

Proper orientation is a very important part of the planning of your project. It doesn’t matter if you live in the northeast or southwest, all houses absorb heat during the day and radiate it back in the late afternoon and early evening. When figuring out where to set up the kitchen, look to the south-facing wall, not the sunnier north or east. You want to place the seating so that guests are not blinded when the sun sets. If wind is a problem where you live, consider adding a windbreak or try adding trees.

Installing an outdoor kitchen requires many different elements, so be sure you factor in all the hidden costs. Remember, since you’ll want a sink, you’ll need a plumber to install a supply line from the house. GFCI outlets above the counter may require more electrical work, as will the fridge and an oven fired by natural gas.

See how to create a built-in BBQ bench. 

Adding a bar to your deck or patio is a fun way to increase your home’s value, plus it cuts down on traffic to and from the kitchen.

Think about the look and feel you want your bar to evoke. Do you want a tranquil or sophisticated space? Or does re-creating your favourite resort sound more exciting?