Upgrading your outdoor area will usually start with installing some sort of cover for your entertainment area. You can choose from patios and other forms of cover and you will usually have this paved underneath. This allows you to easily keep the area cleaning with sweeping, or with a pressure cleaner. It is also important to note that because an area is covered there may not be enough light to keep grass growing strongly.

While patios, pergolas and other outdoor covering are suited for paving do you need to extend this beyond your covered area? The answer will be quite personal and usually depend on the look, style and usage you get from your outdoor area. Some people simple love lawns and so the thought of paving over all of it is simply not possible.

Paving a Covered Area

Paving under a covered area such as a patio, pergola or awning will make for a more even surface which is ideal for entertaining. It is best to have your outdoor covering installed first so that you do not have your paving damaged during construction. This is particularly important if you plan to use better paving such as slate, which can be marked, or sandstone that can be broken more easily.

Paving an Uncovered Area

If you do want to do away with your lawn area or have old pavers it is a good idea to install some pavings outside, around or leading to you outdoor area. You do not have to pave the entire area as you can place paths through high traffic areas instead. This means you can have the best of both worlds and retain soft grass for the kids to play on.

Improving Your Outdoor Areas

Adding a covered area for entertainment (and for play if you have children) will not only instantly improve your outdoor area but should also increase the value of your home. Even if you are thinking of selling up it is an easy way to quickly and cheaply renovate. Covered areas under pergolas, patios or verandas are perfect for setting up the BBQ with some chairs and a table for entertaining friends and family.

Easy Maintenance Options

As mentioned, paving instead of grass areas can make it easier to maintain your backyard. While some may be proud of their lawn others will probably see mowing it as a chore. You can also take away unsightly ‘tracks’ through your lawn by creating paths with either pavers, concrete or pebbles. Taking care of your paved undercover area will usually involve a little sweeping but for best results you should use a surface cleaner and a pressure spray which uses much less water than a regular hose.

Paving beyond your under cover area is a highly personal choice and you need your entire yard to work together. Make sure you think about styles and colours (including that of your pergola or patio) so that your outdoor area ties together. Also be careful not to choose too dark a paver if it will be exposed to the sun as they will heat up and be hard to walk on barefoot. Good luck with your outdoor renovations!

Patios and pergolas are easy to mix up and the main difference between them is the materials used in their construction. While patios are solid structures with supports (like pergolas) they are constructed with steel which is more durable and lasts longer. Pergolas on the other hand, are made of treated timber and can require more regular maintenance because of exposure.

What is a Patio?

A patio is built with timber and is held up with at least four supports and can come with a variety of roofing. The timber can be stained or painted in different colours to match your house as well. Due to weathering, the timber construction does mean you will have to give it some TLC every now and again with a fresh coat of paint or sealing it with oil.

Patios work great if you ave some budget constraints that won’t allow you to buy a steel pergola. It can also suit some older style houses a little better because of its wood construction. If they are maintained properly they will last a very long time.

What is a Pergola ?

A pergola is essentially the same ‘design’ as a patio but is a much sturdier construction. This will mean next to no maintenance as well as a choice of colours. Like a patio, you can choose from a number of different roofing options (including an adjustable sunroof) depending on how much light you want to let in to your outdoor area.

What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the two is the materials it is constructed from and the cost. The materials (timber and wood) are both treated for outdoor conditions but due to exposure a patio may require a little more maintenance. Building anything with steel also provides a much stronger structure that will stand up to extreme weather conditions.

Which One is Right for You?

Before choosing between the two you really need to look at your budget and get a quote for both. Sometimes space is an issue as well and a small, wooden patio might be more suitable for your home. You will also have to look at what features you want with your outdoor area and if you are looking at adding a sunroof option you will have to go with a pergola.

Other Options

While patios and pergolas are the main options for an outdoor area there are some others you could utilise. Having an awning can be a cheap way of covering your outdoor area if you are not sure about getting a permanent structure. You could even consider these options as you save up to fully upgrade your outdoor area.

No matter which one you choose, you will be enjoying a better outdoor experience than you ever have before. You will no longer have to worry about your BBQs being washed out by a freak summer storm. It is also a good chance to use some more exotic indoor plants outside as the patio and pergola can act as a greenhouse substitute.

You might have a garden in the backyard as well as some indoor plants, but what about the space in between? If you have a veranda or a patio then you will want to introduce some greenery to add colour as well as life to your outdoor entertaining area. It also offers you the chance to use slightly different plants in an undercover area and even experiment with more exotic indoor plants.

What Type of Outdoor Area

If you don’t have patios or pergolas yet then this should be the first thing you need to consider. Not only does this provide for a great outdoor entertaining area, it can help you create your very own garden of Eden. Your outdoor area should flow on from your home and there are lots of colours and styles you can choose from.

If you want a variety of plants you might want to consider a ‘sunroof’ style extension. These allow you to adjust the amount of light and weather coming through the roof. These are great because if it’s sunny you can let some light in but if it rains and you are entertaining you can close it off. It is also great for the plants as you can open the roof when it rains to water them!

Choosing Plants for Your Outdoor Area

Do your research before purchasing plants for your outdoor areas as you will want them to survive according to the amount of light they will receive. Again, this will depend on the type of covered area you have as some have clearer roofs that let a lot of light in. Simple plants to use can include ferns as well as cordylines as they are both low maintenance once established and come in a huge variety.

Use cordylines to bring some extra colour to your outdoor area and use ferns to create a more tropical feel. This can also be done with varieties of palms that are also low maintenance. Your selection of plants should reflect your dedication to your garden. If you care for your garden well you might want to try some trickier, but more rewarding, varieties of plants.

Blending Your Outdoor and Indoor Areas

It is a great idea to have your plants and colour extend from inside to your outdoor area. Keep a general plant theme from your indoor plants as you exit. Having a good undercover area (depending on where you live) will usually mean you can use indoor plants to great effect in your outdoor area.

Keeping Your Plants Healthy

Keeping your plants healthy is not a difficult task as long as you are choosing low maintenance varieties. If you are not big on watering, consider setting up a small watering system which can be done cheaply with basic irrigation equipment from a hardware store and some thin black irrigation pipe. Water according to the amount of heat your plants are receiving as well as the varieties that you have in your outdoor area.

Complementing Your New Patio With Plants

Finding the right patios or other cover for your outdoor area is just the beginning of your landscaping journey. The best way to literally bring an outdoor area to life is to add some plants but how do you know which ones to use? The variety of plants is growing and the types on offer have been tested and bred for certain uses.

A few tips when looking for plants:

• Don’t just choose plants you have used before.
• Make sure you check the colours the plant produces.
• If you have allergies check to see if it produces flowers.
• Try to find examples in your neighbourhood of plants that are thriving.

These will at least get you started but if you are quite adventurous then you should try untested plants as well. The safe bet may be to use what everyone else is but then it wouldn’t be unique would it? Because you have gone to the expense of buying a beautiful new outdoor area then you should try adding some unique indoor plants to it.

Indoor Plants for Outdoors

Using indoor plant outdoors is possible if you have a good are built that is undercover or at least has some protection. This does depend on where you live but if you have a nice enclosed outdoor area then most indoor plants will be fine especially in warmer weather. Many indoor plants offer more colour and look better in pots than their outdoor counterparts.

Flowers

Using small pots or garden beds with flowers will bring out a lot of colour and life to pergolas. Using pots gives you the options of matching the colours with your building and outdoor furniture. Be prepared to water plants more frequently especially as they are being established.

While flowers are a great option to add colour there are some downsides:

• Flowers will only be around part of the year.
• Many flowers need to be replanted each year.
• Some flowers will be more susceptible to bugs and other problems.

Low Maintenance Planting

The alternative to flowers are low maintenance plants for your outdoor area and these have become increasingly popular. Asking your local nursery will give you some ideas as what may be low maintenance in one area may be a big hassle elsewhere. Many native Australian plants are best as they usually need only a small amount of water and are easy to maintain.

Gardening on a Budget

If you are trying to landscape your outdoor area but are on a budget there is no need to stress as you can still achieve what you want. The best way to save while buying the plants you want is to purchase less mature plants. Buying seedlings and other small plants will not look as good straight away but are fin after a few months and you would have saved a fortune!

Keep in mind that plants grow and just because a fully grown plant looks good it will grow the same from a smaller cheaper plant. Also keep in mind how big a plant will get as it will become a problem if you plant something that will get out of control. Try to keep your outdoor area a balance between beauty and low maintenance.

The patio is such a charming addition to a home. When you think of sitting out on the patio, you think of cool drinks, summer breezes, good friends and fun times. Good things happen on patios . They cultivate an idea of family togetherness, entertaining, old-world fun. It is for this reason that more and more Australians are choosing to take things into their own hands and build themselves that little ‘slice of nice’ in their own backyards. Here, we’ve put together a basic guide on how to go about creating one, so pay attention…and then get going!

Design

In terms of the way your patio is going to look, it’s important to take into consideration the design elements of your home. The patio will be an extension of this, and a good patio draws people outside, blending perfectly with its surroundings and enhancing the existing aesthetics of your house. We recommend consulting a design company who can advise you on structure, materials and the overall style, so that you can be sure that you ge the utmost quality from your new addition.

Materials

Likewise, materials need to be accordant with the existing style and materials of your home, as well as sturdy and long-lasting enough to withstand weather, protect while you entertain and provide an enjoyable space for the whole family. For a traditional style patio, we recommend wrought iron and wood, while a more contemporary style might incorporate stained wood and stainless steel.

Consider the Elements

The weather where you live is another thing to take into consideration when building a patio, as it is important to choose both materials and a structure that are suited to withstanding conditions. Make sure you don’t compromise quality for cost, because an investment in sturdy and reliable materials will save you a lot down the line.

The Building Process

As with most things in life, it is essential to lay solid foundations before you do anything else. Depending n the structure you’ve decided on, you may have a concrete base or a wood decking (note that many wooden decks also incorporate a concrete base) or perhaps you will be using stone or pavers. Once you have your foundations in place you can erect the structure itself, ensuring you adhere to safety and building codes. It’s advisable to have your structure checked by the local council to ensure it meets requirements, both for your safety and for the value of your home.

Not only will building a patio be a rewarding exercise in DIY expertise, but it will add value and enjoyment to your home for years to come.

There are many ways to get around the tricky situation of a tight budget. Everywhere you look there are magazines and websites telling you how you can decorate for less or do it yourself on a budget. It’s no different when it comes to decorating and fitting out your patio. In fact, it can be even easier to decorate and furnish an outdoor space than any other area of your home.

Try these five fun tips to getting patio accessories without breaking the bank:

1) Second hand
Patio accessories don’t always have to be new to look great. Sometimes you find the most interesting and character-filled pieces in second hand, antique or junk shops. They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, so why not take some time out on a Sunday and trawl the local second hand shops for your treasure.

2) Repair and repaint
If you can’t afford to buy your patio accessories, then perhaps you can afford to refresh your existing ones. Time is usually the only thing you really need to breath new life into your outdoor accessories. Get out a bucket of water and a scrubbing brush to wash down and strip off all the dirt, cobwebs and grease from your furniture, pots and awnings. A good wash will work wonders and all it costs is your time. If you have wooden furniture or a pergola then a small investment in a pot of paint or lacquer is all that you’ll need to restore your timber back to its former glory.

3) End of Line
Many outdoor furniture and department stores have sales throughout the year. This is to get rid of older lines and make way for the new designs and models. Take advantage of end of line discounts and pick yourself up some planter boxes, pots for planting, chairs and tables, awnings and even lighting.

4) Damaged or incomplete
Some businesses have a special section in the store where you can pick up some drastically reduced items. The reason they are so heavily discounted is because they have been damaged, displayed or are incomplete. Outdoor accessories and furniture is going to get worn and damaged anyway, just from being outside, so a few scuff marks or divots won’t be noticeable in an outdoor setting.

Mismatched or eclectic furniture and accessories seem to look great on a patio. The diversity in styles can add character and make your outdoor area feel more casual and cosy.

5) Garage Sales
Garage sales are an excellent way to stock up on patio accessories with out breaking your budget. Look out for moving house signs, where people are getting rid of good quality items rather than simply getting rid of their junk. You can negotiate a great deal and in most cases, the owner just wants to see their belongings going to someone who can enjoy and look after them. At garage sales you can pick up chairs, tables, pots and sometimes plants, shelves, candles and mats. Any or all of these accessories will help to make any outdoor patio look great on a very small budget.

“Buy or Build” is a real issue with patios, because there are real practical situations to deal with. The homeowner’s budget is one of them, and design issues are another. This is a situation that needs very close attention, because the costing, planning and construction issues can be far from simple. What you want from your own home patio is the real issue.

Build- Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Building allows designs to be created specifically for the home environment.
• Building may include custom design features.
• Building may dovetail with other renovation projects around the home as part of a wider plan.

Cons:

• Building is a potentially major commitment of time and money, which can get complex if you’re also doing other renovations.
• Building is usually done through third parties, like architects, builders and contractors.
• Building usually requires building approvals, and may get held up in process.

Buy- Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Buying a patio provides a built-service of all the construction processes, including council approvals
• Top providers also handle plans and approvals
• The project costs are all factored in upfront
• There’s a very large range of patio types available

Cons:

• Buying means not doing a custom design or using custom materials
• Buying a patio means a separate process from the other renovation work
• Buying will involve departing from a designer house motif

The rule of thumb for building a patio is really cost effectiveness and efficiency. These factors impact in different ways, depending on the cost, size and complexity of the work.

The time and money factors

The net time and cost comparison is that buying a patio is cheaper and quicker than building. This is largely because buying is basically an installation of an existing design, whereas building may mean a full design process starting from scratch. That’s actually a big difference, because the design process adds a dimension to both cost and time.

Working with third parties is also an acquired taste in any form of building. In the case of building the design and building processes are often separate entities. When buying you’re only dealing with one entity as a supplier of all functions.

Making a decision

The decision making process can be difficult. After all, this is your home, and you want the best. The most thorough approach is to compare designs for building and buying. What you get for what you pay is the obvious, and safest, measure of value.

You’ll find the comparison between building and buying obvious, because the design market is naturally more costly. The commercial patio designs on the market are actually pretty similar in content to designer patios. They’re cheaper because they’re backed up by manufacturers supplying materials and standardized installation methods which reduce costs.

Build or buy is your choice, but remember you’ve got plenty of choices. Compare quality, and you’ll find cost and efficiency make a big difference.

Building a patio is a very reliable each way bet for home owners, particularly over time. It naturally increases the resell value, but it also adds amenities, and it’s often a very good design option, creating space, and dealing with that “unfinished” look many homes often have. A modern home patio can be an absolute joy, and it can do great things for a house you wouldn’t believe.

A new patio can add a lot to your house

Patios are true design assets. The patio can achieve enormous improvements in any house, including:

• Extra living space
• A personal space for homeowners
• An entertainment area
• A safe play area
• Lighting and insulation effects
• An indoor/outdoor area for gardeners
• Space management for the outside zones

The patio is in effect an extension of the house. It acts as a real property asset, providing living space at a fraction of the cost of a full extension. Patios are also very durable things, and they’re extremely low maintenance building options in terms of cost.

Design options and values

Patios provide a lot of valuable, as well as useful, design options. That’s another area of flexibility conventional home renovations don’t have, particularly relative to cost. Patio designs can be tailored and built or bought “off the shelf”, but they provide an invaluable exterior design value to houses which is both cost effective and practical.

To install or build a simple covered patio does as much as a new room in terms of adding functional space to a house. Many people eventually enclose their patios because they’ve literally become part of the house. This dual function design effect is one of the major values in patios, both in terms of cost and property upgrading.

Patios have a lot of design capabilities, too. The many off the shelf designs, and they’re a good indicator of what patios can do in terms of making a house look great at low cost. Any basic house design can be turned into a real work of art with a good structural patio design. This removes the “basic box effect” in new houses in particular, where the new house obviously needs something, but is looking a bit bare or underdone on its own.

Hard cash values- a patio can be a house and a half

The design issues directly affect the value of a house. A house with a big modern patio will outshine an identical house without it. The perceived value of the house with the patio is much higher. The appeal of the patio is loud and clear to buyers, who see added obvious value in the patio.

In hard cash terms, the difference is between a house and a house with much more substance in terms of both appearance and functional space. In Australia in particular, the patio is a natural addition to a good house, and a definite cultural preference for home buyers.

There’s something about the rustic look that makes an area not only look but feel warm and inviting. Turn your outdoor patio or entertaining area into a treasure trove of yesteryear with some simple solutions to brighten up the dullest space by using some of these ideas.

1. Rustic outdoor furniture

Transform the area instantly with the use of wood or wrought iron furniture. Old and worn out timber pieces can be neatened up with a light sanding, followed by a rich stain and a coat of varnish.

Wrought iron benches, love seats and tables scattered around the patio provide additional seating for informal gatherings. Create your own rustic furniture with logs and leather.

2. Ornaments or plaques

Liven up the walls with some relics from the past. Wire candle holders will also add to the atmosphere for night time entertaining.

Get creative with those bits and pieces you were going to throw away. Take an old clock and put a timber or cane frame around it. Hang a weathervane or bird feeder from the rafters of the veranda.

3. Heritage colours

It is no accident that heritage buildings give a sense of stepping back in time. Using the accepted heritage colours on painted surfaces gives a genuine feeling of the past. Use colours such as clotted cream, mission brown or rivergum green to brighten up an old dresser.

4. Wind chimes

Wind chimes not only look appealing they have the added benefit of filling the outdoor patio area with sound.

Make your own with heavy pipes and wooden chucks or hefty hollowed out bamboo poles.

5. Straw and bamboo furnishings

Floor mats or blinds made from straw and bamboo are pleasing to the eye and have practical uses as well. Position a blind to protect from the afternoon sun. Use straw or cane matting as placemats or drink coasters on the table.

Fill some cane baskets with pine cones, pot pouri or other seed pods.

6. Plants

Plants in clay or terracotta pots or hanging baskets will remind you of your childhood holidays spent with grandparents or weekends in the country.

Train vines and creepers along a wrought iron trellis or arches. or hanging baskets will remind you of your childhood holidays spent with grandparents or weekends in the country.

7. Lighting fixtures

Keep it old with wrought iron frames that use iron cups for encasing the light fixtures or use candles in wire holders hung along the edges of the veranda. Scour the second had shops for others cast offs. You’ll be surprised what a quick clean and fresh coat of paint can achieve. Add a new shade in nostalgic fabric and tassels.

8. Garden Bridge

Wooden bridges over fish ponds can give any yard an instant rustic feel. Use recyled hardwood timbers for the hand rails and railway sleepers for the floor. Bridge kits can be bought on line if you want to build your own. Not only do bridges provide a walkway from one side of the pond to the other but they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and create a focal point while looking out from your patio.

9. Handcrafted items

Nothing says rustic as well as handcrafted items. Use left over scraps of fabric or timber to create wall plaques and table ornaments. Line an old cane basket with a hand sewn placemat as a bread warmer or hand the drinks around on a tray made out of wooden triangular off cuts. The internet is a great source for ideas on hand made goods or head down to any charity fete if you’re not so handy yourself.

What about a timber or wrought iron wine rack hanging on the wall or ceramic statues on timber shelving? Don’t stop with these nine ideas to create a rustic look for your outdoor patio. The only limits are your imagination.

The pergola’s been built, but how can you make it look more inviting? Careful planning and design using the right furniture suited to outdoor living can perk up your pergola and turn into it a favourite retreat for all the family.

There was a time when choices were limited to the park bench style seating or plastic tables and chairs. These days the selection of patio furniture available is as varied as the styles of pergolas themselves.

The Dining Setting

No pergola, veranda or outdoor living area would be complete without table and chairs. Somewhere to entertain guests, serve a meal or simply enjoy a coffee and a magazine is imperative. If you have a large area and the budget allows, why not look at the informal dining suites designed specifically for the outdoors? Choose from coloured steel frames, glass table tops and chairs topped with comfy padded cushions.

If your pergola is predominantly timber you may want to continue that theme with your furnishings. Sturdy Jarrah tables and chairs come in a range of sizes and shapes from the basic square look four seater to massive ten place seatings or octagonal if your space allows. Mix and match the cushions with some slip covers in plains, stripes or patterned fabric.

The down side of timber is the maintenance to keep it looking pristine. A seasonal light sanding and a generous coat of furniture oil will protect your furniture from the elements.

The Outdoor Café Look

Perhaps you want to retain a cosy, intimate atmosphere. There are some lovely small round tables with iron frames and mosaic tops available, from striking black and white to a variety of terracotta shades.

There’s nothing wrong with an upturned barrel and a colourful tablecloth on top either though. Cut a hole in the centre and add an umbrella if your pergola is open roofed.

Tropical Island Feel

Cane furniture either in the natural earthy looks or painted in a variety of different shades and colours create a sense of the tropics and exotic island living. Choose from the tub style, chairs with curved backs or the grander high backed look of India. Add some plump cushions with slip over covers for easy cleaning.

Furniture on a budget

Quality furniture can be sourced from second hand stores and flea markets. Give the item a coat of paint designed for outdoors for a fresh and colourful look.

Pieces of timber or specially cut glass sitting on top of cut of logs can make great side tables or logs on their own can provide extra seating around the edge of the patio or along the path.

Before you throw out that old sofa think about how it might look on the veranda with a cheap throw rug over it.

Verandas and patios are a place to retreat at the end of a long day or relax and entertain friends and family on weekends. The more comfort you bring in to the area the more time you and your guests are going to want to spend there.