Landscape Design: The Patio

Landscape Design: Garden Patio—Requirements and Minimum Dimensions

A patio may not be the most exciting feature of a garden, but it is the most important one. If you don’t have a place where you can sit, eat, or drink comfortably, you can’t really enjoy your garden. Nor is the garden particularly functional in that case…

What should you keep in mind when designing a patio?

Where is the best place for a patio?

The best spot for your patio is close to the house. That way, you can easily pop back inside if you need something. The walls of the house provide shelter, and you usually have the most privacy when you’re close to the house.

In a larger garden, you might consider creating multiple patios. For example, a larger patio near the house and a second patio further back in the garden. This second patio can then be in the shade or in the sun (opposite the main patio).

What requirements must a patio meet?

A good patio does have to meet certain requirements. Of course, it has to be attractive, but there are also more practical considerations to keep in mind:

Of course, the patio needs to be easily accessible.

A level surface prevents garden chairs from not fitting properly or tripping over uneven ground. If you still want to use a semi-paved surface, such as gravel, choose fine gravel and make sure the ground underneath is solid.

The patio does need to slope slightly so that rainwater can drain away from the house. Ideally, you should have the patio slope toward a flower bed.

The patio should not become too slippery (e.g., due to algae and moss growth). A patio in the shade is more prone to this problem. In that case, it is best to avoid using porous materials.

Sharp edges on or around the patio can be very dangerous, especially for small children. It’s also best not to place plants with sharp points or cuttings around the patio.

Very light-colored (white or yellow) tiles reflect a lot of sunlight, so you'll quickly find yourself needing sunglasses to sit on your patio.

A patio should be easy to protect from too much sun (for example, by leaving enough space for a good umbrella).

Smaller tiles, clinker bricks, or (concrete) pavers can create a nice look, but the many joints quickly lead to more maintenance.

Minimum size of a patio in a garden

What is the minimum size for a patio?

There isn't really a standard size for a patio. This is because it depends heavily on how you use the patio and how many people are using it.

However, you could assume that there is enough space for all the residents of the house and two guests.

One guideline that is used is 2 square meters per person.

In addition to a table and chairs, would you also like to have lots of planters or lounge chairs on your patio? If so, you’ll quickly need 3–4 m² per person. Also, make sure to allow for enough clear space to walk through if your patio is part of a walkway.