I added another pic from above to give better scale (sorry it's not so easy to see through screen). Also the patio will continue all the way to the fence (past rear entrance). If love to hear ideas and thoughts about out plans.

Hi all - does anyone have any thoughts on my new patio/landscape design? We decided to go with Cambridge Renaissance Pavers in Toffee/Onyx. Also, we have about 620 sq ft of patio to install - does ~ $9K seem like a reasonable price for materials and labor to install (i'm in NJ)?

Also, does anyone have any ideas about furniture placement in a rounded design like ours?
any thoughts/suggestions will be greatly appreciated (i know the pics are kind of hard to tell). i should have better ones in the next day or 2.

Pavers and colors are so subjective it's hard to really say. Cambridge is a decent brand, so I wouldn't be worried from a quality standpoint. As far as the other questions, I'm a little confused. Has your designer not worked these out with you? Is there a reason you're not comfortable with what's proposed?

thank you for your thoughts. I am comfortable with what is proposed by my landscape designer, but wanted to get other thoughts/opinions before we commit 100% and start work. We are finalizing the plan in the next day or 2 and i have had good success with obtaining advice on HOUZZ in the past so i thought i would try again. Of course when going into such a large and expensive project as this i am a little aprehensive and wanted to cover all bases. Now is the time to ask - before we've made the final decisions.

however, my questions about the type of furniture and placement is one i do have for the group. i don't have any existing furniture to work around so it really is a blank slate - and honestly i'm not sure how i want to lay out. maybe it will be more clear once everything is done. but in the meantime i am hoping others might have some ideas/best practices.

Add an ethanol fireplace to your furniture design to warm you up on those chilly nights. They require no gas line or electricity so you can install one anywhere. Here are some pics for inspiration. See more http://www.ethanolfireplacepros.com/freestanding.html

Hi cmcole!

You might want to consider teak for your outdoor furniture, it's a bit of an investment, but with just a soapy water scrub every Spring, it will weather to a beautiful silvery grey, be heavy enough to stay put during storms and last and last. There's no need to put them away for the winter, or really even cover them. They make tables that expand to accommodate a larger group when needed. I have a seating area with chairs and side tables and a coffee table and bench, and a dining table and chairs.

I bought my teak furniture from Macy's on sale a couple of years ago and it's on sale now. I have a smaller square table, but the same chairs. The link is below. I filled in smaller tables when I could find a great deal elsewhere. Just something to consider.


http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/bristol-outdoor-dining-sets-pieces?ID=537355&CategoryID=29391&zone=PDP_ZONE_A&choiceId=cidAT0011-5717fc0c-a761-46f5-aebc-3bd17b206143@H7@Customers%20Also%20Shopped$29391$537355&LinkType=PDPZ1_Pos1

Thanks bluenan. I like that a lot! Do you live in an area where you get a lot of snow & rain? If so, the furniture can be kept out in that? Also are the chairs comfortable? We are definitely going to check out the set at macys.

HI -- I like all the furniture ideas but I think the space that you have mapped out is to confining . You have a big yard so take the patio area out just past that tree and don't be bound by a certain shape . The shape you have shown makes the lawn care difficult around the edges . Less lawn and more patio would make furniture choices and arrangements better .

Thanks bluenan - that really helps. I really like the natural look too. We don't have storage to move furniture in in climate weather so this idea is great. We are going to check out the set at macys.

@lefty47 - thanks for comments. We do have a nice big yard and want to keep a good amount of yard along with our patio.

I've added a few new pics showing the specs from other angles (orange paint). The patio will be all the grass within the orange lines and also the area that is currently a patio (over to fence).

does anyone else have experience with Teak outdoor dining furniture? i am really leaning towards it but am interested in others experience as well. we live in NJ so it gets rain, snow, humidity, & my yard gets a ton of sun. we don't have space to move furniture for storage - so i like the fact that it can be left outside throughout all conditions. i'm just curious about others experiences with it.

I found this helpful info.
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/what-to-know-before-you-buy-teak-outdoor-furniture-stsetivw-vs~25029210

We've made a bit of progress on patio in last few days & have better feel for how this will look. 2 dead trees in back are down and we bought a new Teak dining set (thanks Bluenan for the info & pics of your own set)!!!! I'd love any recommendations for layout/use of space.

Attached are updated pics. Along the patio will be built up with plantings (including a tree or 2) & flowers. We haven't planned that in detail yet so I'd love any recommendations. The yard gets a ton of sun & deer could be an issue.

It's coming along, I think the table shape will really compliment the shape of the patio. So glad you liked the teak! I have sun and deer, as well. Some bushes I've found that work with both are Korean boxwood, great for hedges and evergreen, barberry, if you don't mind stickers, dwarf burning bush and hollies. Because of the deer I can't grow daylillies, hostas, roses or azaleas :(
I love boxwood in large pots also.

Our new patio and landscaping are done & we love it! We will have a fence & gate added at the entrance (that will also hide the garbage cans) & of course need to add furniture.

We ordered the teak table and chairs (thanks BlueNan) and a navy umbrella. We also have a bistro size metal table and 2 chairs as well as 4 white adirondack chairs (for now). Not sure how we will arrange it or what else we will add furniture wise - but are open to ideas or comments!

Beautiful! I am also very impressed with how fast you got everything done! Congratulations.

Beautiful patio! Enjoy it! Lots to decorate!

I love the pavers, it all looks fantastic! You will really enjoy having an outdoor extension of your home.

Thanks everyone! We are very happy with it! Here's a few more pics!

Are those oakleaf hydrangeas?

Yes they are Oakleaf hydrangeas.

Some more pics of our finished patio from other angles. Can you tell we are happy with it :-).

Help! We had our outdoor table delivered and I am looking for ideas about furniture placement on our new patio! U can see the furniture we have in the attached pics: a table (extends) & 8 chairs, small table with 2 chairs & 4 adirondack chairs (plastic). The only thing that definitely will stay are the teak table & chairs, we would like to utilize others (at least for now). I'd love any ideas!

Without leaves in table it comfortably fits the 6 chairs so I'd like to find spot for the other 2 dining chairs on patio (they are heavy). Also we have a navy blue umbrella for table.

Really think the table set should be the center piece on that circle...looks like that will leave enough room around the border for extra small seating groups maybe even some wide low benches made to follow the curve .have cushion tops made and you have great conversation seating or sunbathing or reading on those first warm spring days ...also consider creating a shady seating area for those times when it is too hot to sit in full sun..

This can be done by adding a very open wooden framework (maybe connected to the house) similar to a very open pergola...space the framework 6-8 feet apart to let sun in in the winter and put up shadecloth in the summer to allow use of the patio even on hot sunny days..shade will be a premium if you have hot summers...

Also any ideas about lighting (solar, torch, lanterns, etc). I'm thinking of solar path lights for around patio & maybe some torches we could put out if using patio.

Does anyone have experience with frontage solar path lights?

I might try the dining table in the center of the paved circle and the two extra teak chairs on the perimeter, on either side of a small table, arranged around the curve on whichever side you think looks best, or has the best view. The Adirondack chairs can go out in the grass, in a shadier spot by the fence. Maybe you could find some navy cushions or pillows for the them next year that will tie into the navy umbrella. I'd keep the metal set where it is for now, just moved a little closer to the stoop. You might even paint the metal set a navy blue next spring to tie into the other navy accents. Over time you can add more teak pieces.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bristol-Teak-Side-Table/3443899/product.html?refccid=2SMTFEDCUOOK6GSMKRSTUUNHIA&searchidx=19

The curved benches can be placed outside of the patio border on the grass to increase the spaciousness..maybe 3 benches 6ft long spaced evenly around the curve ( to allow pass thru )could provide all the seating you need with out the costly investment in all those chairs ....benches could have backrest and cushions and throw pillows to bring some color to the space

I looked for curved benches because I was thinking about those also, but they were all really pricey.

Thanks for ideas. We will try table in center - although I'm concerned it won't leave enough usable space on either side. We will play around with other ideas too to see what works with what we have (for now). I definitely want to get a side table but also want to have comfy seating on patio, so I'd love to fit in 2 Adirondacks somewhere on the patio. I also don't think I want to be too matchy matchy with all teak so was thinking of a side table that was different (maybe garden stool).
I'm not sure about a bench - need to live with space for awhile I think.

Thoughts?

I've attached a rainy pic looking from above on largest part of patio. & few other angles.

A garden stool would be great between the extra teak chairs and/or the Adirondacks, I use them on my front porch. I have these from Overstock, they have tons from which to choose with good pricing.

Maybe you could paint your metal table and chairs white and go with a blue and white scheme with the teak. That would tie in the Adirondacks and metal set with a common color, perfect with navy as a common accent. Any color flower or flowering shrub will look good. Teak, black metal and white Adirondacks is a bit too random, it would look better, and still not too matchy if two of the sets were at least the same color.

I think a raised fire pit (one of those iron things) in the center of the circle with a collection of chairs around it would look nice. Then move the table to the bottom of the circle (or lower / closer to the house) and make it parallel to the house. That would "center" that circle so that it doesn't look off-kilter and give you walking room around the table.

It's difficult to envision w/o being in the space, but I also think it would look better with the table and chairs centered in the circle. How much seating do u need on a daily basis?

We moved the table into the center & put up the umbrella. I like it :-). So now it is figuring out what to do with space. I tried a few things and right now based on our current furniture & needs I'm leaning towards putting the small metal table and chairs in the shed and putting the 2 extra real chairs in the corner with a side table between them. We really don't need 2 tables except if having a party so I think this works & gives us more options for other pieces later. Also I placed 2 Adirondacks on the outside part of the circle. What do u think?? Also any ideas of placement of path lights or lanterns for lighting?

Thanks everyone for your comments ,-)

The table and chairs look really good centered, and still plenty of room to move around. Do you have four Adirondack chairs, they look stacked? If so I would put them around the perimeter like you have the two, with a side table or stool in between each set. Sorry, I have no real suggestions for lighting, we have flood lights that illuminate the gardens and enough indirect light for the patio.

Hate to say this - everything is so lovely, but those white plastic Adirondack chairs are driving me bonkers! Don't get me wrong, I know how useful they are, I have 6 brown plastic Adirondack chairs that we got to use around the firepit for my teenage son. But when not in use I keep them stacked and relatively out of sight. That teak furniture is so beautiful and elegant, and the plastic chairs simply don't belong on that gorgeous new patio with that gorgeous new furniture. This is just my humble opinion, and I hope I haven't offended you. I just had to comment. I'll go away now : (

Forgot to say I agree with putting away the metal table and chairs until you need them. Keep the patio uncluttered. Ok now I'm going.

Thank you both for the ideas :-). No offense taken about the plastic Adirondack chairs. We bought them over the summer as a temporary measure & I hope to replace them maybe next year, with either real Adirondacks or some other type of comfy chair. For now they will have to do. When thinking about a side table for the teak chairs in the corner, any thoughts? I used a ceramic stool from inside in the pics and don't think it looked that great. It didn't seem big enough - thoughts? I've uploaded a few more pics.

I actually like the white garden stool because it relates to the white chairs. A matching teak side table would always come in handy.

Hi everyone - I'm back because I am still trying to figure out how to layout & decorate my now completed patio. I'd love some ideas to address the areas of planters, additional seating, layout.

I definitely wanted to add a few planters to be able to add color & annuals (esp now since I'm impatiently waiting for things to grow) and would like to add some comfortable Lounge type seating areas (even maybe a fire pit). also I think adding a side console or bar would be nice for us to store things, especially when having guests.

Can you share any ideas regarding pieces and placement?? I do have 2 extra teak dining chairs (currently crowded around the dining table-it expands). I also have the plastic Adirondack chairs but want to get real Adirondack chairs or some other comfortable lounge type seating to replace. Would more teak be too much- or go with a nice white wood chair? Or something else? I also got a garden stool but think I need either another or bigger side tables.

When it gets nicer I bought those tall floor lanterns to put out (esp when having people over) & other lanterns for the table. Where would you put planters? Size, color????

I live in NJ so things are just starting to feel like spring so the plantings don't look like much. I'm hoping that everything planted in the fall will have survived & look pretty like the pics I posted earlier in the post.

Thanks!

I think an outdoor corner sofa could look great where those white chairs are. That would provide a great seating area with an outdoor coffe table in front.Bring in some of the navy blue from your umbrella into the couch.
I'd do some curved planters where the patio curve meets the grassy and planted areas. I'd do one on either side of the grassy area. I would put planters on either side of the back door for some colour there as well.
I'd put the white chairs out onto the grass, closer to the shed area. This gives you a seating area out on the grass, which I think is a nice option.

I actually just started a new discussion focusing on the finished patio. I hope everyone will check it out and give me some much needed advice.

Thanks Littlemonkey! I love your ideas. While I think a sofa would look great - I don't know if it is functionally what we want to go with. Also I'm in NJ and don't have anywhere to store it so whatever furniture I get has to be able to withstand rain, humidity, and changing temps. Was thinking about indiv seating arrangements - thoughts?

If you are handy Ana White has free outdoor sofa designs that you can make out of wood and it would withstand harsh weather. You could maybe do something that has individual seats that can be bolted together as well. I'm sure they make that. Perhaps the new adirondak chairs that you were thinking of doing would go a little better than the white on the patio. The white chairs really stand out to me and I notice that before your beautiful table and chair set. I'd also do at least 4 chairs if you weren't doing a sofa. Although, I suppose one could just pull up one of the table chairs.

Actually looking back at your previous photos where you had the table set chairs where you currently have those white chairs..... that looks very nice to me. I think if you had something like that with 4 ideally, it would look great.

Maybe you can find folding chairs. These are vintage chairs that are wood and cording. They fold up for easy storage. This is our last house. Don't mind the jungle or the bright blue chairs.

Thanks Littlemonkey. That is good insight to know that the white chairs draw the eye. Hadn't thought about it like that.

Hi CM!

I bought two of these outdoor garden stools at Home Depot for only $65.00 a piece. I'll probably paint them white or white wash. You could use one between your extra teak chairs, yours are identical to mine so you can see the size. You could then take your nicer white stool back inside. I think when you decide on furniture arrangements the planter placement will be easier to figure out. I like large pots in varying sizes grouped together for impact, and large planters with both evergreens and flowers combined.

Not necessarily these colors....just the idea of grouping.