Backyard Patio Project: Seeking Design/planning Advice

kinds1

last year

We’re in the early planning stages of updating our backyard and would love some input.

We’re looking to install a paver or concrete patio with space for:

– a dining area for eight, and

– a conversational seating area with room for a Solo Stove.

We’re working with a low to mid-range budget and prefer a low-maintenance design.

Additional considerations:

– We plan to remove the existing deck

– We'd like to add stairs from the covered porch down to the patio

– We want to preserve the existing trees and work around them

- The backyard faces southeast and the area gets afternoon shade from the house

– The gas grill will be housed under the covered porch

- not interested in an outdoor kitchen area with sink/ fridge to keep cost down

I'll include a photo of the current space to help visualize it.

We’d appreciate any advice on:

– Recommended patio dimensions for comfortable flow

– Landscaping ideas to soften the hardscape and create a welcoming feel

– Additional features we should be planning for

– Questions to ask prospective contractors during the planning and quoting process

Thanks so much for your guidance.

Backyard patio/deck · More Info

Featured Answer

fnmroberts

last year

@kinds1 - Thank you. My DH did everything DIY over the course of several seasons. The footings for the deck and pergola were poured before laying pavers. Piping to route electricity and natural gas is also underground.

Lighting for dinner

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Comments (8)

fnmroberts
last year
Linking a video of our former patio and lawn. The paver patio measured 24 x 26 plus an 8 x 12 space which once held a hot tub and a 5 x 9 grilling area. The fire pit was 12’ diameter.

Considerations include utilities, shade, spaces for private and group gatherings, cooking, relaxation etc.

Hope this provides some ideas for consideration.

https://youtu.be/H5t9G-Gujqw?si=2vY39As7VVKE9P3S
kinds1 thanked fnmroberts
dan1888
last year
Well designed and developed prior space. It'll be a project to match or surpass that on a limited budget. I'd do a scaled layout of your current space with measurements. If you remove the deck, it may be possible to reuse the steps. I'd look at diy pavers with a combination of sizes, including larger square or rectangles in the mix.
kinds1 thanked dan1888
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kinds1
Original Author
last year
fnmroberts: What a lovely and well thought out outdoor space you have. I envy the multiple areas you have for intimate and group gatherings
kinds1
Original Author
last year
dann1888: Good idea to include a scaled layout. Will add here with 1 square=1ft. Trees we would like to keep are added.
Backyard patio/deck · More Info
dan1888
last year
Add info on your location zone and sun direction.
kinds1 thanked dan1888
kinds1
Original Author
last year
We are in zone 7a (St Louis MO) and the back of the house faces southeast
tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
If the deck is in good shape, why not keep it and use it for dining. Less running up and down stairs when setting the table and carrying food and dirty dishes in and out of the house. A patio umbrella could be used and easily angled to provide shade.

Saving the deck would avoid paying for new steps since you mentioned staying within a budget. You have a covered porch which might also hold the table and avoid the cost of a covered pergola.

The lounge seating and bbq would be on the ground level patio and the smoke from the coals woud be further from the house if the windows happen to be open.

You could install a prefab bbq gazebo to avoid rain and sun while grilling.