Patio Design

How does my patio, a ubiquitous feature of the Houston home, fit into my landscape design?
Patios belong to the group of landscape elements called hardscapes—the non-plant material of your landscape design. In general, when hardscapes are combined with greenery, they create an outdoor living environment that everyone and anyone can enjoy. In this way, a patio is an extension of your home that is both functional and visually appealing.

Our clients have used patio designs that run the gamut from an understated, airy greenhouse to an inviting outdoor room. Thus, an outdoor patio expands the living space of the house and can create a memorable view out the window. A patio makes for a transition—an interval—between the house and the yard and adds a personal touch to the overall look of your property. It affects the physical space and emotional content of the landscape with the way it shows your personal aesthetic.

What are my first considerations when thinking about my patio design?
Exterior Worlds encourages our clients to begin with an overview:
• What is the existing view from your patio?
• Where does the sun hit it at different times of the year?
• Do you want or need a focal point? A focal point, such as an outdoor water fountain, will draw the eye to it. It literally gives the eye something to focus on. Or perhaps you have an unsightly feature or an odd spot in your layout. If so, a focal point will draw attention away from it.

Popular garden structures on patio deck designs include garden arbors, outdoor gazebos and pergolas. They can provide shelter from the elements, frame a focal point or form a decorative entrance. These architectural elements are attractive ways to add interest to your landscape and make a strong statement.

How do I connect the patio to the rest of my landscape?
We encourage our clients to make design choices for their landscape architecture that complement their home’s architecture. At the same time, you also want the selections to reflect your personality.

By their nature, garden pathways connect the patio to the rest of the landscape and finish off the patio design. Paths direct the eye and create interest across the expanse of green grass.

Landscape lighting also can tie your patio design to the rest of the yard. It turns your landscape into a 24-hour delight and serves as a security measure.
What are my flooring options?
The most common patio in Houston is a concrete pad attached to the house, a feature that creates a blank canvas on which to build. Your flooring options include:
• Concrete. This durable choice can be colored, stained or textured to create long-lasting beauty.
• Stone. Cut limestone, sandstone, quartzite and slate are popular choices among Exterior Worlds’ clientele.
• Cast stone. This masonry product gives the appearance of natural stones such as granite, slate, limestone, travertine or marble.
• Pavers. A man-made brick that recalls old world charm, patio pavers can be installed in intricate patterns, such as cobblestone.