Monday, June 30, 2008

Outdoor Patio Ideas Even You Can Do

Hearing the sounds of the birds chirping and chattering and watching as they greedily fight over a strategically placed bird feeder can entertain for hours. Listening to the beautifully placed fountain can lull and relax. Having a beautiful outdoor patio can add value to your home. It is not hard to create these spaces on your own.

To save time and money make use materials and structures found around your home. You may have an exiting wood patio cover that may just need a bit of paint or a little sanding and staining. An old wood deck may need to be replaced with a long lasting concrete slab. Raising the patio floor to the same level as the entrance to your home can make it seem like an extension and create a better transition from inside to the outside.

Make the Patio Uniquely Yours

Put some personality into your patio design. Step out of the box. Use unusual materials like flat stones or tile for the patio flooring. Make use of color with plants and flowers or with stain or paint. Find an old funky patio chair as a conversation piece. Add a built in BBQ or fireplace that you have constructed yourself out of rock or brick instead of the portable stainless steel item everyone else has.

If you have a swimming pool you may need a changing room and a place to store towels and pool supplies. A small five foot square pool house divided into two spaces, one for storage and one for changing, could provide that much needed space at a minimal cost. A shower that drains into the garden could have the dual purpose of rinsing a swimmer and watering poolside plants.

Let your creativity shine with your outdoor patio ideas and when planning your patio space, whether you want your personality to be displayed in a front yard patio or in a private backyard haven. You want to keep in mind, resale value. Are you creating a space to be used and enjoyed by you for many years or are you fixing it up for a quick sale? Some perspective buyers may not share your tastes.