Patio Do's and Don'ts

[Anonymous]

We are in the process of designing our patio. Looking for some lessons learned from folks who have a patio or recently built one.

Materials, Lighting, Firepits, Gazebos, etc..

[Anonymous]

I think adding a fire pit area is nice, but after becoming a fire pit expert (unofficial) during the pandemic, the solo stove is the BEST ONE there is. You don't get those plumes of smoke, it gets hot and stays hot and is in general awesome.

So if you design a place for one, I'd plan to have this in that area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think adding a fire pit area is nice, but after becoming a fire pit expert (unofficial) during the pandemic, the solo stove is the BEST ONE there is. You don't get those plumes of smoke, it gets hot and stays hot and is in general awesome.

So if you design a place for one, I'd plan to have this in that area.

Agreed. Not getting an inbuilt fire pit area. It is a permanent fixture and it does not get too much usage.

You need some place that can be used for storage. Maybe a shed.

[Anonymous]

we put in a little bump out for our solo stove that i can also use for planters if we stop being obsessed with our fire pit.

[Anonymous]

Automatic retractable screens. You can treat the screensed in patio like it's indoors since it keeps everything out excep the breeze.

https://www.phantomscreens.com/retractable-large-openings/

Also put fans in there for summer

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for the input. Any recommendation on good quality patio builders?

[Anonymous]

Fan is essential. We regret our white vinyl wrap. It get so dirty. We have to wipe it down with towels when we entertain...really a pain.

[Anonymous]

We used Flavio and Sons for our flagstone patio. They did great work at a reasonable price.

[Anonymous]

Lesson learned: makes sure you go as big as you want. We were a bit conservative, and now I wish we had bumped out a few more feet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lesson learned: makes sure you go as big as you want. We were a bit conservative, and now I wish we had bumped out a few more feet.

Agree with this.

OP, thank you for starting this thread. I also second the recommendation for a Solo Stove if you are going the fire pit route. They are lightweight and easy to move around.

Can we also discuss patio furniture - lessons learned and what do people recommend?

[Anonymous]

If you have neighbors, make sure you plan or account for some sort of privacy (if you want it). Either carefully planted shrubs and hedges, or the pull down screens, or a brick retaining/seat wall on one side, etc. We had lookie-loo neighbors at our old house/neighborhood and it was a big motivator to move since we couldn't enjoy being outside without feeling like we were in a fishbowl.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lesson learned: makes sure you go as big as you want. We were a bit conservative, and now I wish we had bumped out a few more feet.

OP here. Thank you. We are maxing out the space for sure.

[Anonymous]

gas firepit