Patio Entertainment
Spring is approaching, and you may be looking out your window, thinking of the warmer days ahead. How will you spend your summer—soaking up the sun on the patio, reading a book under a patio umbrella, lounging by the patio mini-bar, or even enjoying an outdoor home movie theater?
A patio is an excellent addition to any home, and it can be great fun for at-home entertainment. Patio construction isn’t a simple home project. It’s time-consuming and requires precision to be functional and safe. While you could try to tackle it yourself, we recommend hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured patio contractor to ensure your project goes smoothly.
Patio contractors are experts in construction. They have the right knowledge and tools to provide a safe outdoor entertaining space – and bring your outdoor dreams to life
Planning Your New Patio
Think about where you’d like to enjoy your patio. While many patios are attached to the house, leading to the yard, you can choose to create your patio anywhere, and install a beautiful walkway to your new space. Possibilities include adding a patio near a water feature in your yard, or atop a hill to watch the sunset. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, you may want to add or replace the patio that surrounds it.
Once you’ve decided on your patio’s location, it’s time to consider materials. The patio itself could be made from concrete, flagstone, pavers, bricks, or wood. If you’re constructing a covered patio, you’ll need to choose a roofing material, like shingles, tile, or metal—or you could get creative and use multiple materials. Do you want to include amenities, like a built-in grill/barbecue, bar, shelving, seating, or fire pit? These may require gas, electric, or water hookups, and the utilities may limit your patio’s location. Your patio contractor can help you decide if the setup you’d like is suitable for the location you’ve chosen.
Have a budget in mind before meeting with your contractor—the more detailed the design, the bigger the budget may need to be. Your budget may also determine the materials you can choose from, as some are more expensive than others.
Patio Materials and Maintenance
Your patio contractor can help you chose the right materials for your patio. Many patio builders specialize in various building material. If you are going for a more elaborate setup, you will need materials that weather appropriately. Choosing proper materials from the beginning will help prevent weather-related repairs in the future.
Proper maintenance of the structures will also be essential for a lasting patio. Wood surfaces will require painting or staining to avoid decay or infestations. Any concrete needs to be sealed to prevent water from getting in or under the slab. Pavers and bricks should be swept clean to prevent weeds and grasses from growing in the walkway. Bricks and pavers may also be sealed in the same manner as concrete.
You should clean gutter systems on covered patios regularly—preferably on the same schedule as your home’s gutters. Outdoor amenities should be covered when not in use. When temperatures start dropping in the fall, remember to winterize any water lines to prevent bursting.
Finding Your Patio Contractor
Finding the right patio contractor for you is essential. You want to find someone knowledgeable about the materials, climate, and location of your patio. Referrals from neighbors, friends, and family are a great place to start! In addition, internet reviews will tell you what others experienced. Any contractor you choose should provide you with a quote before they begin.
Choosing Standing Lites
We have proudly served southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana for over 20 years. Our teams are experts in their fields and familiar with the climates and weather patterns in your area. Standing Lites professional teams can provide you with the patio of your dreams. Contact us today for your free estimate!
