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Landscape Design Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Ideas for small patio

last year

13’x25’ that french doors open onto pavers and a 3’ high retaining wall along the length of patio. Beyond the patio is yard 25’x 35’ not yet landscaped Im trying to arrange the patio to include small table and chairs, potted plants and possibly a bench or loungy chairs

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Comments (5)

latifolia
last year
You have so much potential! I'd deal with the entire space as a whole before spending money on furniture. Consult a landscape designer. There are a number of important questions.

How will you get from the patio to the yard? Where are/should the steps be?

What will be in the yard: swimming pool, fish pond, vegetable garden, play space, outdoor kitchen?

What about lighting, shade, drainage? You will save money long term if you come up with a plan. Plus, if you are planting trees, the sooner the better.
fnmroberts
last year
I agree, you have terrific potential. That is actually a generous patio space. IF the wall is a comfortable height, with some cushions it can make additional seating.

As @latifolia suggests, have a landscsping plan developed to provide privacy and shade. One will site plantings correct for your climate and soil and to provide seasonal color.

Think about how you wish to utilize the outside space(s). Will shade be necessary while landscaping matures? Insect protection? Size of group(s) for dining or socializing? Grilling, firepit, socializing, hot tub, etc.?

Take your time. Meanwhile obtain a few inexpensive patio chairs from which to imagine.
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Help/Ideas needed for small patio PLEASE!! :D
Q
Comments (6)
I like our 2" thick 12x12 pavers edged in orange brick laid on a sand base. It was a lot more work than we 1st thought because our ground wasn't level. I wish we would have checked that before we started excavating the soil. If you're going to DIY instructions are available online for building a base. I highly recommend you follow the advice so that your patio has the correct slope for drainage & stays in place. It's hard work digging, leveling, tamping, carrying & spreading sand, moving pavers, etc. & you don't want to have to do it over. An evergreen climber on a trellis would screen views. If you want partial shade you might consider a pergola and grow grapes or other edibles on it. You mentioned a child & I've found that our younger visitors enjoy playing on the lawn, wood chip area under the cedar tree, or the wooden deck rather than the paver patio. You might consider a more forgiving surface while your child is young. I'm also more relaxed when our nephew is on the lawn or deck with resin furniture than on the patio near the iron furniture. When our kids were young we had a covered sand box that was enjoyed nearly year round then when they were done with it the sand went into the garden & we gave away the sand box. We kept the sand toys & trucks right in the sand box underneath the lid, so it was easy to remove the lid & play. In my area the cedar play chips are readily available & make a nice covering that stays dry during wet winters. Unplanted areas where our lawn wouldn't grow because of shade or where we walk a lot to the hose and to the chicken coops have been covered with the play chips and cedar arborist chips. I like the weathered look that is easy to maintain because it never need mowing, watering, or weeding! On occasion rake a bit & renew to keep the depth. If you think you might want to grow plants at some point in your backyard you may want to use chips now & let them decompose then when your child is older you could rake them aside & layer compost materials for growing vegetables & fruits. Hope that helps!
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Small House Patio Ideas!
Q
Comments (5)
Yes, the patio should be the length of the house, whatever the shape. If you want a covered area or pergola, I would only put it over the side of the house to the right of the back door, where you have the horizontal window. That leaves one part of the patio with sunshine, and you won't be blocking the light into your home at the larger window. You can put slats on the end of a pergola to block the neighbor's view of your patio. Or leave the patio near the house open for a dining table and bbq space and plan a lounge area and pergola further out into your yard.
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Small Uncovered Patio Ideas
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Comments (3)
I don’t think the porch has enough space. But measure it and see if you can fit two benches. I would probably do some flowers or greenery in pretty pots. And then do a small seating area to the left of the porch.
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Ideas for a small townhouse patio
Q
Comments (9)
Nice big patio! The pine needles will always be there so I'd focus on easy clean-up. I'd take out the rock for sure. I'm not usually a fan of artificial turf but in your case it might be a good option. It should be relatively easy to sweep or blow the pine needles out. Will the dogs use it for their business? Real turf would be a pain to keep watered and with two dogs peeing on it several times a day it wouldn't hold up for long. Any chance you can take the dogs out several times a day instead of them using the patio? That would be my preference. You can add interest and color by investing is a few large pots filled with small shrubs or trees. Enjoy your great outdoor space in sunny San Diego!
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nickel_kg
last year
I could enjoy sitting out there on your nice clean level patio, eye level to interesting flowers and shrubs. One thing to consider if you haven't already, is adding the caps to your retaining wall.
decoenthusiaste
last year
Your retaining wall is too high to provide comfortable seating, but topping it with flat pavers will give you a finished look. You can plant something behind it that will grow to cover the top and drape nicely into the patio space. If you can't do anything other than plant grass on the lawn for now, do so. Rains and erosion will wash that dirt onto your patio and make it useless and a cleaning nightmare. Shop for furniture in person to find comfortable, cleanable pieces that you enjoy using. Nothing worse that a hard, metal chair with no cushioning that leaves wire mesh imprints on your rear end!

Creative Outdoor Stairs Options using Allan Block Retaining Walls · More Info
HU-928861301
Original Author
last year
Yes, we’re not finished with the wall! planning on stairs that go into the yard, just waiting bc of expense (just finished lower level remodel). we are in San francisco, so no pool😏.

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