Cross Creek Ranch - Perfect Your Patio

Outdoor living areas are in demand and it’s easy to see why. A well-designed patio is a boon to homeowners who want to dine, entertain and relax al fresco. To create the perfect outdoor retreat, you need a good foundation and some imagination. Cross Creek Ranch builders can help the first. For the second, we have a few ideas.

Consider Your Patio an Outdoor Room

Think of your patio as an outdoor great room that you can divide into a kitchen area, dining room and family room. The way you want to use your space will determine how you design it. If you are building from the ground up, talk to your builder about patio extensions, built-in kitchens and outdoor fireplaces.

Flooring Matters

Crafting a beautiful patio starts from the ground up. In addition to natural stone, brick or wood, you can now adorn your space with beautiful porcelain or ceramic tile and practical rubber flooring. You can have your concrete patio decoratively stamped or painted. Choose the best option you can afford that will stand up to the way you envision using your outdoor space.

Divide and Conquer

Your patio will get more use if you carve out distinct living areas. The obvious areas include a grilling or kitchen area and a living area with comfortable patio furniture. Extending your patio can create enough room for an outdoor bar, play area for the kids or a cozy reading area.

Let’s Talk Kitchens

If you plan to do a lot of grilling, it might be worth investing in a summer kitchen. An outdoor kitchen is convenient because the built-in grill usually includes a mini refrigerator and counter space. That means you won’t be running in and out of the house during parties. Most kitchens can be customized allowing you to add sinks, a pizza oven or wine fridge.

Choose the Right Furniture

How you use your patio determines what furniture you will need. Outdoor lounge furniture including a sofa and love seat is a must if you plan to entertain a lot. Outdoor furniture also helps you carve out conversation areas. Put benches under pergolas, Adirondack chairs around fire pits and use bar height tables for buffets. Choose durable furniture that can withstand sun and rain.

Fire and Water

A focal point adds interest to your patio. The two most common include fire or water elements. Outdoor fireplaces are cozy and impressive. Fire pits are great for families to gather around. Water features including fountains and garden pools make a space feel calm and relaxing.

Light Up the Night

No one envisions only using their patios during the day. There are multiple reasons to use your patio in the evening but to do so, you will need to invest in lights. For many people string or café lights are the perfect accompaniment to casual entertaining. However, if you plan to grill at night, you might need something a little brighter. If you want to add a touch of whimsy, lanterns can be a beautiful touch.

If you already own a home in Cross Creek Ranch and want to make changes or add to your backyard, remember to check your community association covenants and submit any required permits needed.

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