If your ideal vision of summertime includes warm days spent lounging on the patio surrounded by fragrant flowers, you're not alone.

Many home owners crave such an outdoor retreat. The solution can take many shapes. There are a variety of patio styles, shapes and colors, created with concrete, brick and the more costly flagstone, bluestone and even granite.

When designing an outdoor haven, the location is the most important consideration. Scan your property and try to visualize a patio in a few different locations.

·         Is there a perfect place just off the family room or kitchen?

·         Are there trees near the side of the house that would add a shady respite on hot summer days?

·         Is there one spot that is more private than others?

·         Which location would be the most convenient for walking between the house and patio?

Near the Kitchen?

A common location for the patio is just off the kitchen or breakfast nook. This provides an easy walk between the two spaces and helps blend the spaces together. It also gives the appearance that the kitchen is that much larger.

The Side of the House

Some people, however, may wish to put the patio near the side of the house to shift the focus to a spot that encourages interaction with the neighbors. The one disadvantage to such a location is that it may put an unwanted “spotlight” on your entertaining.

Logistical Issues

As you debate each location, consider any logistical issues:

·        Would you have to remove shrubbery or part of a sidewalk to make the location work?

·        Is the terrain so uneven that it would be impractical to create a level space for a patio?

·        Are there drainage issues in one part of your property that would make it unwise to install a patio there?