Patios are great for entertaining guests, relaxing outside on sunny days, or enjoying evenings with friends and family. They’re also an often untapped, and easily neglected part of a home—one that can increase both its value and utility. In fact, there’s more than one way to transform an empty or vacated patio into an outdoor oasis that draws a crowd. And with the following options in mind, you’ll be one step closer to making it happen!
Read up on the top four ways you can transform a backyard patio below, and dream up all the creative and inventive ways you can reshape your outdoor space.
Install A Patio Cover
Patio covers are freestanding or attached outdoor structures with a roof that shelter people from the elements. They are easily one of the best ways to enhance your patio if you want to increase the amount of time you spend outside. And—depending on the materials used—relatively affordable.
Patio covers are great for a few reasons. They can protect you from the elements: sun, rain, cold—you name it! If you enclose at least two of the sides, you can also have ceiling fans installed up above—perfect for hot summer days. Depending on its frame, you can also choose to install various entertainment options—including television screens.
Patio covers come in a myriad of options—ranging from open-air rooftop to those made of metal or wood. You can also get an awning, which is often low-maintenance and durable. You might also consider upgrading your patio flooring to match the aesthetic. With options ranging from stone pavers and decorative concrete to brick, wood, and grass, there are plenty of possibilities to create the patio you want.
Build A Beautiful Patio Enclosure
A patio enclosure is another fantastic option for transforming a patio space. In contrast with patio covers—which are semi-open in design—patio enclosures are any freestanding or attached outdoor structure that is fully enclosed. This makes a great option for any homeowner who doesn’t mind literally closing their patio off from the weather (or temperatures) outside.
Patio enclosures come in many types, including patio extensions, sunrooms, screen rooms, and vinyl enclosures. Furthermore, each distinct type of enclosure can also come with its own range of styles; for example, a sunroom can come in the form of a solarium, a cathedral, or a conservatory, among others. Paired with a wide range of building materials, there are an infinite number of ways to customize your backyard and transform your patio with a patio enclosure.
Since patio enclosures are shielded from the outdoor elements, they can be enjoyed year-round, and are great for outdoor seating or sunbathing, even in winter. If designed properly, it can also add value to your home, while adding privacy and security and keeping those pesky insects out. In contrast to patio covers, patio enclosures are also easier to maintain, since they protect from outdoor debris, and can even protect your outdoor furniture from harmful UV rays.
Assemble An Outdoor Kitchen
For those who like to cook, an outdoor kitchen is a hard-to-resist option when it comes to upgrading their backyard patio. And for good reason: it allows you to cook outside, in the sun, on a nice day—while keeping you, and your guests(?) and those odd cooking smells, outside. They’re also a great excuse to entertain, or to at least invite a few friends over. And, they’re often great for your energy bill as well—since your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your kitchen cool.
Outdoor kitchens can come in a wide variety of styles—and be made up of an equally diverse set of materials. Whether you prefer a rustic outdoor cooking space (perhaps with a patio bonfire) or a brick-laden outdoor bar (with a grill or brick oven taking center stage), you can do it all.
Add A Pergola
Easily confused with patio covers, pergolas are freestanding outdoor structures that use joints (parallel horizontal beams) and rafters (vertical construction beams) for shade. Pergolas can be attached to the home, or serve as a free-standing structure, and are thus easier to use with outdoor heaters or fire pits. Many homeowners choose to grow vine-like plants near their pergola to create a natural canopy over the top, as well.
Pergolas also make great outdoor dining areas (the perfect way to complement an outdoor kitchen). Or you can use one to provide a source of much-needed shade—especially in the summertime, while you lounge by your pool. Finally, pergolas (particularly those made of high-quality materials) can serve as talking points when it comes to selling your home, as pergolas are a popular and stylish way to improve the utility and aesthetic of your backyard.
Work With a Professional Patio Expert
Interested in learning more about the many different ways you can transform your patio, or add to the value of your home? Want to install a custom-designed patio cover, patio enclosure, outdoor kitchen, or pergola in your backyard? Serview Home Pros of San Antonio, Texas is proud to offer these many patio structures and more!
Our team of San Antonio patio builders will work with you to help you consider all your options for your patio transformation, and determine the best course of action based on your goals and budget. We also provide all-inclusive estimates—that include the cost of building materials, labor, and anything else that might affect the cost.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can transform your patio! You’ll be glad you did—we guarantee it!
