Crystal Ward Ken courtesy of Charles Hugo Design

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Relaxing on your own patio is a great way to unwind—curl up with a book, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or just bask in the sun.

No patio you say? No problem! Nearly any backyard can be transformed into the perfect leisure spot with the addition of a patio. Whether you are creating an urban courtyard, a formal space for entertaining, or a more casual area that blends with the natural surroundings, patios enhance outdoor living. But before you start digging up the lawn and laying down stones, there are some things you should know. Planning before you build will help you develop the outdoor space that best complements your lifestyle and your landscape.

Patio Planning
Two local experts, Charles Hugo of Charles C. Hugo Design, LLC in South Berwick, Maine, and Terrence Parker of Terra Firma Landscape Architects in Portsmouth, N.H., have provided a good checklist of questions you should address before breaking ground on any patio project.

Connecting to the Home
What is the patio’s connection to the home? How will your interior rooms transition to your outdoor space? Do you envision a deck leading down to a patio, or a series of terraced steps? Or, will you simply step out your backdoor?

Balancing Sun & Shade
Make sure you address issues of sun and shade. Your location should have a balance of the two. Shade can be added through selected plantings of trees, installation of awnings or using umbrellas.

Using the Space
What aesthetic are you looking for? Do you want a formal space for entertaining, an informal space for family or more casual gatherings, or something with a natural feel?

Planning for Privacy
Is the space already private or does privacy need to be provided? Whether you wish to sunbathe, or simply create a secluded space for unwinding, you may need to consider adding fences or screens of shrubbery if such doesn’t already exist.

Reviewing the Site
Is the site buildable? Tree roots, unbuildable soils, wetlands, steep grades—all of these factors can provide issues that make a site difficult to build on. Excavating for a proper base is key to a good terrace, so good site preparation will be important for the patio to look good and last a long time.