A patio is a paved area adjoining a house and is typically used for dining and recreation. The name patio is finds its origin in the roofless inner courtyard found in most Spanish style dwellings. However, literally speaking patio in Spanish means ‘the yard’.
Charcoal grills are less expensive but consume more time and effort. The charcoal must first be lit. Then the flames must die down and only once the coals are hot can you use them to barbeque food.
Patio furniture is specialized furniture made to resist the ravages of the weather. Patio sets, consisting of chairs, a table, and at times even swings come in many different shapes, sizes and are made from a wide range of materials.
Wicker is the most common material used for Patio furniture. The neutral colors and traditional looks of wicker makes it an easy fit in any kind of courtyard or patio. However, wicker furniture will require more maintenance than aluminum.
Barbeque grills are a great accessory for any patio. They can be used for a family cookout or for a get together with friends.
Patio accessories and furniture can be bought from most shops which stock garden furniture. You can also buy them online.
When constructing a new patio one has to start with gravel. The base for a patio is always graveled to give the base the firmness needed in a patio floor. The common patio floor is concrete which is poured directly on top of the compacted gravel to give it a smooth finish.
Patio lights can help light the patio after sun down. Theideal lighting for a patio is low voltage diffused lighting which softly lights up the patio. Patio lights may be placed on the four corners of the patio or be concentrated around the seating area.
Gas grills on the other hand are lit and ready to cook food in a trice. This is the main reason why gas grills are also more popular.
Patios are often equipped with patio umbrellas and patio misting systems for use in summers. Some even have retractable awnings to make them useable when it rains.
Cast iron patio furniture is also quite popular. It is ideal for windy areas. This furniture will last long and does not tend to be affected by the weather so it can be left outdoors.
Mosquito and insect eliminators which trap insects are commonly put up in patios that get used regularly.
If a patio is at the entrance of the house it called an entry patio. If the patio is in the backyard then the doors opening onto the backyard are often called patio doors. Apoolside patio will have provisions for sunbathing and should have a slip- resistant floor.
While wooden patio flooring is available is advisable to avoid a wood. The effects of the weather will ruin this flooring in no time.
There are several options for patio flooring including bricks and tiles. Modular deck tiles can easily be placed over a concrete floor to create a quickly finished patio floor.