Have you been dreaming of the perfect patio to enhance your home? Before you dive into hiring a pro to build it, take a step back and think about where it should go. The position of your patio can make or break how much you use and enjoy it. You want it in just the right spot so you can bask in the sunshine during the day and gaze at the stars at night.
If you’re still at a loss after this blog, just let one of our professional patio builders know what you want during a free on-site consultation. They can guide you through all the benefits you can expect, and how it will interact with your light and wind exposure.
Patio Placement Checklist:
Patio Purpose
Proximity to Home
Natural Light Levels
Wind Levels
Space Available
Consider the Sun When Positioning Your Patio
The position of your patio is one of the most important decisions in the design process. Place it in the right spot, and you’ll enjoy it for years to come. Choose poorly, and you’ll end up with a patio you rarely use.
Consider the path of the sun over your property. A patio that gets plenty of direct sunlight during the day will be a warm and welcoming space for you and your guests to enjoy. Look for a spot that gets sun for the majority of the day, especially if you want to use your patio in the evenings. Don’t worry about putting your patio in a sunny spot, because you’ll still get plenty of shade no matter what.
Also, think about prevailing winds and airflow. An area with good circulation will feel more comfortable on hot summer days. Avoid positioning a patio in a spot that’s in the path of strong or frequent winds though, as that can make the space unusable at times.
Privacy and views are other factors to keep in mind. If you want a secluded space, look for a spot sheltered by foliage or a fence. For the best vistas, choose a patio location that takes advantage of attractive views of your garden or the surrounding landscape.
A well-placed patio can become the centrepiece of your yard and extend your living space during warmer months. By considering the elements of sun, shade, wind, and views, you’ll design an oasis you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Maximise Natural Airflow and Light Levels With Strategic Patio Placement
To get the most enjoyment out of your patio, strategic placement is key. Consider the following factors to find the perfect spot:
South-facing Patio – Consistent Sunshine + More Sun In Summer
South-facing patios are one of our most popular options. Because the sun rises and sets on either side of it, you’re granted plenty of natural sunlight, yet excellent protection while it’s at the highest point. In Queensland, the sun’s path is closer to the south in Summer, so a south-facing patio squeezes that little bit extra out of natural sunlight than a north-facing option. It’s widely considered that the south-facing patio makes for the best living environment when your patio gets the most use, which is in those warmer months. It gets just that bit more natural sun when it counts and better airflow from the tropical south-easterlies that frequent our land. North and south-facing patios do tend to get a bit warmer during the middle of the day, because the sun is baring down directly on the patio roof without the house blocking some of its rays like it does with east and west facing designs.
North-facing Patio – Consistent Sunshine + More Sun In Winter
Similarly to the above option, a north-facing patio offers excellent natural light access and allows a softer breeze through. This patio position is ideal for people who want a more tranquil outdoor space where the wind is enough to keep them cool, but is less likely to blow the napkins off the outdoor dining arrangement. This patio position also will feel like it stays brighter for longer in winter than a southern patio would. That’s because in winter, the sun’s path is angled slightly north. North and south-facing patios do tend to get a bit warmer during the middle of the day, because the sun is baring down directly on the patio roof without the house blocking some of its rays like it does with east and west facing designs.
East-facing Patio – For Morning Lovers
If you love enjoying breakfast outdoors or watching the sun rise while you sip some tea, an east-facing patio is the perfect place to compliant your lifestyle. This patio positioning will receive the most wind, so we recommend opting for a flyover design so the airflow can go up and out of your patio roof.
West-facing Patio – To Take Advantage of Golden Hour
If having dinner or afternoon tea while the sun sets in the west sounds like your ideal way to relax after work, then it sounds like a west patio is the right choice for you. With maximum protection from wind and excellent afternoon light exposure, the west patio is perfect for the late risers who don’t care about getting less light in the mornings.
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Patio Placement For Airflow
In tropical Queensland, our prevailing winds are East to Southeasterly. That means east-facing patios will be facing directly into the breeze and west-facing patios will receive the least wind.
Ideally, you want airflow to go across your patio and going in one end and out the other instead of blowing into it and against your home. The best options for airflow is a north-facing patio for a more subtle airflow or a south-facing patio if you really want to maximise that comfortable airflow. Of course different considerations need to be made if your home is a shape that may catch wind like L-shaped walls or exteriors with large protrusions. SEQ Patio Group can help you figure out the best place to put your patio, just give our expert team a call. We’ve built thousands of patios across the Southeast Queensland region, so we have plenty of experience when it comes to ideal patio placement.
Placement for Function
Sometimes you want a patio to compliment an existing space or yard feature like a garden, pool or existing deck. That’s absolutely fine! Even though the direction of your patio can make a difference, it’s not the be-all-end-all if you just want to capitalise on the most space you have.
Most of us don’t get to control the direction our houses are built, and most Australian homeowners prefer their patio roof to be built in their backyard, no matter what direction it’s facing! Thanks to modern patio technology, you can get comfortable, cool shade no matter where you put it.
SEQ Patio Group can help design your dream patio no matter where you need to put it. From compact and function-focused suburban designs to sprawling shade covers for larger properties, we’ve handled it all!
With the ideal placement, your perfect patio will become your favourite place to relax, entertain and enjoy the garden. Take the time to assess the natural elements in your outdoor space to find the best position for maximum enjoyment. Your dream patio awaits!
Integration with Landscape Features: If you have a well-maintained garden, a swimming pool, or an existing deck, you may want to position your patio to seamlessly integrate with these features. This can create a harmonious and functional outdoor living space.
Privacy: Consider the level of privacy you desire. Depending on your neighbors, surrounding buildings, or nearby roads, you may want to place your patio in a location that provides a sense of seclusion and intimacy.
Accessibility: Accessibility is crucial. Ensure your patio is easily accessible from your home, especially from frequently used indoor spaces like the kitchen or living room. This makes it convenient for dining and entertaining.
Proximity to the Kitchen: If you enjoy outdoor cooking and dining, you may want to place your patio close to your kitchen for easy access to supplies and food preparation areas.
Views: Take advantage of any scenic views your property offers. Position your patio to make the most of these vistas, whether it’s a lush garden, a mountain range, or a serene water feature.
Shade and Sunlight: Think about how you’ll use your patio throughout the day. If you prefer to enjoy morning sun and cooler temperatures, an east-facing patio is ideal. For those who love the warm afternoon and evening light, a west-facing patio is a great choice.
Outdoor Activities: If you have specific outdoor activities in mind, such as a play area for children, a space for yoga and meditation, or a place to set up outdoor furniture, plan your patio placement to accommodate these activities.
