Patio Walls

The rich, warm luster of a stone wall adds dimension to a small patio. But use light colored stones, perhaps streaked with light rose shades, mossy green or a natural light gray. Don't use big boulder size rocks to build the wall because the volume can overwhelm the patio when there is only a small space to work with.

In the patio at this old house there is room for one small section of stone wall. Visualizing it, and drawing it out on landscaping software is difficult, though. Two sides of the enclosure are the exterior walls of the house. The stone wall would be an extension of one of these house walls, only about 2-1/2 to 3 feet wide. It would join up with the wood fencing that makes up the other two walls. Such a small area of rock may not be worth the materials and labor.

The attraction is that even that small segment of stone could be the perfect backdrop to a little design element. A garden statue would look terrific with a stone background. A large potted plant with its green foliage would stand out visually if it had the stone for a backdrop. Even a small fountain could be worked into the design in that corner.


[Photo: Jorc Navarro]

Try Landscaping Software

If graph paper, a pencil and an eraser becomes to cumbersome, try landscaping software to turn small patio landscaping ideas into blueprints. Software packages are available for both PC and Macs. Usually the programs come as a module within a larger, more complete architectural software package. Don't fret about pricing, especially if there are one or more larger patios or gardens on the property. Even better, use the interior design software for any remodeling or renovation projects inside the house.

Look for landscape design software that is labeled for beginners. This type of program tends to be very visual. You can typically import your own photos or use photos from the program's library. In the library will also be outlines of garden furniture, containers and pots, outdoor lighting fixtures and architectural elements that can be sized and pasted into the patio design drawing.

Don't be intimidated. Try everything. Draw the most outrageous designs possible and save. Then draw minimalist designs. Place two simple pieces of furniture in the small outdoor space--maybe a hammock and a small table to hold your drink. Then jazz it up with an outdoor grill, a couple of potted citrus trees and some colorful tiles. Swap positions with the elements and use the software to visualize how it would look. Sit back and imagine the flow. How would it feel to step into the patio with a platter full of appetizers, set them on the table shaded by a market umbrella and then, sink back into a comfy garden chair for a chit chat and snacks with a friend.

[Photo: Gesine Kuhlmann]

Drawing the Patio Design

The measurements are done. The property lines have been marked and verified. Now the precise dimensions of the patio are a reality, not just a lot of guesswork. It is time to translate these dimensions on to hard copy and play with small backyard patio designs.

Graph paper, a pencil and an eraser are the cheap and cheerful way to start this stage of the design. The downside is that every time new design ideas pop up, there is a lot of erasing and redrawing. And it is difficult to go back to earlier ideas once they've been removed from the page. If history is any indication, it is possible that at least 30 sheets of graph paper will get used for each angle as the ideas are redrawn.

Still, if graph paper is the chosen route, draw a 'floor plan' and a view of each side of the garden. Next, make a list of all the elements that will be included in the patio design. Plants, wall art, patio furniture, storage, a grill, lighting and free space all go on this 'wish' list. Study the photos in patio and garden design books. Wander through stores, sit on lawn chairs, lie on the hammocks, touch planters, look at market umbrellas, and check out the charcoal, gas and electric grills.

Gather information on the size of each interesting patio furnishing. Get any brochures available so that there is an easy reference to measurements when these items get drawn into the patio design. Carry a measuring tape and small pad of paper during forays into the outdoor furniture departments and the garden center to record the size of different style of chairs, tables and planters. Take pictures with a digital camera for quick reference, because information overload does happen. With a picture on file, it is possible to relax and have fun with the entire process.

[Photo: Jork Navarro]

Stamped Concrete Patio Floor

The cost of stamped concrete here is going to be low. It's a do-it-yourself type job on this small an outdoor space. For a fine finished patio, even slightly larger than this one, it may be worthwhile to bring in a contractor to get the job done professionally and with a warranty.

Concrete stamping looks like it will be straightforward. First comes the surface preparation. Next mix the cement properly. Pour the cement. Press patterned molds into the cement to create the look of interlocking pavers, various styles of formal stone flooring or create a random pattern. Once the cement is dried and cured, stain is applied to replicate the color of natural stones.

The ConcreteNetwork website offers a quick tutorial on how stamped concrete mimics stone when used for patios.

A big choice is which kind of pattern to use. A cobblestone pattern could be fun. Slate slab patterns are a little too formal and perhaps to large for this space. The randomized patterns are more appropriate here, especially since the ground surface is what will tie together the various vertical surfaces in the outdoor patio space. So it looks like the river stone stamp or the random interlocking sandstone are the best choices so far. 

[Photo: Lisa Kong]

Patio Floor Options

Once the small patio here at the house is fully enclosed with a privacy fence and attractive gates, the next step must be to make the floor of the patio. Floor is a funny word for it. I often think of the concrete one walks on as the patio itself... while all the rest of the surroundings are accessories. And of course, the patio doesn't necessarily have to be made of concrete, either. Many beautiful patios are made of pavers, stone and even tile.

The idea of outdoor tile is worrisome here in the Pacific Northwest where the climate has a lot of rainy moments. The idea of slick, wet tile feels unsafe and worrisome. Concrete pavers may work if used in conjunction with the existing concrete. Although it is rough and uneven, it will add character to the patio, which being small, can use ever bit of character that can be eked out or the space. There will need to be serious moss removal on the current concrete, no matter which type of finish goes down on the ground.

Stone, likewise, seems a possible option if used just around the edges where there is no concrete existing. The big concerns with stone are a.) the expense, and b.) the weight. Slabs of flat stone weigh enough that extra manpower would be required. The nature of this particular small patio project is that it remain a one person job.

The most rational option looks like it may be using concrete stamps to create interesting patterns in freshly mixed and poured concrete. With proper preparation, a thin layer of cement could be laid down over the top of the rough stuff in place now. That would eliminate the need to break out several yards worth of cement and haul it off to be discarded. The remaining enclosed area should only be one to two feet wide around two sides of the patio. After weed removal, shovel digging and a base layer of gravel, a layer of thicker concrete would go down in those areas, too. Properly executed, the top layer of concrete could be blended for one smooth surface. Then concrete stamps will be pressed into the wet cement to make a faux stone finish.

[Photo: Peter Hellebrand, sxc.hu]

Enclosing the Small Patio

One mandate of owning a historic home in small town America is to maintain as much of the exterior "look" of the period as possible. For this small patio landscape, there is no line of sight from the street or sidewalk; so that requirement should take a lower priority in the design criteria. However, this town's compliance officer is a real stickler for ensuring everyone behaves to the strict letter of the law. He has been known to sneak around people's backyard privacy fences, reach over with a camera and take pictures. He views the photos, scanning and snooping about whether anyone has put in an 'illegal' swimming pool, keeps their dog outdoors during the day, or whatever random infraction he can spot.

So the first step in creating this particular small patio is to make sure that the privacy fence surrounding the patio is strictly within the property lines. Check city and county ordinances to see how far inside the boundary a fence may be placed. Next, verify whether a gate may, or must, swing out into an alley, onto a sidewalk, or any other property. Hunt for the property corner markers. In an old town the property lines can be very hard to find. Surveys are expensive, but well worth it to ensure the investment of a privacy fence does not end up being trashed if the line is not established.

For the property where this particular patio is being built, the privacy fence may be six feet high and no more. There is no specific city code, oddly enough, for which way gates may swing, so on this project the gates will be hinged to swing outward in deference to fire safety guidelines. There is also no particular mandate how far inside the property line a fence may be built, which is odd, as most cities of this size have very specific guidelines. A rule of thumb is to build the fence at least one foot inside the property boundaries. Some townships and cities specify that a fence may be built directly upon the line by mutual agreement of the adjoining neighbors.

Approved fence material are also often specified in zoning regulations. Since the fence around two and a half sides of this small patio are part of a continuous fence that runs behind and up one side of the house, the options are wood, iron poles or a chain link.  Woven wire fence is not allowed, although a decorative metal screen type privacy fence is allowed in the historic area... subject, of course to pre-approval by the review committee.

The most attractive and cost-efficient style of fence in this area is cedar wood fencing. Since this fence will effectively create a privacy wall around the patio, the wood needs to be smooth cut. It may or may not be painted or stained. Both options must be weighed for cost, labor and aesthetics.

A permanent element for consideration with these small patio decorating ideas are the concrete steps coming down from the kitchen door. The steps are absolutely necessary to get down the 12 inch drop from the kitchen floor level to patio floor level. Right now the steps are simple poured concrete. Plain, gray and boring.  Well, there is one small hole on the top step that doesn't affect anything at all.

The immediate thought is to replace that concrete with steps made of interesting pavers. Better yet, cover the boring concrete with brightly colored tiles. There's something for the design checklist. Just find out if there are tiles that are flamboyant, can be used outdoors without getting all slick and dangerous when wet AND that can be easily affixed to existing concrete steps. That approach works.

[Photo courtesy of Diane Groves, sxc.hu]

This Particular Small Patio

This small patio has the potential to be a relaxing oasis. It is attached to the back of a historic Queen Anne bungalow built in 1930. But don't let the word historic fool you. The plaque on the porch is simply an indication the former owner, a slumlord, got a multi-year tax break by signing some document agreeing to the terms of the historic district. Terms that he promptly ignored, of course.

The condition of the back patio is nearly as dire as the rest of the property. The broken concrete, moss-covered stones, and a warped slab of plywood nailed to the house siding is the extent of the patio's design. The structure is smack dab against the alleyway that bisects the old city block. A neighbor drives up and down the alley routinely, so dust, gravel and mud arrive on what could be a lovely outdoor space one day. High school students sneak down the alley to have a smoke or take the shortcut to downtown, so there is no privacy.

The mission now is to create a small backyard patio with privacy, a pleasant seating area for relaxation and a container garden. So far the house itself is almost liveable inside. The front yard has been properly fenced. The side yard has had decades of trash and overgrowth removed. But the patio... aaahhh... the project has been looked forward to every since the purchase of this fixer-upper.

Alas, all the other projects have taken so much energy and resources that the patio landscape project hasn't actually had any detailed planning so far. That sad state of affairs stops right now! Time to start exploring paver stones, outdoor furniture and garden containers. Time to look at the fencing and what type of garden gates will suit the space.

There are lots of basic structural questions to answer. How is the patio going to be used, for example. Is there room to have a little charcoal grill or maybe a mini gas grill. Since the door to this outdoor space comes directly off the kitchen perhaps it is better just to plan for cooking in the kitchen and serving picnic style outdoors. Just how much privacy can be achieved with a fence that is built in compliance with city ordinances is another question to answer before getting too crazy with small patio designs. Right now the only thing set in stone is that there are four entry ways into this small backyard area: the kitchen door, a utility room door, a 4 foot clearance into the very tiny back yard, and where the gate goes into the alley.

[Photo: Roger Kirby, sxc.hu]