Patios are a practical way to extend your living space. patio companies in Maidstone, having handled several patio construction projects, know how patios are designed to suit different styles and needs.

However, apart from ensuring they complement the overall design of your house, these outdoor areas should first and foremost be safe. In this blog, we’re rounding up nine tips on how to design a patio that’s safe for kids and seniors.

Determine the purpose of your patio. As in any home improvement project, designing your patio should start with a clear goal in mind. Will the patio become an intimate and cozy space for two? Or will it be a place where a bunch of people can gather and get entertained?

Take into account position and privacy. Do you want to have a great view of the outdoors? Or do you want to have a secluded place where you can enjoy your surroundings? Patio companies in Maidstone always remind their clients that privacy should always be taken into account — no matter where they want to position their patio. This can be attained through the use of trellis, pergola, plants/landscapes, and awnings.

Ensure the durability of your frames. When it comes to ensuring safety, the frames should be highly durable in order to handle foot traffic for a long period of time. Experts recommend that when you design a patio, the frames should be made of pressure treated lumber. With high-grade pressure treatment, the frames are made to withstand decay.

Be meticulous about the joint spans. Apart from the frames itself, joints also play a crucial role in keeping your patio sturdy and safe — especially for kids and seniors. Building codes regulate the span of floor joints to ensure that decks and patios can withstand the weight and movement of their users.

Know the importance of concrete footings. In relation to wooden frames, concrete footings work to provide strength to these frames. These footings (which should be at least 8-inches thick) help frames remain stationary no matter what the weather condition is.

Install sturdy railings. A patio’s railing system is one of the structure’s most important safety features. Rails help prevent falling, and further provides strength to the frames.

Light up your patio. Lighting does not only add style and character to your patio — it also serves as a safety measure that helps people (kids and seniors, especially) clearly see their path when there’s not enough natural light. There are various ways wherein patios can be lighted — from the use of a pergola to ground lighting.

Check your local building code. Patio companies in Maidstone know how important it is to follow building codes — regulations that help guarantee the safety and sturdiness of structures (commercial and residential) like decks and patios.

Get help from patio experts. Designing a patio is not a walk in the park. To make it long-lasting, stylish, and safe for you and your loved ones, you should consult and work hand in hand with an expert in the field.
Stevens Landscapes is one of the leading and most trusted patio companies in Maidstone today. If you need to to build a patio or want to give your existing one some TLC, contact us and we will be more than happy to help.