Welcome to the ultimate guide to patio planning, where we turn your backyard dreams into reality! At Project Landscape in Calgary, we believe your patio should be more than just a space—it should be a sanctuary, a dining room under the stars, and your favorite kitchen, all rolled into one. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s dive into creating the perfect patio for your home.

Table of Contents

1. How Will You Use Your Space
   • Creating “Rooms” in Your Outdoor Space
2. Types of Paving Stone Materials for Your Patio
   • Choosing the Right Color and Material
3. The Size of the Patio: Go Big or Go Home?
   • Why Bigger Often Means Better
4. Patio Add-On Features
   • Elevating Your Patio Experience

1. How Will You Use Your Space

Creating “Rooms” in Your Outdoor Space: Your patio isn’t just an add-on—it’s a pivotal part of your home’s living area, a bridge to the outdoors. It’s where the crisp air meets cozy comfort, and nature joins hands with nurture. Whether you’re a social butterfly, a culinary connoisseur, or a solitude seeker, your patio can cater to every aspect of your lifestyle.

• The Al Fresco Dining Room: Envision a space where the flavors of your kitchen meet the freshness of the outdoors. A long table under a pergola, strung with lights, offers the perfect setting for gatherings that linger long into the night. This “room” can be as simple as a bistro set for two or as grand as a fully equipped outdoor dining area, complete with a built-in grill and bar.
• The Fireside Lounge: Imagine a cozy nook centered around a crackling fire pit, where stories are shared, and marshmallows are toasted. Comfy seating, from plush sofas to rustic benches, invites relaxation and conversation. This space can be your family’s favorite spot to unwind or a magical backdrop for intimate gatherings.
• The Open-Air Kitchen: For those who find joy in cooking and baking, an outdoor kitchen is a dream come true. Equipped with a grill, a pizza oven, or even a smoker, this “room” allows you to explore culinary adventures under the open sky. Add a bar or a kitchen island, and you’ve got yourself a space where cooking becomes a communal, interactive event.
• The Serenity Garden: Not all rooms are designed for activity; some are meant for reflection. A secluded corner of your patio, adorned with lush plants, a soothing water feature, and comfortable seating, can serve as your personal retreat. It’s a space where you can start your day with yoga, enjoy an afternoon of reading, or simply bask in the tranquility of nature.

By thoughtfully designing each “room” of your outdoor space, you’re not just crafting areas for specific activities; you’re creating an environment that adapts to your evolving needs and desires. This approach ensures that your patio is not only a beautiful extension of your home but a versatile, dynamic part of your daily life.

2. Types of Paving Stone Materials for Your Patio

Choosing the Right Color and Material: The journey to your dream patio starts underfoot, with the selection of the perfect paving stone materials. This choice is about more than just appearances—it’s about setting a stage that’s both stunning and steadfast. Here’s a closer look at the options that can elevate your outdoor space:

• Concrete Paving Slabs: Versatile and cost-effective, concrete paving slabs offer a wide range of colors and textures. Modern manufacturing techniques allow these slabs to mimic higher-end materials like natural stone or even wood, providing durability without compromising on style. Ideal for those who love the look of natural materials but are mindful of budget and maintenance.
• Natural Stone: For a truly authentic and unique patio, natural stone is unparalleled. From the warm hues of sandstone to the sleek, sophisticated appearance of limestone, natural stone paving offers unmatched beauty and character. Each piece tells its own story, contributing to a patio that is as individual as you are.
• Brick Pavers: If you’re aiming for a classic or rustic vibe, brick pavers are a fantastic choice. Available in various colors, from traditional reds to more subdued browns and greys, brick pavers can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Their strength and ability to age gracefully make them a perennial favorite.
• Composite Pavers: For a modern twist that’s eco-friendly, consider composite pavers made from recycled materials. These pavers combine the durability of traditional paving stones with the sustainability of recycled components. They’re an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner who doesn’t want to sacrifice style for sustainability.
• Porcelain Pavers: Porcelain pavers are a newer entrant to the patio scene but are quickly gaining popularity for their sleek look, low maintenance, and incredible durability. Perfect for a contemporary outdoor space, porcelain pavers come in a variety of finishes and can mimic natural stone or wood without the upkeep.

Color Matters: When choosing the color of your paving stones, consider the overall palette of your home and landscape. Earthy tones like browns and greys are versatile and blend harmoniously with most settings, creating a seamless transition between indoors and out. These colors are also forgiving when it comes to showing dirt or wear, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

Your patio is an expression of your personal style and a testament to thoughtful design. By selecting the right paving stone materials, you’re not just building a patio; you’re crafting an experience, a backdrop for memories, and an extension of your living space that speaks to your unique aesthetic.

3. The Size of the Patio: Go Big or Go Home?

Why Bigger Often Means Better: Imagine a canvas where you’re free to paint your ideal outdoor scene. A larger patio is just that—a broad canvas ready to host your dreams. The beauty of a spacious patio isn’t just in its ability to entertain large groups; it’s in the versatility and freedom it offers.

• Room to Grow: As your family grows or your entertainment needs change, a larger patio means you’re already set up to adapt. Want to add a hot tub, a larger dining set, or more lounge chairs? A spacious patio means you won’t have to choose between a seating area and your new pizza oven—you can have both.
• Zoning for Peace and Party: With more square footage, you can create distinct zones for different moods and moments. One corner can host a lively kitchen area bustling with culinary creativity, while another corner offers a serene retreat for those moments of needed solitude or casual conversations under the stars.
• Enhanced Property Value: From a practical investment perspective, a larger patio enhances your property’s appeal and value. It’s a feature that potential buyers can easily envision themselves enjoying, making it a worthwhile addition to your home.
• Aesthetic and Functional Harmony: A larger patio allows for more design creativity and functional utility. It lets you incorporate the elements of landscape design, like water features, fire pits, and gardens, without feeling cluttered. The result is a cohesive outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home’s interior.

In our 30 years at Project Landscape, we’ve seen time and again that patios become the heart of the home—a place where memories are made, meals are shared, and relaxation is paramount. Going bigger with your patio design opens the door to endless possibilities and ensures that your outdoor space can evolve with your lifestyle.

4. Patio Add-On Features

Elevating Your Patio Experience: A well-designed patio serves as a foundation, but it’s the add-ons that truly define its character and functionality. Here are some transformative features:

• Landscape Lighting: As the sun dips below the horizon, landscape lighting takes center stage, weaving a tapestry of light and shadow that invites you to linger outdoors. Strategically placed lighting can highlight architectural features, guide paths, and create an intimate setting for late-night conversations. From soft, solar-path lights to dramatic LED up-lighting, the right lighting scheme can turn your patio into an enchanted evening retreat.
• Fire Pits: Gathering around a fire pit is like reconnecting with our ancestral roots, with the added comfort of modern luxury. A fire pit serves as a focal point, providing warmth and a mesmerizing glow that draws people together. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows with the kids or enjoying a glass of wine with friends, a fire pit adds a layer of coziness and charm to your outdoor space.
• Outdoor Kitchens: For those who love to cook and entertain, an outdoor kitchen is a game-changer. Equipped with grills, smokers, refrigerators, and even sinks, outdoor kitchens allow you to prepare gourmet meals without missing out on the party. It’s about bringing the heart of your home into the great outdoors, making every meal an event to remember.
• Pergolas: Pergolas offer a perfect blend of form and function, providing shade on sunny days while adding an architectural element that’s both striking and timeless. Draped with vines or fitted with retractable canopies, pergolas create a comfortable, shaded spot to relax, dine, or simply enjoy the beauty of your garden.
• Water Features: The soothing sound of running water adds a zen-like quality to your patio, creating a tranquil oasis where stress seems to evaporate into the air. From simple tabletop fountains to elaborate waterfalls, adding a water feature can transform your patio into a serene retreat, perfect for meditation or a quiet afternoon with a good book.

Incorporating these add-on features into your patio design not only elevates your outdoor living experience but also turns your backyard into a versatile extension of your home where comfort, entertainment, and relaxation meet.

Ready to Start Planning?

At Project Landscape, we’re passionate about turning your outdoor space into your favorite place to be. With our expertise in design and construction, along with a wide range of paving stone options and add-on features, we’re here to help you create a patio that’s not just beautiful but also uniquely yours.

Eager to begin the transformation? Visit our patio surfaces page to get inspired and learn more about our services. And when you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call at 403-2574059 to discuss your project and get an estimate. Let’s make your patio planning journey as enjoyable and seamless as your future outdoor living experiences!