What size patio should i build

You should leave out enough space to walk around when guests are seated at the table. Mark the patio area you feel will be adequate to accommodate your outdoor furniture. If you doubt the ideal patio size, it is advisable to plan for a larger patio. You might need to accommodate additional furniture or planted containers in the future. Below are some guidelines on the space requirements for different patio furniture and accessories:.

One sizing tip is to match your patio to the size of your ground floor room. You may create a patio that is as wide as your house. If your patio is sizeable, you should ensure that it looks proportional to your main house.

Small patios rarely pose a challenge. However, a large patio may overpower or overshadow your home. Even if some patios have the adequate square footage, they eventually end up feeling cramped. To avoid this, you should plan your patio with traffic and activity in mind. The ideal patio size will vary depending on the patio type you intend to build.

Different patio types will have different size requirements. There are four common types of patios:. Determining the size of your patio is crucial. Many homeowners end up with a patio that is either too small or too large.

Patios that are too small feel cramped after adding furniture, planters and a grill. Patios that are too large lose their intimacy. If you take the time to determine the right measurements for your patio you will end up with a well-designed outdoor living area that you can use year-round for entertaining and relaxing. Learn how to calculate actual dimensions for a new patio based on the size of your furniture and your entertaining needs.

Here are three easy steps to help you discover the right patio dimensions :. Often you can't determine a patio size without a full working knowledge of what will happen there. A good designer will know how much space is required to achieve your use goals for the patio and how standard minimum dimensions are used. These minimums are more important in smaller patios where it takes detailed space planning to ensure all the needs are met.

Often a professional will begin by organizing specific uses into the space. Square tables are generally supported with a post leg in each corner which can make it a little more challenging to add-in another chair. Square tables allow your guests a little extra table top space! Oval tables are predominantly supported by a pedestal-type base that extends the length of the table with the occasional post leg support available.

All-weather wicker tables may have a skirt that extends fairly low so take that into consideration when looking at a wicker dining set if you have long-legged diners. Rectangle tables are mostly supported by post legs at each corner or by a cross-beam support or trestle. A cross-beam or trestle base may impede upon the space for knees and feet under the table and at the ends.

Be sure to take into account the overhand at the ends of the table so there is sufficient room to pull your chair in close to the table top.

Another support option that you will find is a center pedestal on small rectangle tables or double pedestals located at the ends of the table on large tables. There are 3 basic types of patio dining seating to choose from: standard dining with 4 legs or sleigh base, swivel rocker dining chairs with a round base or a bench option. Although the standard dining chair is predictably the less expensive option, the other choices have their benefits. A sleigh base gives support from front to back which can be helpful on an uneven surface.

A bench makes extra space available as your diners can easily slide in and out without having to move the bench. As you are determining the type of patio dining chair, you will also want to think about the frame material and whether or not to use a cushion.

Outdoor dining chairs are available in aluminum, cast aluminum, all-weather wicker and recycled plastics. Each material has it's own benefits. Cushion dining is available with full chair cushions or seat cushions.

Another fabric option is the sling or padded sling styles which are fantastic for uncovered areas or around swimming pools. So, how much space do you have to place your gorgeous new patio dining set?

If you have a grill or outdoor kitchen in the same space as the table, be sure to allow room for the chef to move around freely. If space is limited, you can get by with the chair depth plus 4 inches or consider using a bench or swivel rockers instead. Dining chair depth will vary from 18 inches to 25 inches and you will need to take into consideration if you prefer chairs with arms or without which will impact the number of seats around the table.

Since this is a round table, you would use the same measurement for length and width. This table would easily work in your space with enough room to enter and exit the dining area.

A good rule of thumb is to allow about 2 feet of eating space per person. Tables smaller than 48 inches seat Rectangle and oval tables need a little more thought. Tip: Rectangle tables less than 42 inches wide may not allow the placement of a chair at each end as there will not be sufficient dining space. Also, check the overhang at the end of the table with double pedestals, cross-beam or trestle support as there needs to be plenty of room for knees and feet! Your rectangle table is 72 inches in length and 42 inches wide.

Following the rule of thumb, 2 chairs that are 25 inches wide will require a minimum of 54 inches. The maximum number of chairs around this table will be 6 with 2 on each side and 1 at each end.