The patio is often the central focus of a backyard. The base of the patio is part of the the design features in your yard, known as hardscaping. Creating an attractive surface that coordinates with the other hardscaped features, including walkways and retaining walls, provides an attractive continuity throughout the yard. The following tips can help you create the most attractive surface possible.

Choose a Surface

The type of surface depends mainly on your own personal preference and aesthetics, along with the amount of maintenance time you wish to expend. Concrete is one of the simplest options and it requires very little care. You can jazz it up by using a colored concrete in the color of your choice, or by having it acid stained later to resemble brick, cobblestones, or even a fancy tiled floor.

Pavers are another common option. These are highly attractive and can add old world charm to your yard. Dry fitted pavers are the most common. These aren't set in mortar, so you will need to add fresh sand to the joints every year. Weeds can also sometimes encroach between the stones if you don't keep them maintained. Pavers are also sometimes combined with concrete. They may be set in as decorative borders or to create a design.

Decks are a third option to consider for the patio. Wooden decks do require regular staining and maintenance, but the newer, plastic versions resemble wood without needing as much maintenance.

Create a Common Thread

Whichever main element you choose for your patio, find a way to weave it throughout the rest of the hardscaping. Since most paths likely radiate from the patio, repeat a design element within these paths. This can be as obvious as making the paths from the same materials, whether it is concrete or stone.

Another option is to keep it more subtle. For example, if you have a paver patio, edge concrete paths with similar pavers. For a concrete patio, edge in paver paths with concrete curbing, or use concrete curbing to define the flower beds near stepping stone pathways.

Combine Hard and Soft

Plants are another good way to tie the different hardscapes in your landscape together. Line both paths and patios with the same type of flower, or with flowers in a similar color. If pink climbing roses are covering the pergola over your patio, then line the path with pink rock roses or impatiens. Alternatively, place a small arbor at the end of the path, covered with its own set of pink roses.

You can also always reach out to a landscaping company for tips and ideas on how to blend hardscape features into your yard.