1. The Style of Your House

The most important thing to think about when planning a new deck or patio is finding one that suits the style of your house. The single most significant decision in this regard is the kind of roof you choose, as this impacts on the overall appearance of your home. For example, an older style house might work better with a gable roof, while the sleek lines of a flat roof can enhance a modern exterior. Or maybe you want to think about a custom-designed roof for your patio or deck roof, creating something unique that makes a statement about you and your lifestyle.

2. Your Lifestyle

This is definitely the next most important thing to consider when planning your new deck or patio. Questions to ask yourself include: What do you want your patio or deck to be? What is the main purpose for adding one? Do I want an outdoor dining room or is it a place to grow plants in pots? Or both? How much time to I have to maintain my deck or patio? What safety considerations are there? How can I make my vision a reality without spending too much money? All these questions, plus many more, should be asked and answered before you move to the next stage, as understanding the reasons behind wanting a deck or patio, and the logistics involved in getting one, is crucial to being satisfied with the finished product.

3. The Size of Your Patio or Deck

This is both a practical consideration and an aesthetic one, as the size of your patio or deck is not only based on the available space but on what suits the footprint and appearance of your home. After all, we’ve probably all seen decks and patios that are so out of whack with the size of the house that they stand out like a sore thumb.


Size is also something to consider in terms of both gaining council approval and staying on good terms with your neighbours. Planning a deck or patio that blocks the neighbours’ view or invades their privacy is not a good idea, as inevitably this will end up as a dispute and the loss of a friendly face across the way. In fact, discuss your plans with your neighbours right from the start to avoid any issues arising down the track, and, most importantly, be considerate.

4. Your Budget

Your budget underpins everything mentioned above, as it determines the style of patio or deck you choose, how it fits into your lifestyle, the size and what materials are used. Perhaps your budget should come first, but we’ve put it at number 4 because there are always ways to work within your budget without compromising your vision. You should, however, have your absolute limit in mind when you’re researching and planning, as this avoids feeling disappointed when the reality is nowhere near your dream. And don’t forget to include things like furniture and accessories in your budget, as it’s no good having a beautiful new deck if you’ve got nothing to sit on to enjoy it.

5. Your Builder

Finally, you need to choose a builder who you can trust to install your patio or deck within a reasonable timeline and to a high standard. At Lifestyle Patios we adhere to a 7-step process to ensure that your project proceeds smoothly and with minimal impact on your life. We do all the heavy lifting for you, from initial consultation to design, approvals, construction and final inspection, so you’ll be enjoying your new patio or deck before you know it.

For more information and to book your free consultation, call Lifestyle Patios on 1300 417 950.

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