Perfecting the patio

Make the most of outdoor living this summer

By adding a pergola, fire pit and some accessories, Bill and Cindi Dampf transformed their outdoor spaces into a patio fit to entertain their children and grandchildren.
By adding a pergola, fire pit and some accessories, Bill and Cindi Dampf transformed their outdoor spaces into a patio fit to entertain their children and grandchildren.

Whether catching rays or sipping lemonade in the shade, Missouri's spring and summer weather beckons its residents to spend time outside.

Adding a few patio essentials can help extend your home's living space outdoors where you and your family can enjoy the warmer weather.

"People are making (patios) more of a living space rather than just a place to sit," said Mike Bishop, assistant store manager at the Jefferson City Lowes.

Laying the groundwork

Holts Summit couple Bill and Cindi Dampf chose to update their patio last year so they could spend more time enjoying their country home. They hoped to utilize their space to accommodate their grown children and grandchildren so the whole family could all be outside together.

"We wanted to make it a place to sit and relax and just look at the scenery," Cindi said.

The couple hired Will and Sarah Sturgeon, owners of Smoke "N Green Lawn and Landscape of Jefferson City, to add a little extra to their existing outdoor living space.

The Dampfs' previous outdoor space featured a small patio with large pavers that were coming up due to the backyard's drainage problem.

"In Jefferson City you see drainage issues everywhere," Will Sturgeon said. In order to maintain the integrity of the patio, those issues must be addressed. Even if you plan to create your patio space on your own, Sturgeon suggests at least consulting with a professional to make sure nature won't quickly destroy your hard work.

Seeking some inspiration, Cindi searched the pages of Pinterest. After seeing several pergolas - outdoor coverings that create a shaded area - she opted to include one in her own design. Because the Dampfs were on a budget, they had to make the area little smaller than they originally planned, but were able to include a fire pit as a focal point. Sturgeon and his team fixed the yard's drainage problems, replaced the pavers, added a large pergola and installed a matrix fire pit. A new patio furniture set now sits on the deck, and chairs they already owned were moved around the fire pit.

Pavers and stamped concrete are the most popular materials used for creating a new patio space, although some other great man-made materials can be used, Sturgeon said. Most people prefer manufactured materials in order to create a flat, level space. These can range in price, and the choice is really up to the homeowners based on what their budget allows.

Adding patio areas is a popular request for the local landscaping company, especially this time of year. "I think people are spending more time at home and spending more on their houses," Sturgeon said.

Working with your space

The Dampfs had a lot of space to work with, but for many that is not the case.

If you live in an apartment and have a small deck or concrete slab with limited options, try adding a two-chair bistro table, which takes up very little space. Or consider a bench, small side table and accent rug, which can be just enough to create a new look. Add a little lantern and potted plant to the mix, and you've got it made.

For those with big decks and patios, large outdoor tables can seat from four to eight people. Fire pits and outdoor kitchens could also be fun investments. Really look at the purpose of the space and try to create that with your furniture and accessories.

"We can custom-fit any area," Sturgeon said. But with a small space, he suggests turning a retaining wall into a sitting wall as well, or creating a sort of half pergola with just two posts instead of the traditional four and adding custom benches between the posts.

"The sky is the limit with a huge area, but you may have to scale it back a little bit with a small space," Sturgeon said, so as to not clutter the space too much.

Finishing touches

Patio furniture sets have been popular for many years, but as people try to make the most of their space, trends are moving toward coordinating that furniture with outdoor accessories such as pillows, candle holders, lanterns and flower pots. Of course, there are outdoor accent rugs, umbrellas and hanging lights as well.

With thousands of options and combinations to choose from, Bishop suggests looking at what you want to accomplish with your space and how many people you expect to entertain, then work from there.

Patios and decks can be as extravagant or as simple as your budget and available space will allow. Patio furniture has most often featured neutrals such as tan and black. However, color is taking over this year - local stores' tables and chairs feature bright blues, greens and reds.

Accessories to match are also available. Bishop said his customers are really seeking out pillows this year, and are purchasing more cushioned furniture than in previous years. Traditional wicker sets are less popular, and even customers making those purchases are also buying cushions. Floral prints and sleek stripes seem to be the patterns of choice. String lights and lanterns also come in a wide variety this year, another accessory to complete the look.

Chairs can be mixed and matched and placed around tables, fire pits or pools. Adirondack chairs may be one of the least expensive options and come in several colors. Woven resin wicker is always an option and most often comes in sets with chairs, loveseats and tables. Sling aluminum or steel-framed chairs with woven backs are everywhere and are also often paired with tables.

"You can get a set for as little as $100 and up to $1,500 or more," Bishop said. "There is a really wide price range for everybody."