Patio & Paving Design Dublin
A well designed patio should feel like part of the garden. Its position, size, proportions and materials all affect how the garden looks.
At LandArt we design patios and paving as part of the wider garden. We consider where the sun falls, how the space connects with the house, changes in level, planting, privacy and how you want to use the garden before deciding where the patio should go or what it should be made from.
By Dean Lacey, BSc. L.Arch, MGLDA, Garden Designer
Designing the Right Patio for Your Garden
One of the biggest mistakes when planning a patio is deciding on the paving before deciding on the layout. We start with the garden itself.
- 01
Where will you naturally want to sit?
- 02
Where is the afternoon or evening sun?
- 03
Does the patio need shelter or privacy?
- 04
How should it connect to the kitchen or living space?
- 05
Would a second seating area elsewhere in the garden work?
Sometimes the best position for the main patio is directly outside the house. In other gardens, moving the seating area further into the garden can make much better use of the available sunlight and create a more interesting layout.
Patio Paving Materials
We most commonly work with natural stone such as granite and limestone, as well as porcelain paving. The right choice depends on the style of the house.
- 01
Porcelain
Porcelain can create a clean, contemporary look and is available in a wide range of tones and formats.
- 02
Granite
Granite is extremely durable and works particularly well for paving, steps, kerbs and detailing.
- 03
Limestone
Limestone has a softer natural appearance and can work beautifully with both traditional and contemporary homes.
Rather than selecting the paving in isolation, we look at the materials already used on the house, including brick, stone, render, window frames and internal flooring.
Levels, Steps and Drainage
Some of the most important parts of a patio are the things you barely notice when the project is finished.
Levels, foundations, falls and drainage all need to be properly considered before paving is laid.
Changes in level can also become an important part of the design.
Steps, retaining walls, raised planting beds and different garden levels can help create definition between areas and give a garden much more depth and interest.
Connecting the Patio to the Planting
Planting is what turns an area of paving into a garden.
We like to leave generous planting around patios where possible, using trees, shrubs and softer planting to break up the hard landscaping and create a more comfortable place to sit.
Trees can provide height, privacy and a sense of enclosure, while planting around the edges helps soften paving and walls.
In smaller gardens this balance becomes even more important, as too much hard landscaping can quickly dominate the space.
More Than One Seating Area
Not every garden needs one large patio.
In larger gardens, or gardens where the sunlight changes considerably during the day, we sometimes create more than one place to sit.
A main terrace close to the house can be used for dining and entertaining, while a smaller seating area positioned elsewhere can take advantage of the evening sun.
The two areas can be connected through paths, lawn and planting so they feel part of one overall design.
Patio Design as Part of a Garden Renovation
LandArt's patio and paving work is generally undertaken as part of a wider garden design and landscaping project, rather than as a standalone paving installation.
This allows us to consider the complete garden, including the layout, planting, lawn, trees, screening, steps, walls, lighting and other elements alongside the patio.
Our design and build team then carry the project through from the initial design to the finished garden.
Patio & Paving FAQs
-
What is the best paving for a patio in Ireland? +
Porcelain, granite and limestone are all excellent options. The right material depends on the style of the property and the look you want to achieve. For exterior areas we select materials and finishes that are suitable for outdoor use and the Irish climate. -
Should a patio be directly outside the house? +
It can be convenient to have a terrace directly outside the kitchen or living area, but the sunniest or most sheltered part of the garden may be somewhere else. The best layout depends on the orientation and shape of the garden. -
How large should a patio be? +
A patio should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the furniture and circulation space you need. We determine this during the garden design process. -
Can you replace an existing patio? +
Yes, where a complete garden renovation requires new paving.
Planning a New Patio?
If you are considering a wider garden renovation that includes a new patio or paving, LandArt can design, build and plant the garden as one complete project.
