Table of Contents
- Step 1: Think about how you’ll actually use your patio
- Step 2: Choose the best location
- Step 3: Plan the layout for flow and functionality
- Step 4: Choose materials that match your style and local climate
- Step 5: Add protection to make your patio usable in any weather
- Step 6: Design for year-round comfort
- Step 7: Furnish and style with purpose
- Make your patio vision happen with a team that gets it right
Your outdoor area has the potential to be so much more than bare ground. With the right design, it can become your favourite spot for morning coffees, weekend hangouts or peaceful nights unwinding under the starlit sky, made even better with the comfort of an outdoor heater.
But creating an outdoor space you’ll love year-round takes more than just good looks. It takes well thought out planning. From layout and materials to shade, heating and personal touches, we’ll guide you through how to design a patio that’s practical, beautiful and built for the way you live.
Step 1: Think about how you’ll actually use your patio
Before jumping into all the fun stuff like colours, materials and layouts, take some time to think about the role you want your patio to play in your day-to-day life.
For instance, do you picture yourself hosting regular weekend barbecues? Enjoying quiet evenings with a glass of wine? Creating a space where the kids can play while you relax? These answers will shape all your design decisions going forward.
Getting clear on the purpose of your patio helps determine the size you need, the type of cover (if any), the layout, furniture choices, and even lighting and heating. It’s the foundation for creating a space that’s not only beautiful, but genuinely useful.
Step 2: Choose the best location
The spot you choose for your patio will have a big impact on how much you enjoy it. A well-placed patio becomes a natural extension of your home — and a poorly positioned one can feel disconnected or uncomfortable.
To get this step right, consider the following:
- Proximity to your home: Positioning your patio near the kitchen or living area makes it easy to access and encourages you to use it more often.
- Sunlight: Pay attention to where the sun hits your backyard at different times of day. A north-facing spot will get plenty of winter sun, while west-facing areas might need more shading.
- Wind and rain exposure: Choose a spot that’s naturally protected, or plan how you’ll add shelter to stay comfortable in all weather.
- Privacy: Consider neighbouring properties and whether you’ll need screening, fencing or plants to create a more secluded feel.
Step 3: Plan the layout for flow and functionality
Now that you’ve got that perfect location in mind, it’s time to design the layout. The best patio layouts feel open, functional and inviting. Start by imagining how you’ll move through the space and what needs to fit within it.
Here’s what to think about:
- Shape and size: Make sure the space fits your lifestyle — for example, room for a large dining table if entertaining is important, or space for lounge furniture if relaxation is your priority.
- Zoning: Consider creating distinct areas within the patio, like a spot for cooking (e.g. BBQ or outdoor kitchen), one for dining, and another for lounging.
- Traffic flow: Give yourself enough room to move around furniture, walk through with food or drinks, and get from one zone to another without it feeling cramped.
- Access points: Think about how you’ll enter the patio — from the house, garden or driveway — and how those entry points impact the layout.
Step 4: Choose materials that match your style and local climate
Your choice of materials will influence not just how your patio looks, but how it holds up over time. Pick a palette that complements your home’s existing style and makes the space feel connected rather than separate.
This step is where function and aesthetic come together — good materials look great and last the distance. Since your patio will be exposed to the elements, choose materials that are durable, low-maintenance, and suited to Melbourne’s weather conditions.
For the flooring, popular options include:
- Concrete (poured, stamped or exposed aggregate)
- Natural stone (like travertine or bluestone)
- Composite decking
- Porcelain pavers or tiles
For structural elements and furniture, look for:
- Steel (Stratco Outback®) pergolas, Sunroof Louvre pergolas or Shade Blade pergolas
- Weather-resistant outdoor furniture (powder-coated aluminium, teak, outdoor-rated fabrics)
Step 5: Add protection to make your patio usable in any weather
Melbourne’s weather can change quickly, so if you want to enjoy your patio throughout the year, some form of shelter is essential. Shade and rain protection will allow you to use the space more often, especially during hot summers or sudden downpours.
You’ve got a few fantastic options:
- Pergolas (open or roofed): Provide shade and structure while keeping your patio open and airy, with options for either open beams or a solid roof.
- Louvered roofs: Feature adjustable slats you can tilt manually to control sunlight and airflow, perfect for adapting to changing weather.
- Shade Blade pergolas: Stylish and functional, these pergolas offer gentle light, airflow, and light-rain protection all in one, making them a versatile choice for year-round use.
- Permanent patio roofs: These offer full rain protection and allow for lighting, fans and heating to be added underneath.
Step 6: Design for year-round comfort
Now it’s time to think about how your patio will perform through all four seasons. The right features can turn your patio into a remarkably liveable space, even in the middle of summer or winter.
Some must-have features are:
- Heating: In-built gas heaters, fire pits or electric strip heaters can make cool nights incredibly cosy.
- Cooling: Ceiling fans or wall-mounted outdoor fans help keep the air moving on warm days.
- Lighting: Include a mix of practical lighting (for safety or tasks like cooking), as well as ambient lighting like wall sconces or festoon lights for livening up the mood.
- Power access: Plan for outdoor power points if you want to plug in heaters, speakers, fridges or chargers.
Step 7: Furnish and style with purpose
This is the step where your patio transforms into something truly special. With the perfect furniture and styling, it creates a natural connection between your home and the outdoors.
When choosing furniture:
- Focus on comfort and durability, as you want pieces that feel good and can stand up to the weather.
- Make sure your furniture fits your space nicely without making it feel cramped.
- Go for fabrics and finishes that won’t freak out when the rain or sun shows up.
When styling:
- Layer in some cosiness with cushions, throws and rugs.
- Bring in greenery using potted plants, vertical gardens or built-in planter boxes for a fresh, natural vibe.
- Personalise the space with lanterns, artwork or decorative accents that showcase your style.
Make your patio vision happen with a team that gets it right
Designing a patio that looks great and works perfectly year-round takes more than just ideas. It needs expert planning, quality materials and skilled craftsmanship to get it right. That’s where our Stratco patio installers make it easy and hassle-free for you.
We customise every patio to suit Melbourne’s unique climate and your lifestyle, using premium Stratco materials. From the first design to the final build, we handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy your new outdoor space.
So why wait any longer for your dream backyard? Get in touch with the Outdoor Impressions team today, and don’t forget to check out our previous projects for inspiration!
