How to use this resource
- Read it on screen, or print it (Cmd/Ctrl + P) or save it as a PDF straight from your browser — nothing is gated and no sign-up is needed.
- Use it before speaking with professionals, to organise your thinking and arrive with clear, specific notes.
- Copy it by hand into a notebook if you prefer — the structure matters more than the format.
- Treat it as a planning aid, not a contract or a substitute for licensed professional advice.
Use cases
Dining, lounging, play — what the patio is really for.
Location
Where it sits relative to the house, garden and access.
Sun and shade
- Morning sun
- Afternoon sun
- Shade needed
- Prevailing wind considered
Drainage
Where water goes shapes everything. Have it assessed by professionals.
Surface materials
Compare for drainage, maintenance and your climate.
Furniture
Privacy
Lighting
Any outdoor electrical work goes to a qualified electrician.
Maintenance
Be honest about the upkeep you'll actually do.
Professional review
Drainage, retaining structures and decking should be designed and built by qualified professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this resource
What's the most overlooked part of patio planning?
Drainage. Water that isn't managed undermines patios, plantings and structures over time, so it should be assessed and designed by professionals as part of the plan.
Which patio material is best?
There's no universal best — each trades off appearance, drainage, maintenance and how it suits your climate. The patio materials comparison guide weighs the categories.
Can I build a deck or retaining wall from this?
No. Those are load-bearing structures that must be designed and built by qualified professionals. This checklist is for planning, not construction.
Keep planning