Patio Makeover: How to Create an Outdoor Oasis in Your Backyard - Wayfair Canada (2024)

Building a small backyard patio with simple patio design ideas is much easier than you think. The size of your backyard doesn't matter; you can create a corner sitting area that is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Creating an outdoor space is a very economical and cost-effective way to enjoy a staycation.

But designing the perfect space takes planning and a certain amount of strategy in order to create an outdoor haven that you will use to its fullest extent. Enjoy the weather in style by creating a beautiful, functional patio for your home. Even if you’re working with limited outdoor space, you can find ideas for decorating a small patio and make a big impact.

We’ll take the guesswork out of it for you and share the best way to create your very own outdoor oasis.

It’s important to get organized before you begin the process of creating a new patio. First you’ll need to figure out how much money you’d like to dedicate to the makeover. Next, decide whether you’ll need to outsource any aspect of the project. Later comes the design part of the process – picking furniture and deciding on a layout for your oasis. And last but not least, you’ll put the finishing touch on your space with decorative accessories.

Establish a Budget

The cost of a new patio can vary widely depending on the size, style, and extent of construction that needs to be done. Set aside a predetermined amount of money for your patio and then proceed accordingly. The average cost for a patio install is $3,421. If you have a tight budget, you’ll want to shop around for the best price on each element. If there’s any room to splurge, you’ll want to do it on furniture so it lasts for a long time. Accessories, on the other hand, are a good place to save money.

Should You Hire a Pro?

If you’re starting with raw space, you’ll need to decide whether to build the patio yourself or hire a professional. If you have no experience and no stone-cutting tools, it may make the most sense to outsource this portion of the project. If you are a confident DIYer and have access to a wet saw, then it might be more cost-effective to build it yourself. If you plan to do the work on your own, make sure to choose a simple design with larger tiles to save time.

Decide on a Layout

Before you pick out any products, it’s imperative that you figure out how the space will be configured. Begin by considering your points of entry – is there a door that opens up onto the patio? If so, you’ll want to make sure to place your furniture such that there is easy access to the door. Are you working with a very small area? You may want to place any larger pieces like sofas against a wall and choose multifunctional and easily moveable pieces like ottomans that can do double-duty as tables and seating. And you’ll also want to think about the view; situate sofas and chairs so they face a pleasing view or (maybe more importantly) away from anything unpleasant.

Pick Your Patio Furniture

Once you’ve created the space, it’s time to choose your furniture. Begin by considering the amount of seating you need, and choose pieces that will fit the space. Aspects to consider include size, style, price, and material. Once you’ve chosen items that you feel will work, use painter’s tape to mark off the measurements in the actual space to make sure that everything will fit while still allowing plenty of breathing room between pieces. It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll want to think about how you’ll store any cushions and pillows when you’re not using them – you may want to purchase a storage box, in which case you would also need to budget space for this.

Accessorize

The last and arguably the most fun part of the process is to add some decorative touches to your new patio. Accessories are a great way to infuse color, texture, and lighting into any space. You can dress up your outdoor space similarly to the way you decorate your indoor space. Throw pillows and potted plants are a great place to start, especially if you live in an urban area or have a space that lacks greenery. It is important to consider temperature – you may want to hang a shade sail during the summer and have a patio heater and blankets available for the cooler months. If you plan to use your patio at night, be sure to add some light sources such as candles, torches, string lights, or solar lanterns.

Faith Towers Provencher is a do-it-yourself decor blogger with a passion for all things creative. She shares colorful DIY projects and inspiration on her blog, Design Fixation, and on her Instagram and Pinterest accounts. She has also regularly contributed to Houzz.com, BobVila.com, DIYs.com, Curbly.com, and many others. She received her art degree from Skidmore College in upstate New York and has been working on a freelance basis in the Boston area for a decade. When she’s not working, she’s usually exploring local antique shops with her family or walking her mischievous dog Charlie.