Upgrading to a new patio installation is one of the best ways to get the most out of your backyard. You have control over what materials you use, the shape and design of your patio, where the patio goes, what your patio will be used for, and how much space the patio takes up.
When planned properly, a new patio installation in Maryland can help you get the most of outdoor living – there can be room for a fire pit for nights under the stars, an outdoor kitchen for hosting family and friends, and even built-in seating for relaxing during the day. You can integrate built-in backyard upgrades or choose to furnish your patio with seasonal items.
With the right professionals and patio contractors, you can discuss a patio that integrates with an existing garden, expands livable space under an existing deck, or simply provides a more reliable hosting space in your yard. To get everything you want to do, you want to know the right size for your patio.
Our professionals break down what you need to consider to get the right patio size and what your options are for sizing your new patio installation. Be confident with your installation and get the most out of your home.
Patio Sizing Guide for Homeowners
If your patio is too small, you won’t be able to use it the way you want and you may end up feeling cramped or running out of space. However, if you size your patio installation too large, there is more upkeep and less natural grass for playground equipment, swimming pools, gardens, or other backyard activities.
The right patio size balances comfort, safety, maintenance, budget, and long-term use. Consider a few of the main questions we ask our clients before installing a new patio to help you find the right patio size for your home.
What Will the Patio Be Used For
The first priority is what you want the patio to be used for. Some homeowners want a small space for a couple of chairs, while other homeowners are looking for a large hosting area including grills, an outdoor kitchen, and more. Be mindful about what you want now and what you might want in the future to plan for the right patio size.
- Relaxing
- Hosting
- Cooking
- Grilling
- Pets or kids
- A hammock
- Patio furniture
- Fire pit
Where Will Everything Go
Before the patio installation starts, or the design is approved, make sure you know where everything will go on your new patio. It may be easy to say you would like a dining set or a fire pit, but make sure there is room for all items plus room to move around. Work with your patio contractor for a scaled design showing dimensions and layout.
- Outline the patio design
- Get measurements
- Have room to walk
Does Your Patio Fit Your Yard
Some homeowners shop for patio designs that may not be complementary to their yard or home. You want to consider what door you will use to access the patio, if the yard has a slope, what trees may be in the way, and if any area is prone to flooding. Your patio contractor can also advise on the best fit for your home to get the right size patio.
- Door placement
- Scale
- Flood areas
- Color and aesthetics
Is There a Natural Balance
Patios give the convenience of a flat, stable area to place all of your outdoor furniture, grills, and other items. A patio that takes away too much greenery, however, can feel too big or too much like being in the city when you’re trying to create an outdoor oasis. The right balance of patio and greenery should include protected areas for grass, trees, gardening, or even a pond or water feature.
- Keep a percentage of patio to greenery
- Plant trees or a garden
- Consider a water feature
- Choose a winding patio through nature vs a square
Does the Patio Flow From Your Home
Patios work best when they easily integrate into how you use your home. It should be easy to move from the indoors out to your patio, and once on your patio, you shouldn’t need to navigate a lot of complex turns or items to the most livable space. Walk the area before your patio is installed to see what feels most natural to you and where you instinctively move towards.
- Door placement
- Flow of the outdoors
- Path from door to seating
- Open walkways
Does Your Patio Have Natural Shade
In Maryland, an exposed patio will not be as inviting as a shaded patio, especially in Spring and Summer. Patio shade options may be choosing to add a gazebo or pergola into your design, making the patio large enough for an outdoor umbrella, extending your roof, or using the shaded area under a deck. You can also build your patio near trees or make landscaping plans to add some after the patio installation, but be sure the roots won’t later damage the patio. Thinking about shade and weather protection helps you design the right size patio.
- Patio umbrellas
- Built-in gazebo or pergola
- Deck shade
- Natural trees
- Roof extension
- Awning
Will the Patio Be Easy to Maintain
Our last recommendation to homeowners is to consider how easy their patio will be to maintain. This comes down to placement, size, design shape, surroundings, and what materials are used. Some materials may hold dirt or water while others are easier to powerwash. A complex design may also show wear more, or even being near a lot of trees will require constant leaf blowing and root monitoring. Ask your contractor about basic patio maintenance during the design and consult.
- Powerwashing
- Leaf removal
- Puddles
- Dirt removal
- Navigation
- Access
Average Patio Sizes
When working with Evergreen Fence and Deck for a new patio in Maryland, you can design a custom patio that perfectly fits your home and your yard. However, if you are looking for recommended sizes, there are some suggested patio designs that scale to meet your needs. Starting with one of these ideas from our patio sizing guide, we can fully customize your patio for your home and lifestyle.
Bistro Living
8×10 to as small as 6×8
Just large enough for a table and a couple of chairs, a small patio is like eating outside of your favorite cafe. There is minimal upkeep, and it is a very budget-friendly option, although you will be limited with patio furniture or even outdoor grilling.
Side Yard Advantage
10×12 but easily scales to your home
Patio installations don’t always have to be in the front or back yards. Take advantage of your side yard, especially in a townhome or in a close neighborhood, to reduce your lawn work and instead have a cozy dining area or shaded reading nook.
Backyard Dining
14×16 or scaled to fit your outdoor dining set
If you love to host family and friends, or even just dine outside, a medium-sized patio is the right choice. Outdoor dining patios are recommended at 10×16 for a long and wide design, but knowing the size of your patio furniture is the best way to choose your size; most table and chair sets require 12×12 to fit comfortably with at least 3ft of clearance.
Fireplace Evenings
15×20 with a built-in fire pit
If you have the space and you love the outdoors at night, a larger patio with a built-in fire pit is the right call. 15×20 is a great starting size to fit benches, chairs, or even built-in seating. You can fit family and friends without feeling cramped and even add some solar lights for all-night hosting.
Outdoor Gatherings Year-Round
20×30 or larger
If you want to live on your patio, with an outdoor kitchen or elaborate patio furniture, you want to choose a large patio size that fits your home. This is perfect for large gatherings or making multi-use spaces, so your patio can be used year-round on multiple occasions.
Patio Options for Year-Round Use
Don’t stop at just creating a patio. The best part of working with a small patio company that is local is that you can expand your design to include updates that improve comfort and usability. A few small add-ons upfront will deepen your investment and allow more use of your new space.
Gazebo or Shade Structure
A gazebo or pergola is a great shade structure to add onto your patio to avoid having to deal with umbrellas or tree maintenance. They also add character and personality to your home while adding real value.
Lighting
A well-lit patio is safer for everyone and allows both day and night use. You can choose solar lights, built-in lighting, or other lighting options that complement how you are going to use the space.
Fire Pit
Maryland evenings are perfect for sitting around a fire pit. Adding a built-in fire pit to your patio design allows for a safer fire pit that requires less maintenance. We can create a small fire circle, or you can explore large, luxury designs that become the centerpiece of your yard.
Built-In Seating
Built-in seating is an easy way to reduce the maintenance and cost of upkeeping patio furniture, especially in Maryland’s harsh climate. A few benches or nooks help create a cozy area that everyone can enjoy, and you don’t need to worry about it.
Under Deck
If you have a tall deck, an under deck patio is the best way to take advantage of that space. You get a shaded patio area, easy access for lighting or fan fixtures, and can expand the flow of your living space naturally.
Making Your Patio Fit Your Home
Door Placement
Make sure the patio door is easily accessible from both inside and outdoors. A patio door that is obstructed or in an awkward place will be used less, especially if this is going to be a primary place of traffic for you or guests. Consider what will be on the patio when you exit outside – don’t let furniture block your access.
Window Views
Check the view from your windows inside before confirming your patio placement. Remember, your patio will be a place of hosting and gathering, so sometimes it may also collect clutter. Are you okay seeing people from your bedroom window or having them see in? Do you have a view you want to protect that patio furniture may obstruct? Is it important to see the patio from your kitchen to keep an eye on your family?
Proportionate to Your Home
Although you may have big dreams of a large patio, it is worth keeping your patio size proportionate to your home. An overly large patio can overwhelm the space and may even decrease home value. However, too small of a patio on a large house can feel like its not usable or not an attractive feature.
Yard Slope
The slope of your yard, even if small, is critical for patio installation. Your contractor will consider where the ground holds the most moisture, if flooding or water damage could be a concern, where your home’s natural drainage is, and if the slope is too steep to safely install a patio. The good news is, there are solutions to leveling a yard or redirecting water flow for a patio close to home.
Property Lines
Don’t risk your patio going into your neighbor’s yard and having to be removed later due to property lines. Checking the property map beforehand and getting confirmation with the right permits or county approval (if needed) ensures your patio installation is protected and won’t cause issues later.
Furniture Sizing
Most furniture requires at least 3ft of clearance, making it easy to navigate around for both guests and family or pets. You want to know the size of your desired patio furniture to make sure it will fit without feeling cluttered. This is especially important for grills or outdoor kitchens, so you always have the proper safety space.
Walkways
You don’t need to designate the walkways of your patio, but you need to have them. It’s cumbersome to move around furniture constantly, and it makes it easier and safer if you think about where people naturally will travel as they move across your patio, so leave a little extra room when designing your patio.
Patio Shapes
Patio installations can be square, circular, rectangular, or designed to fit the geometry of your home. Open up the possibility of something besides a square or rectangle if you want a statement piece that winds through your yard or allows multi-use spaces.
Get a Quote on the Right Size Patio for Your Home
If you’re ready to get started on your new patio build in Maryland, contact Evergreen Fence and Deck. We handle new patio installations for homes in Howard County and Montgomery County. Our years of experience help us advise homeowners on the best size, the right materials, and how to integrate your patio naturally.
Contact us today for a free quote or view our patio gallery for inspiration on recently completed projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the right patio size for my backyard?
Consider how you plan on your using patio, if you’ll be dining outdoors, entertaining guests, filling it with lounge furniture, or adding a fire pit or outdoor kitchen. Once you have your use in mind, you can get dimensions as a starting point.
What is the average size of a residential patio?
Most residential patios range around 200 square feet (which is most often 10×20), up to 400 square feet. Smaller patios are recommended for intimate seating areas while a larger patio is best for multiple outdoor living zones and entertainment.
How much patio space do I need for outdoor dining?
Your patio should be at least 12ft x 12ft to comfortably fit an outdoor dining table and chairs. However, a slightly larger patio can provide better walkways so you and your guests do not feel crowded.
How large should a patio be for entertaining guests?
If you frequently host family gatherings or parties, consider a patio that’s at least 300 to 500 square feet. This provides enough room for seating, dining, and circulation without making the space feel cramped.
Can a patio be too large for my yard?
Yes. An oversized patio can overwhelm your landscape, reduce green space, and appear out of proportion with your home. A professional contractor can recommend a patio size that complements your property while maintaining a balanced outdoor design.
What patio size is best for a fire pit?
A fire pit patio generally needs a minimum diameter of 14 to 16 feet to provide safe spacing between the fire feature and surrounding seating. Larger gatherings may require additional space.
How much patio space do I need for an outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens typically require at least 100 to 150 square feet, depending on the appliances and layout. Additional room should be included for seating and walkways around cooking areas.
Does the shape of my yard affect patio size?
Yes. Sloped yards, narrow lots, mature trees, and existing landscaping can all influence patio dimensions. A custom design ensures the patio fits naturally within your property’s layout.
How do I know if my patio will fit my outdoor furniture?
Before construction begins, create a layout using your furniture dimensions or planned purchases. Many contractors can provide scaled drawings to help you visualize how everything will fit.
Is a larger patio always better?
Not necessarily. The best patio size is one that meets your needs without wasting space or exceeding your budget. A well-designed medium-sized patio often provides better functionality than an unnecessarily large one.
Will local building codes limit my patio size?
Some municipalities have setback requirements, lot coverage restrictions, or permit requirements that affect patio dimensions based on your county, HOA, or other regulations. Our experienced contractors can ensure your project complies with local regulations before construction begins.
Can I expand my patio later?
In many cases, yes. However, designing the patio with future expansion in mind can make the process easier and help maintain a seamless appearance if you decide to enlarge it later.
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make when choosing patio size?
One of the most common mistakes is building a patio that’s too small. Many homeowners focus only on fitting furniture without considering walking space, future additions, or how the patio will be used during gatherings.