Don't let patio mistakes ruin your garden design – here are 10 of the most common errors to avoid

If you're planning a new patio or thinking about refreshing an existing one you'll want to have a clear idea of the patio mistakes to avoid.

One of the biggest patio mistakes is not having a coordinated look that flows from indoors out to your garden. It's so important your design fits with the look and feel of both your interior and exterior if it's going to be a success.

In most gardens the patio is the focal point so a combination of choosing the right patio design ideas and following our expert advice on patio mistakes to avoid will get yours on the right track, making it a space everyone loves to enjoy.

1. Making the patio too small

If there's not enough space to walk easily round the outdoor dining table or sofa set then the patio is too small. Designing a cramped patio will make it feel claustrophobic and uninviting, and you may find yourself disinclined to use it.

“Making your patio too small is a common mistake that results in a crowded and impractical space," says patio expert Mark Irving. "When a patio is too small it can quickly feel cramped and may not provide enough space for socialising and entertaining, restricting the functionality of the area. In addition, it may make furniture placement difficult and provide limited space for manoeuvring around the patio, leading to hazards like trips and falls."

This is one of the common patio mistakes, either because the garden is small so the patio options are limited or due to budget restraints. The trick to avoiding this is to have a firm idea how you want to use the space and work out how to design a patio that's big enough for what you have in mind.

Mark Irving

Mark has over 20 years of experience in the building sector and currently oversees Build & Plumb’s multi-million-pound operation. They supply top-quality products for DIYers, renovators, and trade professionals.

2. Making the patio too large

If you have a big area of garden under consideration for a new patio site beware of ending up with an expanse of pavers and a lot of empty space that just doesn't feel hospitable. An additional factor to consider is that the bigger the patio the more expensive it will be in terms of materials.

“If your patio is too large it can take away from the comfort and intimacy of your outdoor living space, making it less inviting," says Mark Irving. "Your furniture will likely be more spaced out, which can make socialising difficult for guests. A large patio also requires a lot more effort when it comes to decorating it, as it can be difficult to fill a large expanse of space."

Think about how much space you really need to fulfil the function you have in mind, and look at small patio ideas instead. Consider if some of the space you've allocated for the patio could be better used for something else – for example, more plants.

3. Putting the patio in the wrong place

The most common site for a patio tends to be immediately outside the back of the house, in some cases actually connected to it by means of a patio roof or some clever pergola ideas.

"It's a good idea to either walk directly onto your patio from the house, or have it set further away with a view back towards the house, with garden between the two," says building specialist Paul Kerr of Beatsons. "What you should avoid is a patio slap bang in the middle of the garden. Unless it's designed to a very specific and well-planned brief, it will end up looking a bit odd and out of place, working more like a division in your garden than a comfort zone."

Placing your patio in the wrong area of your garden can compromise the functionality of the space too. Putting it in an area with a lack of privacy, for example, can make it difficult to relax as you're overlooked. "If a patio has limited shelter it can also expose it to the elements, like wind and rain, which can make the area less usable and also heighten the risk of weather damage over time," adds Mark Irving.

Paul Kerr

Paul Kerr is an experienced home building advisor for Beatsons Building Supplies with a demonstrated history of working in the retail and merchanting industry. Through Beatsons he has seen everything from outdoor patio organisation to rebuilds.

4. Not prepping the sub base properly

"Sub-base preparation is another step that’s often rushed or overlooked entirely," says Bradstone hard landscaping expert Matt Carroll. "A solid, well-compacted base is essential for a stable and long-lasting patio. Skimping here can lead to uneven slabs, cracks, and poor drainage."

It’s one of the less visible elements of patio construction, and therefore not considered immediately, but it's arguably the most important in terms of long-term performance. Don't cut corners when it comes to the build, and if in doubt call in the professionals to get the job done.

Matt Carroll

Matt Carroll is a landscaping professional with an extensive background in landscape design and construction. He is head of assured landscaping at Bradstone, specialising in hard landscaping products with a focus on innovation, design and durability.

5. Skipping surface prep

If you're thinking about giving an existing patio a refresh there's a trend for painting patio slabs that's well worth looking into. If this idea appeals you will need professional tips on the best way to achieve a bold new look without making patio mistakes.

"One of the most common patio slab painting mistakes is skipping surface prep," says paint expert Nick Parsons, technical manager at Harris. "Paint won’t adhere properly to dirt, moss, or flaking patches. Always start by giving the area a thorough clean with a tool like this Seriously Good Brush with Scraper from B&Q to remove any stubborn debris."

Another pitfall is painting on damp surfaces. Patios need to be completely dry to avoid peeling or bubbling later. "Using the wrong tools can also lead to streaks or uneven coverage," says Nick. "Opt for a Masonry Brush like this one from B&Q for a smooth, consistent finish."

Finally, don't rush the job without checking the weather forecast. Painting just before rain can ruin all your hard work. Take the time to prep properly and choose the right day for the best results.

Nick Parsons

Nick Harris is the technical manager at Harris. He has worked in production, the wood shop, quality assurance, operations and logistics. In quality assurance he gained valuable knowledge on all specifications, from raw materials to the finished product. Nick's experience and product understanding inform the evolution of all Harris products, from benchmarking to insight, research and development.

6. Ignoring the need for drainage

Drainage is important. If your patio space isn't designed with this in mind, you could end up with flooding, and if the patio leads into the house that means water in the house too.

Patios are typically made from non-permeable materials, like concrete, meaning that water doesn’t drain through the surface. "Not considering drainage before installing a patio can result in water pooling or uncontrolled water run-off, which can eventually damage the patio and potentially cause surrounding structural issues," explains Mark Irving.

A patio should be designed with a very slight slope away from the property to prevent water pooling on the surface," adds Mark. "Over time stagnant water can seep into the joints of the patio and the underlying soil, which can result in ground shifting and significant damage to the patio."

It's important to think about the gradient. "If the patio leads down to a lawn or garden area where plants can absorb the moisture, you should be fine," says Paul Kerr. "If it's flat and there is nowhere for the water to run, you'll end up with a swimming pool."

7. Choosing the wrong hardscaping materials

"The weather should always be in the back of your mind when it comes to anything to do with outdoor design," says Paul Kerr. "If the materials you choose aren't water and ice resistant you could end up in some trouble."

“Porcelain paving is more durable than ceramic tiles but select one with high slip resistance for safety in all weather," says tile expert Harriet Goodacre, who is a style consultant at Topps Tiles. "Vitrified porcelain is best due to its resistance to frost, mould, and staining, making it a great investment year after year.

“If you want to opt for natural stone, granite and travertine are good choices but require regular maintenance to upkeep their finish. Avoid marble, as it becomes slippery and can stain, and ceramic tiles are not frost-proof, so they will crack in cold weather."

Harriet Goodacre

Harriet Goodacre has been a style consultant at Topps Tiles for over 10 years. With expertise in interiors and tiling, she is able to provide advice on the latest trends alongside practical know how for tiling any area of the home or garden.

8. Failing to include enough plants in your patio design

One of the biggest patio mistakes is forgetting to leave enough space for plants, or rather not including enough plants so you end up with lots of hardscaping and nothing to soften it. You will also need to factor in the aspect of the patio and whether it's preferable to choose sun-loving plants, shade-loving plants or a mixture of both.

Some of the best patio planting ideas include extra large garden planters and raised garden beds. While these are generally the preferred option you can also include planting pockets to break up the hardscaping by lifting a slab here and there to create flowerbeds. This will add interest, as well as breaking up an expanse of paving.

Also include plenty of climbing plants to make the most of any vertical surfaces such as walls or fences, as well as green up your patio space

9. Ending up with a cluttered look

This is one of the biggest patio design mistakes to avoid. Perhaps you started off with a sofa then decided to add a dining set. Suddenly there isn't room to get from one to the other unless you move furniture out of the way. Alternatively you're big on accessories and garden décor items, and just can't resist adding to the space with new finds.

Either way the resulting design ends up cluttered and busy, the opposite of the relaxing space you had in mind. Now it's time for a rethink. Often with a patio space less is more. Use smaller furniture that doesn't take up the whole patio, and less of it. Foldaway styles are another great option that doesn't clog up the space.

10. Trying to do everything yourself

If your patio project is a new installation then calling in an expert team for the build is usually the best idea to make sure you get a professional result that will last for years.

"It's essential to engage a local professional installer who can lay your new patio correctly, and give the relevant advice to avoid the common patio mistakes that can happen," says Mark Carroll.

Bradstone's nationwide network of Assured Installers, for example, are all checked against strict criteria, and offer a reliable and high-quality service, ensuring factors like preparation and drainage are all taken into consideration beforehand.

Now you know how to avoid these patio mistakes and work is finally underway don't forget the importance of pulling the whole look together with luxe finishing touches such as patio lighting ideas and patio cover ideas to create a year-round space.