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

small patio with bistro set and planters
(Image credit: Bradstone)

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.

Mark Irving
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.

Paul Kerr
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.

Matt Carroll
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.

Nick Parsons, Harris Brushes Technical Manager
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.

Harriet Goodacre
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.

Sarah Wilson
Garden writer

Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson writes about flowers, plants, garden design and gardening trends for Homes & Gardens. She has studied introductory garden and landscape design and floristry, and also has an RHS Level 2 qualification in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development. She is a regular contributor to Homes & Gardens and Livingetc. She has also written for Real Homes, Modern Gardens, Country Living, and Country Homes & Interiors magazines. Her first job was at Elle magazine, during which time a trip to the beautiful La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in writing about all things botanical. Later as lifestyle editor of Country Homes & Interiors, she loved the captivating country gardens that were regularly featured.