Here in Utah, we’re blessed with a stunning natural backdrop. From the majestic peaks of the Wasatch Front to the fiery red rock of the south, the call of the outdoors is part of our DNA. Yet, for many homeowners, the space just outside the back door remains a bland, underutilized patch of grass or a cracked concrete slab. What if that forgotten space could become your family’s favorite “room”? A well-designed backyard patio is more than just a place for a grill and a few chairs; it’s an extension of your home, a private retreat for quiet mornings, and a vibrant hub for summer barbecues and memory-making under the stars. It’s where your indoor comfort meets Utah’s outdoor splendor. At Jones Outdoor Living, we believe every Utahn deserves a beautiful, functional outdoor space, and it all begins with a dream and a solid plan.
The Foundation of Your Dream Backyard Patio: Planning & Design
Before the first paver is laid or a single shovelful of dirt is moved, the most critical work happens on paper and in conversation. A truly exceptional patio is born from thoughtful planning that considers your lifestyle, your property, and our unique Utah environment. Rushing this stage is the quickest way to end up with a space that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
1. Define Your “Why”
Start by envisioning how you want to live on your patio. Your primary purpose will dictate every subsequent decision, from size and materials to features and furniture. Are you dreaming of:
- A Family Dining Hub? You’ll need enough space for a large table and chairs, with easy access to the kitchen.
- An Entertainer’s Paradise? This might call for multiple “zones”—a conversational seating area, a dining space, and a dedicated outdoor kitchen.
- A Tranquil Personal Retreat? Perhaps a smaller, more intimate space for a comfy lounge chair, a good book, and the sound of a bubbling water feature is your goal.
- A Poolside Oasis? The design will need to accommodate lounge chairs, high-traffic wet areas, and materials that stay cooler under the intense summer sun.
2. Embrace the Utah Landscape
Your patio shouldn’t fight with its surroundings; it should embrace them. Consider the specifics of your property. Where does the sun fall throughout the day? A patio designed for morning coffee should capture the early eastern light, while a space for evening entertaining might be positioned to soak in the sunset over the Mountains. Prevailing canyon winds can be mitigated with strategically placed walls or landscape buffers. Most importantly, how can the design frame your million-dollar views instead of blocking them? A professional design team can analyze these site-specific factors to ensure your patio is comfortable and beautiful in all seasons.
3. Perfecting the Flow: Size, Shape, and Zones
“How big should my patio be?” is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer isn’t a simple number; it’s about proportion and function. A good rule of thumb is to map out your desired furniture with at least three feet of clearance for comfortable walkways. A patio that’s too small will feel cramped and unusable, while one that’s too large can feel empty and disconnected from the landscape.
Think in terms of “zones.” Even on a smaller patio, you can create distinct areas for cooking, dining, and lounging through clever layout, elevation changes, or by using different paver patterns. The shape should feel organic and intentional, guiding foot traffic naturally from the back door to the lawn or other garden features without creating awkward bottlenecks.
Choosing the Right Materials for Utah’s Climate
From scorching, high-altitude sun in July to deep freezes and heavy snow in January, patio materials need to be incredibly durable. The freeze-thaw cycle, in particular, can wreak havoc on lesser-quality materials, causing cracking, heaving, and spalling. Here are some of the best options that combine resilience with stunning aesthetics:
- Pavers: Concrete pavers are the undisputed champion of versatility and durability. They are engineered to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and come in an endless variety of shapes, colors, and textures to mimic everything from classic cobblestone to sleek, modern slate. Interlocking pavers are installed over a specialized base, allowing for slight movement without cracking. Furthermore, permeable pavers are an excellent eco-friendly option, allowing water to filter through into the ground, reducing runoff.
- Natural Stone: For timeless, unparalleled beauty, nothing beats natural stone. Flagstone, with its irregular shapes and earthy tones, integrates perfectly into a rustic or naturalistic Utah landscape. Travertine offers a more refined, luxurious feel that stays remarkably cool to the touch, making it a premium choice for pool decks. While the initial investment is higher, a well-installed natural stone patio is a permanent, elegant feature that adds significant value to your home.
- Poured & Stamped Concrete: Concrete has come a long way from the boring grey slabs of the past. Modern poured concrete patios can be stained, polished, and finished for a clean, minimalist look. For a more decorative approach, stamped concrete can be imprinted with patterns that convincingly replicate stone, brick, or even wood planking at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Proper installation with control joints is critical in Utah to manage expansion and contraction.
Bringing Your Patio to Life: Essential Features
With the foundation set, it’s time for the elements that elevate a patio from a surface to a destination. These features are what truly define your outdoor living experience.
- Fire Features: In Utah, a fire feature can easily double the number of nights you can comfortably enjoy your patio. A gas fire pit offers instant ambiance and warmth with the flick of a switch, becoming a natural gathering spot for conversation. For a more dramatic focal point, a full outdoor fireplace creates a stunning architectural anchor for your space, radiating heat and creating the ultimate cozy outdoor living room.
- Outdoor Kitchens: Go beyond the standalone grill. A built-in outdoor kitchen transforms your patio into the ultimate entertaining zone. Imagine durable countertops for food prep, a built-in grill, a sink for easy cleanup, an outdoor refrigerator for cold drinks, and even a pizza oven. It keeps the heat and mess out of your indoor kitchen during summer parties and makes hosting a breeze.
- Shade Structures: The Utah summer sun is intense. A shade structure isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for daytime use. A pergola can define a dining or lounging area, providing filtered shade while allowing for airflow. Climbing plants can be trained up a pergola for a lush, green canopy. For more complete protection from sun and rain, a pavilion with a solid roof creates a true all-weather outdoor room.
The Finishing Touches That Make a Difference
The final layer of design is what ties everything together and infuses the space with your personal style.
- Lighting: Thoughtful outdoor lighting makes your patio safe and magical after dark. Use a combination of ambient lighting (like string lights or post cap lights) for general illumination, task lighting over a grilling station, and accent lighting (uplighting a beautiful tree or washing a stone wall with light) to create depth and drama.
- Landscaping: Soften your patio landscape with beautiful plantings. Use a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses in surrounding beds to create texture, color, and privacy. For our region, selecting drought-tolerant and water-wise plants is both environmentally responsible and low-maintenance. Resources like the Utah State University’s Water-Wise Plants for Utah Landscapes guide are invaluable for choosing beautiful plants that thrive in our climate.
- Furniture: Choose furniture that is as durable as it is comfortable. All-weather wicker, powder-coated aluminum, and teak are excellent choices that can withstand our climate. Invest in pieces that reflect the purpose of your space and invite you to sit down, relax, and stay a while.
A well-designed backyard patio is an investment in your home, your family, and your quality of life. It’s about creating a destination where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with what matters most, all within the comfort of your own property.
Ready to transform your bland backyard into a beautiful outdoor oasis? The expert design and build team at Jones Outdoor Living is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s start building your dream.