Choosing a front yard patio boils down to picking out structural and architectural features that allow a patio to serve as a practical outdoor space, aesthetic addition to a larger structure, or some combination of the two. A front yard patio can be every bit as versatile and practical a space as a back yard deck or patio. In many cases, however, a front yard patio is very visible, and homeowners often decorate their patios to make a statement to visitors or passersby.
A front yard patio can serve as a very practical and comfortable outdoor space. Simple poured concrete patios or patios made from concrete pavers are inexpensive and durable and can provide space for grilling, entertaining, relaxing, or other types of front yard living. A raised wooden deck can provide the same utilitarian space with a bit more of a view.
Practical front yard patios can incorporate many of the working structures commonly found in back yard patios. Small garden patches or raised garden beds can easily be added. Awnings, shade canopies, or pergolas can be built to provide protection from sun or rain. Even a decorative structure, such as a gazebo, can make a nice addition to a front yard patio on a larger piece of property.
Front yard patios are often very visible both to visitors and neighbors. In many cases, homeowners work to make sure that patios blend smoothly with the other design features in a front yard and with the facade of the primary structure. This may entail adding decorative plantings to incorporate elements of the landscape design into the patio area. It may also involve decorative structures, such as arches or pergolas, to accentuate or conceal parts of the primary structure.
In many cases, a front yard patio leads up to the primary entrance of a home. This means that front yard patios are typically designed to provide a clear and visually pleasing entrance path. In some cases this may involve decorative plantings or lighting elements. In other cases, pavers, concrete, or other structural materials may be used to create a welcoming path.
Privacy can be important when designing a front yard layout, and many common design features serve to enhance privacy. Screens and latticework can be used to block vision, while allowing air to move freely. Alternatively, a front yard patio can be turned into a small courtyard by adding a wall, often of brick. A short courtyard wall serves as a decorative touch, while a larger wall provides true privacy.