- 1). Measure the space to be used for a patio and deck area. Sketch a patio space to serve as a more fire-proof area for grilling. Create the patio to hold a grill and perhaps an outdoor fireplace. Reserve the deck space for lounging and relaxing. Plan to build the patio as a step-down from the deck, but design both areas to flow from one to the other.
- 2). Sketch a patio approximately 9-by-12 feet outside the kitchen access. Plan to have a solid concrete foundation covered with flat stones or ceramic tiles. Look through outdoor-living books and backyard magazines for ideas. Include stone benches and concrete flower planters.
- 3). Sketch a deck accessible from the patio. Add handrails to the steps and emphasize the different levels. Use flower planters made of wood on the deck. Draw the deck with attached benches. Include an area that will be covered by a trellis or canopy.
- 4). Use graph paper to lay out the exact dimensions of the patio and deck. Add amenities to make cooking and entertainment easier, such as a counter, a refrigerator, a sink or a bar. You may want to cover part of the patio, as well as part of the deck.
- 5). Figure out how to run water lines and a drain line to the sink on the patio. If you plan to build a fireplace, put it on its own foundation in case the patio ever needs to be replaced. Building a fireplace foundation is a costly undertaking.
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