The most common patio mistake is building it too small. Here is how to size a patio from the furniture, the guests and the way you move through the yard.

Start with what goes on the patio

Write down the furniture and features you want: a table for six, a sofa and chairs, a grill, a fire pit. Then measure them. The patio exists to hold these things comfortably, so they set the minimum size.

Add about three feet around every piece for chairs to slide and people to walk.

Think in zones

Many patios work best as two or three zones: a dining area near the kitchen door, a lounge or fire pit a little farther away and a cooking area with its own counter space. Zones can share one surface or step apart with a change of pattern or level.

Paths between zones should be at least three feet wide, and wider when carrying food.

Plan for sun, shade and privacy

Watch where the sun falls at breakfast, noon and dinner. A pergola, a roof or a tree can shade the dining area, and a screen or planting can block a neighbor’s view.

A patio that is perfect in October but unbearable in July will sit unused, so we plan for the hottest time of day too.

Leave room to grow

If you plan to add a kitchen, a fireplace or a pool later, we run conduit, gas and drainage now and leave space on the plan. A little foresight now avoids tearing up finished work.