Designing patios made of brick can be simple given the right tools. Patios provide a pleasant location for a get together, cocktails, barbecue, or simple outdoor relaxation. Consider your likely use of the patio when designing your patio.

Experts

Professional brick layers and masons can be a very useful resource given their expertise and specialization in brick patios. If you’re planning to purchase most of the materials from one retailer, ask them to help with the design. In particular, brick vendors can also be a great source of information.

Print materials

Visit your local library and take a good look at what’s available on brick patio design. Review home and garden magazines and books, and pay attention to the kind of color, texture, line, form, repetition, and scale you prefer.

When designing, it is useful to measure the space your patio will be built, sketch them onto graph paper with a scale, and sketch the shape of your patio onto the graph paper. Also include special additions like a brick barbecue, a sitting area, a fireplace, or a stone fountain. This paper can then be used to determine the number of bricks you’ll need and the cost of this project.

Computer Software

Many computer programs are specifically made for patio design. They can help lay out design and create the blueprint within which you’ll be able to work from. They also have professional templates and will allow you to see your patio in three dimensions.

There are dozens such software available, and a simple Google Search of “patio design software” can list most of them. When choosing to purchase one, be sure to consider its usability, graphic ability, and speed of use.