A patio is simply an outside area that may adjoin a house, generally used for eating or relaxation. It is typically paved and may also contain plants in beds or containers. A terrace is more accurately described as a flat paved or gravelled area with a balustrade or low wall that overlooks a fine view. The terrace or patio is an ideal place for a barbecue and built-in seating and will often act as the hub of many garden activities.

In this section, we help you to design and plan your patio area, with advice on choosing the best position in the garden and making sure that it is the right size to comfortably accommodate your family and friends.

When installing your own patio or terrace, it is essential to create a good foundation and a suitable drainage slope to prevent any future problems. We have therefore included a number of building guides to help you get this important stage of the project right, as well as advice on building the patio itself.

Finally, if you already have a outdoor seating area and are looking for ways to spruce it up, we've put together some handy hints to revitalise a tired looking patio.