Patio covers are one of our most demanded outdoor living space improvement projects. While most of our clients have no doubts about the materials and choose alumawood, many are left wondering what is a good size for a covered patio.
The perfect patio size can be challenging to determine if you don’t know the crucial factors you should consider. Let us share with you the secret of finding the most suitable patio size so it can fulfill its intended use, complement the overall landscape, and have enough space for everyone.
What Is A Good Size For a Covered Patio?
Covered patios come in a variety of sizes. When you are looking at the offers of different contractors, you will notice that there are standard and tailored patio cover sizes. Whichever one you choose, you must understand what is a good size for a covered patio.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to covered patio sizes. So when we tailor the plan for the alumawood patio covers of our clients, we take three main things into consideration:
- Available backyard space
- Intended use
- Number of people it should accommodate
Source: royalcovers.com
Ideal patio cover size according to the backyard space
First and foremost, we like to know how big is the space available. The patio cover should be proportional to the backyard space and create a balanced look. The exact patio:backyard ratio can be determined according to your preferences and desired look.
Yet, if you ask for our expert advice, a patio looks best when it covers up to 33% of the entire outdoor living area. For instance, if your backyard is 1,000 square feet, your outdoor structure shouldn’t be more than 330 square feet.
In most cases, when the patio size is more than a third of the available backyard space, it can limit access to the entire area and its functionality. Plus, this backyard patio size complements the overall design of the home and backyard without overwhelming the space.
Ideal patio cover size according to the intended use
If you are wondering what size patio do I need, you should think about what you want to do with it. Do you need a small patio cover where your family can relax in the shade, or do you want an outdoor space where you can cook, as well? Or maybe, you would like to have enough space for both?
Common sizes for patio covers according to their application are shown in the table below.
| Dimensions | Square footage | Intended use |
| 20×20 | 400 sq. ft. | Dining and entertainment area all in one with adequate patio furniture |
| 15×20 | 300 sq. ft. | Seating area combined with outdoor kitchen |
| 15×15 | 225 sq. ft. | Outdoor shade space for dining and relaxation |
| 12×20 | 240 sq. ft. | Single purpose, either a dining or a relaxation area |
| 10×20 | 200 sq. ft. | Small and cozy dining nooks and relaxation places |
Ideal patio cover size according to the number of people who will be using it
The ideal patio cover should be able to comfortably accommodate the number of frequent users. In the patio cover industry, we have a standard of how much space an average user needs, which is at least 25 square feet per person.
Let’s illustrate. If you plan to use the outdoor living space only by the members of your household, which counts four people, a 200–to 300-square-foot patio will be ideal. On the other hand, if you like to throw parties and have your friends over, you should go with a bigger patio size. A 550-square-foot patio is a comfortable space for entertaining 20 people.
Other Factors To Consider When Choosing a Patio Cover Size
The three main factors for choosing a patio cover size are the available backyard space, intended use and the number of people it should comfortably accommodate. Yet, if you are still unsure about the patio size after considering these factors, you should also pay attention to the other factors.
Patio cost
First of all, consider your budget. The style, design, and size of the patio cover can significantly influence its price. Understandably, if you are interested in having a large patio cover, you should be prepared to pay a higher price for it, and vice versa. If you have a limited budget, you should look for a more affordable solution, which is typically a more compact patio.
Patio furniture and layout
Your patio should be a comfortable space. If you have a certain layout in mind, it can help you determine the size of the covered patio.
In addition, you should think about the patio furniture that should fit under the cover. It is not only about the size, but it is also about the accessibility and the ability to use the furniture effectively.
The more different furniture pieces you have the bigger the patio should be. For instance, if you have furniture for dining out, need a place for preparing meals, and a firepit, you should have enough space for each one of them so they don’t interfere with their functionality.
House and backyard aesthetics
The size of the patio should be carefully calculated and it should achieve an appealing aesthetical look. Not only does the patio size should be in proportion with your home and backyard as we mentioned, but it should also reflect your home’s architecture and should have a balance with the landscape.
A general rule is that modern houses look best with sleek, minimalist patio designs that are as compact as possible. On the other hand, houses with traditional architectural styles can have larger patios.
Source: royalcovers.com
Flow and access
When we determine the perfect patio size for you, we always consider the traffic flow. When we size your patio, we ensure uninterrupted traffic between your house, patio space, and the entire outdoor living space.
When it comes to flow and access, there might be some obstacles in your backyard that might limit our ability to build your desired patio size. Typically, this is the case when you have trees that you want to keep or other structures in the backyard that should stay.
Local building codes and permits
Patio covers might be subject to federal and local regulations. Typically, you will need a building permit to install one in your backyard. Depending on the area, there might be limitations to the square footage of the patio cover and its height. There might also be regulations regarding the clearance between the ground and the lowest part of the cover.
Possibility for expansion
Most of our clients only consider their current needs and preferences. While most start off with one plan regarding the possible space of the patio, their needs might change, so it is good to think about the possibility of expansion. The expansion concerns both your house and the patio cover itself. If you want to take it a step further, you should pick the location of the patio so it can be expanded in the future if necessary.
If you are one of the many who don’t know whether does covered patio counts as square footage, you should know that it typically doesn’t. So, if you plan to expand it, it generally won’t influence your house’s total square footage.
Conclusion
The three basic factors that determine the best size for a covered patio are the available backyard space, intended use, and the number of people who will be using it. Other factors that might influence the decision include patio cost, furniture, layout, house aesthetics, flow, access, and local building codes.
Still having doubts about what is a good size for a covered patio for you? Get in touch with us and we can help you find the perfect patio size for your backyard. But if you already found the best fit by considering the factors we mentioned, feel free to request a free local quote.