A new patio is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Done right, it creates a space for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying Wisconsin’s summer evenings. Done wrong, it can lead to frustration and costly repairs.

Here are the most common mistakes homeowners in Madison make when planning a patio—and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Slope and Drainage

A patio must be built on a properly prepared base that directs water away from your home. Skipping this step can lead to flooding, puddling, or frost heave damage in the winter.

How to avoid it: Always consider grading during planning. A professional contractor will check slope and install proper drainage before laying any materials.

2. Choosing the Wrong Material

The material you choose impacts cost, maintenance, and durability. Concrete is affordable but prone to cracking. Pavers are versatile and repairable, while natural stone offers timeless elegance but at a higher cost.

How to avoid it: Select materials suited to Wisconsin’s freeze/thaw cycles. Homeowners in Fitchburg and Janesville, for example, often choose pavers for their durability and flexibility.

3. Skimping on the Base

The base is the foundation of the patio. If it’s not deep enough or compacted correctly, the surface will shift, sink, or become uneven.

How to avoid it: Ensure the base is excavated to the right depth, filled with quality gravel, and compacted properly. This is a step many DIY projects miss.

4. Underestimating Size and Function

Many patios end up too small for how homeowners actually use them. Adding a table, chairs, or a fire pit quickly eats up space.

How to avoid it: Think about future use. Will you be entertaining? Do you want a lounge area and a dining space? Plan for more space than you think you’ll need.

5. Overlooking Design Details

Even a structurally sound patio can feel incomplete if details are overlooked. Lighting, edging, seating walls, or adjacent flower beds make the difference between a patio that feels like an afterthought and one that feels like part of your home.

How to avoid it: Incorporate finishing touches into your design from the start.

6. Attempting a DIY Without Experience

Patios require excavation, base prep, proper slope, and precise installation. Without experience, it’s easy to end up with costly mistakes.

How to avoid it: Hire a professional contractor. Not only will your patio look better, but it will also last longer and require fewer repairs.