How to Plan the Perfect Paver Patio for Your Backyard

If you're ready to upgrade your backyard, a paver patio is one of the most attractive, durable, and low-maintenance investments you can make. It creates a dedicated space for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors—while also adding lasting value to your home.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we specialize in custom paver patio construction for homeowners in Ozark, Missouri and surrounding areas. Whether you’re starting with a blank slate or replacing an aging concrete pad, we’re here to help you plan a patio that fits your space, your style, and your lifestyle.

Step 1: Determine how you’ll use the space

Before diving into materials, layouts, or finishes, it’s essential to understand how you plan to use your new patio. This first step lays the groundwork for every decision that follows, from size and shape to what features should be included.

Start by identifying your primary goals:

• • • Outdoor dining: If you're planning to host dinners outside, you'll want space for a dining table and chairs, possibly with room for a buffet station or grill.
    • Relaxation and lounging: Prefer quiet mornings with coffee or reading by sunset? Consider creating a more intimate seating area with lounge chairs, a firepit, or a water feature.
    • Entertaining groups: Hosting large gatherings? A spacious layout with built-in seating, layered lighting, and open access to the yard will help manage flow and comfort.
    • Family activities: For families with kids, your patio might double as a play space or include features like smooth transitions to grassy areas.
    • Outdoor cooking: If a grill or full outdoor kitchen is on your wish list, that will impact where utilities run and how much space you need to move around safely.

Also consider how the patio connects to your home. Do you want it directly accessible from the kitchen or living room, or would you prefer a more private nook set deeper into the backyard?

By clearly defining your intended use, we can design a space that meets your functional needs while complementing your home’s style and surroundings.

Step 2: Choose the right location and size

Once you know how you’ll use the patio, the next step is to figure out where it belongs and how big it should be. Choosing the right location means balancing practical access, views, privacy, and how the space interacts with sun and shade throughout the day.

Key considerations when choosing a location:

• • • Proximity to your home: A patio connected to your back door makes outdoor dining and entertaining easier. Detached patios can feel more peaceful and private, ideal for firepit areas or garden seating.
    • Sun exposure: Consider where the sun rises and sets. A west-facing patio will be hotter in the evening, while a north-facing one may stay cooler and shaded.
    • Existing landscape and grading: The natural slope of your yard will affect drainage and may influence whether you need a retaining wall or grading services before building.
    • Privacy and views: Think about what you’ll see while using the space—and what others might see from nearby homes. Landscaping, fencing, or privacy screens can help you shape the experience.

How to size your patio:

Your patio should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the furniture and features you plan to use—without overwhelming the rest of your yard. Here's a general sizing guide:

• • Small patio: 8x10 to 10x12 ft. – Good for bistro sets or two-person seating areas.
  • Medium patio: 12x16 to 14x18 ft. – Works for dining sets or mixed-use lounging and dining.
  • Large patio: 16x20+ ft. – Ideal for entertaining, outdoor kitchens, and multiple seating zones.

Also allow space for walkways and clearances around furniture—ideally 3 feet around dining tables and high-traffic areas.

By placing your patio in the right location and giving it the right footprint, you’ll get a space that looks balanced, feels comfortable, and functions well year-round.

Step 3: Select your paver style and layout

With your space planned and location set, it’s time to choose the look and feel of your patio. This step is where your vision really comes to life. Pavers come in a wide range of styles, shapes, textures, and colors—each influencing the overall aesthetic and performance of your outdoor space.

Choosing your paver material:

• • • Concrete pavers are the most versatile and cost-effective option. Available in various shapes and finishes, they work well in both modern and traditional designs. Concrete pavers also offer great durability and are easy to maintain.
    • Natural stone delivers a timeless, organic appearance that fits beautifully in upscale, rustic, or wooded landscapes. Each piece is unique, and when installed correctly, stone can last for decades.
    • Brick pavers offer a classic look with clean lines and warm tones. They’re perfect for historic homes or formal gardens, and provide excellent resistance to fading and wear.
    • Permeable pavers allow water to drain through gaps between the stones, helping to reduce runoff. They’re ideal for eco-conscious homeowners or properties in areas with drainage concerns.

Selecting a paver pattern:

The layout of your pavers affects not only the look of your patio but also its strength and structure.

• • • Running bond – Straight and simple, great for creating a clean, modern look.
    • Herringbone – Offers visual interest and high interlock strength, ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic.
    • Basketweave or modular – Adds texture and an old-world feel; works well with smaller patios or garden spaces.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we help you select a combination of paver material and pattern that matches your home's architecture, complements existing landscaping, and fits your budget and preferences.

Step 4: Add features that elevate your patio

While the foundation of any great patio is the paver surface, it’s the added features that turn your patio from functional to unforgettable. Whether you're aiming for luxury, comfort, or simply added usability, thoughtful upgrades can completely transform your space.

Popular enhancements we recommend:

• • • Firepits or fireplaces: Extend your patio’s usefulness into the cooler months and create a natural gathering point for family and friends.
    • Built-in seating walls: Offer comfort and save space by eliminating the need for bulky outdoor furniture. These walls can also help define different areas of your patio.
    • Outdoor lighting: Increase safety, highlight landscape features, and create ambiance after dark. We offer integrated lighting solutions that blend into your hardscape seamlessly.
    • Retaining walls or privacy screens: Useful for managing slopes, creating garden beds, or blocking unsightly views. These features add structure and elevate visual interest.
    • Planter boxes or raised beds: Soften your patio’s edges with seasonal color or low-maintenance greenery.
    • Pergolas, pavilions, or shade structures: Provide relief from the sun and add architectural interest. These are especially useful on patios with full sun exposure.

We frequently design patios as part of larger outdoor living projects that include retaining walls, fire features, paver walkways, and even outdoor kitchens. Everything is built to work together—visually and functionally.

Step 5: Hire the right contractor

Even the best design and materials can fall short without quality installation. Hiring the right contractor is crucial to ensuring your paver patio looks great, performs well, and stands the test of time.

At Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor, we bring years of experience and a strong reputation for quality workmanship across Ozark and surrounding areas. Our approach is comprehensive and detail-focused from start to finish.

What you can expect from our team:

• • • Thorough site prep: We assess soil conditions, handle grading, and ensure a solid, level base—critical for preventing settling and shifting.
    • Proper drainage: Our patios are designed to move water away from your home and avoid pooling. If necessary, we integrate drains or use permeable pavers for added protection.
    • Precision in layout and pattern: Each paver is installed with care to maintain consistent joints, straight lines, and tight finishes.
    • Clean job sites and professional conduct: We respect your property, show up on time, and keep you informed throughout the project.

Most importantly, we don’t subcontract your project out to unknown crews. The people who design your patio are the same team who builds it—with craftsmanship and pride.

Proudly serving Southwest Missouri

Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor designs and builds custom paver patios and outdoor living spaces for homeowners in:

• • Ozark
  • Springfield
  • Nixa
  • Republic
  • Rogersville
  • Willard
  • Branson
  • Branson West
  • Fair Grove
  • Kimberling City

Let’s build your dream patio

Contact Hunter Hardscapes & Outdoor today to schedule your consultation. Whether you're looking for a simple paver patio or a fully customized outdoor living space, our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.

We proudly serve Ozark and surrounding Missouri communities with expert hardscaping, paver patio construction, retaining walls, firepits, and more. Let’s build something that lasts.