Patio

A Patio is an Outdoor Space Generally
Used for Dining or Recreation

Hot Dining Hub: Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity.

“People have a higher expectations for their exterior spaces since HGTV came around," said Scott Redmon, owner of Alfresco Living in Maitland, Fla.

Besides a grill, fired by gas, wood or charcoal, more home owners are adding keg-tappers, wine chillers, icemakers and warming cabinets.

Outdoor kitchen designers also recommend good task and ambient lighting, an easy-to-clean countertop material. and a design that avoids heat retention.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, Jean Patteson (05/29/2010)

A patio (from the Spanish: patio meaning 'back garden' or 'backyard') is an outdoor space generally used for dining or recreation that often adjoins a residence and is typically paved. It may refer to a roofless inner courtyard of the sort found in Spanish-style dwellings or a paved area between a residence and a garden.

Patios are typically made of concrete or stone slabs laid over a base. This base is often a layer of compacted stone chips, a layer of sharp sand, and a layer of cement mortar.

In Australia the word patio is often used to mean any kind of outdoor balcony or verandah.

See also