5 steps to the perfect - PATIO

From al fresco dining to home cinema - however you style it, start with the ideal base for your outdoor space

- LARA BERRY

1 Planning and measuring

Drawing a plan is crucial to getting it right first time. Decide where you want the patio and draw a plan to scale including any permanent fixtures you might have to work around. Patios need a gradual slope to ensure water properly drains away - allow a drop of 25mm in every 1.5m. Measure the length and width of the area to calculate the square meterage. From here you'll be able to work out how many tiles you'll need.

TRY Spaces Bruges outdoor tile in Petal Grey, £31.32 per sq m, Topps Tiles. Similar side table, Bangor round bamboo coffee table, £165.75, La Redoute. Similar LED festoon outdoor string lights, £15, Dunelm. Similar cushions, Anyday cushions in Mustard and Plaster, £9.60 each, John Lewis, and Lowery cotton cushion cover, £27.99, Wayfair

2 It’s all in the preparation