Spring is calling, and it’s time to swap snow shovels for patio plans. Whether you’re looking to host backyard gatherings, create a peaceful retreat, or just have a spot to soak in the mountain air, now’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space. At Christy Sports and Leisure Living, we know that picking the right patio setup can feel like a puzzle. No need to stress—we’re here to help. Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can create a patio that fits your space and lifestyle perfectly.

Step 1: Define Your Patio’s Purpose

Before picking out furniture, picture yourself using your patio. What’s your perfect outdoor moment? Is it a lively dinner with friends under twinkling string lights? A quiet morning curled up with a book? Maybe a bit of both?

  • Dining Space: Love outdoor meals and gatherings? A durable dining table with comfortable seating makes every dinner feel like an event.
  • Lounge Area: Want a relaxing retreat? Sofas, lounge chairs, or even a daybed create a cozy escape.
  • Mix of Both: Need versatility? A smaller dining set with a lounge area lets you shift between meals and relaxation.

Step 2: Measure Your Space (No Fancy Tools Required.)

You don’t need an architect’s blueprint—just a tape measure. Here’s how to quickly map out your patio:

  1. Measure Length & Width: Walk along the edges and jot down the dimensions in feet (e.g., 10 ft x 12 ft).
  2. Check for Obstacles: Note anything that takes up space, like doors that swing open, grills, planters, or steps.
  3. Height Matters: If you have a roof or overhang, measure it to ensure taller pieces fit underneath.
  4. Sketch a Quick Layout: A simple rectangle on paper with rough measurements and obstacle labels is all you need.

Example: A 10 ft x 12 ft patio with a door needing 3 ft clearance means your usable space is 10 ft x 9 ft—plenty of room for a cozy setup.

➡ Tip: Bring your rough sketch to Christy Sports, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Step 3: Find the Right Setup for Your Space

Now that you’ve got your measurements, let’s match your space to the best setup.

Patio Size: Small (Under 100 sq ft, e.g., 8 ft x 12 ft). Ideal Setup: Bistro set with a table & two chairs, or two lounge chairs with a side table.

Patio Size: Medium (100-200 sq ft, e.g., 10 ft x 15 ft). Ideal Setup: 4-person dining set or sectional sofa with a coffee table.

Patio Size: Large (Over 200 sq ft, e.g., 15 ft x 20 ft). Ideal Setup: 6+ person dining table & separate lounge area.

Step 4: Factor in Sun & Shade

One often-overlooked detail? Sun exposure. Take a few minutes to see how the sun moves across your patio:

☀️ South or west-facing? You’ll get intense afternoon sun—consider adding an umbrella or cantilever to keep cool. Cantilever umbrellas provide the most customizable shade options because they are easy to use, and include a simple crank lift, a rotating base, and a tilt arm that allows for up to 45 degrees tilt in either direction. [Add image of cantilever umbrella/link]

🌤 East-facing? Ideal for gentle morning light—great for breakfast setups but less demanding later.

🌑 North-facing? Naturally cooler and shadier—perfect for a lounge-forward design.

➡ Tip: Step outside at midday and note where the sun hits hardest. A well-placed shade solution makes all the difference.

Bring Your Patio Vision to Life

You’ve got your measurements. You’ve thought about sun exposure. You know whether you’re leaning toward dining, lounging, or both. Now, it’s time to bring your ideas to life.

Visit a Leisure Living or Christy Sports Patio Showroom, where our experts will help you:

✅ Choose the best furniture for your space

✅ See materials up close—from weather-resistant woods to low-maintenance POLYWOOD

✅ Explore layouts that fit your lifestyle

✅ Take advantage of our free in-store design consultations

Whether you’re crafting a small urban retreat or a sprawling mountain escape, we’ll help you create an outdoor space that feels effortless, inviting, and uniquely yours. With expert advice, white glove delivery, and ongoing support, we make patio planning easy. Ready to get started? Visit us today.

Find a showroom

Spring is calling, and it’s time to swap snow shovels for patio plans. Whether you’re looking to host backyard gatherings, create a peaceful retreat, or just have a spot to soak in the mountain air, now’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space. At Christy Sports and Leisure Living, we know that picking the right patio setup can feel like a puzzle. No need to stress—we’re here to help. Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can create a patio that fits your space and lifestyle perfectly.

Step 1: Define Your Patio’s Purpose

Before picking out furniture, picture yourself using your patio. What’s your perfect outdoor moment? Is it a lively dinner with friends under twinkling string lights? A quiet morning curled up with a book? Maybe a bit of both?

  • Dining Space: Love outdoor meals and gatherings? A durable dining table with comfortable seating makes every dinner feel like an event.
  • Lounge Area: Want a relaxing retreat? Sofas, lounge chairs, or even a daybed create a cozy escape.
  • Mix of Both: Need versatility? A smaller dining set with a lounge area lets you shift between meals and relaxation.

Step 2: Measure Your Space (No Fancy Tools Required.)

You don’t need an architect’s blueprint—just a tape measure. Here’s how to quickly map out your patio:

  1. Measure Length & Width: Walk along the edges and jot down the dimensions in feet (e.g., 10 ft x 12 ft).
  2. Check for Obstacles: Note anything that takes up space, like doors that swing open, grills, planters, or steps.
  3. Height Matters: If you have a roof or overhang, measure it to ensure taller pieces fit underneath.
  4. Sketch a Quick Layout: A simple rectangle on paper with rough measurements and obstacle labels is all you need.

Example: A 10 ft x 12 ft patio with a door needing 3 ft clearance means your usable space is 10 ft x 9 ft—plenty of room for a cozy setup.

➡ Tip: Bring your rough sketch to Christy Sports, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Step 3: Find the Right Setup for Your Space

Now that you’ve got your measurements, let’s match your space to the best setup.

Patio Size: Small (Under 100 sq ft, e.g., 8 ft x 12 ft). Ideal Setup: Bistro set with a table & two chairs, or two lounge chairs with a side table.

Patio Size: Medium (100-200 sq ft, e.g., 10 ft x 15 ft). Ideal Setup: 4-person dining set or sectional sofa with a coffee table.

Patio Size: Large (Over 200 sq ft, e.g., 15 ft x 20 ft). Ideal Setup: 6+ person dining table & separate lounge area.

Step 4: Factor in Sun & Shade

One often-overlooked detail? Sun exposure. Take a few minutes to see how the sun moves across your patio:

☀️ South or west-facing? You’ll get intense afternoon sun—consider adding an umbrella or cantilever to keep cool. Cantilever umbrellas provide the most customizable shade options because they are easy to use, and include a simple crank lift, a rotating base, and a tilt arm that allows for up to 45 degrees tilt in either direction. [Add image of cantilever umbrella/link]

🌤 East-facing? Ideal for gentle morning light—great for breakfast setups but less demanding later.

🌑 North-facing? Naturally cooler and shadier—perfect for a lounge-forward design.

➡ Tip: Step outside at midday and note where the sun hits hardest. A well-placed shade solution makes all the difference.

Bring Your Patio Vision to Life

You’ve got your measurements. You’ve thought about sun exposure. You know whether you’re leaning toward dining, lounging, or both. Now, it’s time to bring your ideas to life.

Visit a Leisure Living or Christy Sports Patio Showroom, where our experts will help you:

✅ Choose the best furniture for your space

✅ See materials up close—from weather-resistant woods to low-maintenance POLYWOOD

✅ Explore layouts that fit your lifestyle

✅ Take advantage of our free in-store design consultations

Whether you’re crafting a small urban retreat or a sprawling mountain escape, we’ll help you create an outdoor space that feels effortless, inviting, and uniquely yours. With expert advice, white glove delivery, and ongoing support, we make patio planning easy. Ready to get started? Visit us today.

Find a showroom