8 Design Mistakes to Avoid During Your Patio Remodel

You want more from your backyard—more room to relax, more space to entertain, or just a better place to enjoy a Michigan summer. But as exciting as a patio remodel can be, it’s easy to get caught up in trendy features or rushed decisions that don’t really work for your home.

At Custom Built, we’ve worked with Michigan families for decades to create outdoor spaces that feel like a natural extension of their homes. Our design-build team focuses on function, durability, and beauty, so the end result is a patio that works for your lifestyle and holds up over time.

Here are the eight most common design mistakes homeowners make during a patio remodel—and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping the Planning Stage
2. Choosing the Wrong Materials
3. Poor Drainage
4. Neglecting Lighting
5. Overcrowding the Space
6. Following Trends Instead of Function
7. Trying to DIY or Hiring the Wrong Team
8. Not Choosing the Right Layout

1. Skipping the Planning Stage

A great patio isn’t something you want to figure out as you go. Without upfront planning, you risk creating a space that doesn’t actually meet your needs—or that you quickly outgrow.

Avoid it by:

• Thinking through how your family will use the space - grilling, dining, reading, playing, entertaining
• Mapping out zones - A dining area here, a fire feature there, maybe a quiet corner for morning coffee
• Working with a designer who can help you visualize traffic flow, shade patterns, and how it connects to your home

Custom Built Tip: Thoughtful planning early on prevents costly changes later.

2. Choosing the Wrong Materials

Michigan’s four seasons mean your patio materials need to be tough. What looks good in the showroom may not last through your first winter—or even a few freeze-thaw cycles.

Avoid it by:

• Choosing weather-resistant materials like composite decking, concrete pavers, stone, or brick
• Considering surface texture to prevent slips when it’s wet or icy
• Investing in high-quality products that require less maintenance over time

Custom Built Tip: Ask your contractor about the lifespan of each material and what it takes to keep it looking good.

3. Poor Drainage

PC: Medium

Standing water doesn’t just look bad—it can damage your patio and your home. Water pooling near your foundation or seeping into your basement is a real risk if drainage is overlooked.

Avoid it by:

• Ensuring your patio is graded away from your home
• Adding a gravel base and proper drainage channels under hard surfaces
• Incorporating landscape design to help move water naturally

Custom Built Tip: Drainage isn’t just a landscaping issue—it’s a design must-have.

4. Neglecting Lighting

You shouldn’t have to head indoors just because the sun goes down. Without proper lighting, your patio becomes unusable at night and can even pose a safety hazard.

Avoid it by:

• Including layered lighting - overhead for ambiance, task lighting near outdoor kitchens, and pathway lights for safety
• Opting for weatherproof, energy-efficient fixtures
• Using dimmers or smart lighting controls for flexibility

Custom Built Tip: Integrate lighting into hardscape features like steps, walls, or pergolas for a polished look.

5. Overcrowding the Space

A common mistake is packing in too much. Even a large patio can feel cramped with oversized furniture or a poor layout.

Avoid it by:

• Measuring your furniture and allowing enough clearance to walk comfortably around it
• Choosing pieces with flexible function, like benches that double as storage
• Keeping open space for movement, games, or just a sense of openness

Custom Built Tip: If you have to squeeze around furniture, it’s too much.

6. Following Trends Instead of Function

Trendy features might look good on Pinterest, but they don’t always work long-term, especially if they don’t align with your lifestyle or Michigan’s climate.

5 Trendy Patio Features to Avoid

1. Built-in Fire Features Without Covers: They look great, but without weatherproofing, they can become safety hazards and maintenance headaches.
2. Overly Patterned Pavers: Busy designs can quickly date your patio and make the space feel cluttered rather than relaxing.
3. Non-Functional Water Features: Aesthetic fountains are lovely, but if they require constant upkeep or don’t serve a purpose, they may not be worth the hassle.
4. Oversized Furniture Sets: Bulky pieces may overwhelm your space and limit movement, especially on smaller patios.
5. Trend-Only Color Schemes: Colors like ultra-black or bright white may not age well or suit Michigan’s natural surroundings over time. Stick with timeless tones that complement the landscape.

Avoid it by:

• Focusing on your family’s daily habits and entertaining style
• Choosing classic colors and timeless materials that won’t go out of style in a few years
• Adding trendy items with décor, not permanent construction

Custom Built Tip: A design that supports how you live will always feel in style.

7. Trying to DIY or Hiring the Wrong Team

Patios look deceptively simple. But when done wrong, they can lead to drainage issues, unsafe surfaces, or major repair bills. This is especially true in Michigan, where frost heave and shifting soil are real concerns.

Avoid it by:

• Hiring a licensed, experienced builder who understands Michigan’s soil and seasons
• Asking for past project photos and reviews
• Choosing a design-build team that manages your entire project from concept to completion

Custom Built Tip: If you do plan on a DIY patio project, sketch a simple layout and walk the space with stakes and string. This helps you visualize traffic flow, furniture placement, and proportions, so you don’t pour concrete or lay pavers in the wrong spot. A little planning up front saves time, money, and frustration later.

8. Not Choosing the Right Layout

The way your patio is shaped—and how it flows—can make or break how usable and comfortable it feels. Without a smart layout design, you could end up with dead zones or crowded traffic paths.

5 Signs of a Bad Patio Layout

1. Poor Traffic Flow: If guests constantly have to squeeze around furniture or walk through seating areas to get anywhere, the layout isn’t working.
2. No Defined Zones: Without separate areas for dining, lounging, or cooking, the patio can feel chaotic and unfocused.
3. Lack of Shade or Weather Protection: A patio that bakes in the sun or gets soaked every time it rains won’t get used much—design should account for Michigan’s changing weather.
4. Furniture Doesn’t Fit the Space: Oversized or mismatched furniture can make even large patios feel cramped and uncomfortable.
5. Neglecting Views and Access: A layout that turns its back on scenic views or blocks easy access to the house can limit the patio’s appeal and functionality.

Popular patio layouts to consider:

• Zoned Layout: Divides the patio into clear areas for dining, lounging, and cooking
• L-Shaped Layout: Great for wrapping around your home and creating separation without walls
• Courtyard Layout: Ideal for privacy, especially with fencing or plant walls
• Multi-Level Layout: Adds interest and function, with different elevations for each activity

Custom Built Tip: Match your layout to how you live. If you entertain often, an open concept makes sense. If you prefer quiet mornings, add a tucked-away nook.

Next Steps to Remodeling Your Outdoor Living Space

A patio isn’t just a slab of concrete—it’s a place where memories are made. But a few design missteps can get in the way of enjoying it fully.

By avoiding these common mistakes and understanding what works best in Michigan, you can create a patio that looks great and functions even better.

At Custom Built, we believe your outdoor space should feel just as thoughtful and welcoming as the inside of your home. That’s why our team walks you through every step—design, planning, building—with Michigan seasons and your family’s needs in mind.

Curious what a custom patio could look like for your home? Schedule a Discovery Call and let’s talk through your vision, your layout, and your next steps.

Now that you know more about design mistakes to avoid while remodeling your patio, let’s explore the top pergolas, the average deck and backyard privacy costs to expect, and the best outdoor heating ideas:

• Top 4 Pergolas for Your Michigan Outdoor Living Space - Discover the most popular pergola options to elevate your deck or patio.
• Michigan Average Deck and Backyard Privacy Costs in 2025  - Explore common deck and backyard privacy costs and the factors influencing the final price.
• Top 8 Outdoor Heating Ideas for Your Deck or Patio - From frigid winter days to cool summer nights, these outdoor heating options will keep your living space comfortable year-round.