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The patio is a staple of the American backyard. From cooking mouth-watering food on the grill to relaxing on a comfy outdoor sofa, your patio is the perfect place to enjoy everything that outdoor living has to offer.
But have you ever wondered where patios come from or why we use them? Here are some interesting facts about patios that you might not know!
Patios Have Been Around for Ages
Archaeological evidence suggests that the very first patios were developed by Neolithic farmers over 6,000 years ago. Slopes and hills in the Fertile Crescent were terraced into flat land to make farmland more accessible and increase crop yields. While ancient Babylonians weren’t grilling and sipping cocktails on their patio set, these flattened terraces became the basis for the modern patio.
Thousands of years later, terraced gardens and early patio styles were imported to Europe by the Romans as they expanded their empire into Persia. Before long, paved outdoor courtyards were a standard feature of many Mediterranean properties. And by the Renaissance, patio areas were prominent throughout Europe from England to Spain. In the Age of Exploration, patios were built for some of the first colonial properties in North and South America.
Patios Weren’t Always for People
The word “patio” is Spanish in origin and is believed to come from the Old Provencal word “pati” meaning communal pasture. Although we think of patios as a place for people to gather, the first patios were made to house animals long before they came to be used as outdoor living rooms. These patios weren’t proper barns or stables but gave farmers a place to gather livestock at night rather than leaving them to wander the fields.
Patios Are as American as Apple Pie
Patios became incredibly popular in the United States after the end of World War II. The 1950s were a period of growth and prosperity for America that put an emphasis on family and home life. As suburbs began to expand in this period, so did the concept of backyard living.
Swimming pools became a more affordable option for middle-class families, and new materials like plastic and aluminum made patio furniture and backyard grills more available than ever. Many American backyards began to feature a deck or patio area to provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
Today, America is experiencing a patio boom - especially in urban areas with limited outdoor space.
Patios Are Highly Customizable
Patios are incredibly versatile and can be made from various materials. Flagstone, brick, concrete, cobblestone, and even terracotta are all common substrates used in patio construction. There’s no specific shape or size that makes a patio a patio. Any paved outdoor space made for people to gather can be a patio!
But what really sets a patio apart today is great patio furniture. Sure, it’s nice to have a hardtop area in your backyard, but it’s not much fun if you don’t furnish it. The real reason we love patios today is that we can create a complete outdoor living space that’s as comfortable as any room indoors.
Great Patios Need Great Patio Furniture
No patio is truly complete without some quality patio furniture. There are so many different ways that you can use patio furniture to create the outdoor space of your dreams.
If you love hosting dinner parties, get-togethers, and celebrations, having the right patio furniture is essential. Patio dining sets transform your patio into an al fresco dining room. Couple your patio dining set with a premium grill and an outdoor bar and you’ve got everything you need for endless entertainment.
Or if you plan on enjoying your patio by yourself, you can take a more casual approach and design your patio for maximum relaxation. Adirondack chairs, sectional sofas, and even outdoor ottomans can make the hours disappear surrounded by the tranquility and comfort of your patio furniture.
Today’s patio furniture is designed to be weather-resistant and durable. You don’t have to worry about an unexpected rain show ruining the upholstery or the blazing sun damaging the material.
If you’re looking for the best patio furniture this summer, Watson’s has everything you need.
When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We offer all the furniture you need for your outdoor spaces along with tons of pool and spa supplies to make your home stand out. So, if you want to spruce up your patio, shop online or stop by your nearest Watson’s location today.
