5 Patio Staples You Should Never Splurge on, According to Designers

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to give your patio a refresh. However, it’s important to know what’s actually worth the investment compared to what’s not. To help you create a chic, budget-friendly outdoor space, we tapped Enda Donagher, a seasoned architect and founder of Enda Donagher Architect, to share the patio staples he recommends skipping.

Keep reading to find out how to elevate your patio without the splurge.

Overly Elaborate Outdoor Kitchens

Donagher explains that although a simple built-in grill station is essential, a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen with pizza ovens, fridges, and sinks can be excessive for many homeowners.

Elaborate outdoor kitchens not only eat up a large chunk of backyard space but also require extensive maintenance and often go underused, particularly in areas with unpredictable weather, Donagher says.

Beyond the occasional rain ruining your BBQ, the long-term effects of climate can present even bigger challenges.

“Outdoor kitchens don’t fare well in high humidity or coastal, saline environments,” Donagher says. “A smarter choice is a well-positioned grill with ample prep space and a mobile bar cart.”

This setup provides flexibility without the hefty initial cost or ongoing maintenance costs associated with an over-the-top kitchen setup.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Pergolas With No Shade Functionality

Pergolas are one of the quickest ways to transform the look of a patio, creating a focal point under which to situate a seating or dining area. However, without factoring in shade, they can end up being more style than substance, Donagher says.

“Many pergolas are installed for aesthetics but provide little actual shade,” Donagher says, who recommends that clients always consider adjustable louvers, shade sails, or retractable awnings for better sun protection.

Without added shade elements like fabric canopies or climbing plants, they may not serve their historical purpose, he explains.

As for climbing plants, there’s a caveat: a pergola draped in vines can take years to become lush enough to provide sufficient shade. And if the plants die off, you’re back at square one.

Hyper-Trendy Hardscape Materials

Materials like white concrete and glossy tiles might be filling your Pinterest feed and catching your eye, but Donagher encourages clients to consider the actual functionality of such pieces before committing to them long-term.

“Light-colored concrete and polished tiles may look modern, but can lead to excessive glare, become dangerously slippery when wet, and require frequent cleaning to remove unsightly stains,” he explains.

Instead of going all in on trends, stick with natural stone, pavers, or textured concrete. These classics deliver lasting durability and slip resistance.

Excessive Wood Elements

If wood is top of mind for your outdoor space, you’re not alone, it’s an open air classic. But Donagher points out that, contrary to its reputation, wood has its downsides when used outdoors

“Wood requires significant upkeep,” he explains. “Exposure to sun, rain, and snow means frequent sealing, repairs, and eventual replacement.”

For a NYC client who wanted a full wood deck, complete with custom wood planters and wood pergola, Donagher recommended a mix of concrete pavers, resin planters, artificial turf, and a composite pergola—materials he also suggests to any DIY designer also considering wood.

For a touch of warmth, Donagher advises incorporating wood in small doses, such as modular wood deck tiles in your seating areas.

Elaborate Masonry for Privacy

Stone walls can quickly create privacy on your patio, but Donagher warns they’re not only costly, but they can also make the space feel boxed in and block airflow—resulting in a hot, stagnant patio during the summer.

When a client requested a fortress-like, five-foot stone wall, Donagher proposed a lighter, layered design. He reduced the stone wall to 18 inches, using it as perimeter seating and adding hedges for a softer, more inviting enclosure.

“As well as saving over 50% of the original budget, the backyard now has privacy without feeling closed off,” Donagher explains. “The extra funds went toward fire features, lighting, and high-quality furniture, making the space more enjoyable and adaptable, unlike permanent stone walls.”