It may refer to a roofless inner courtyard of the sort found in Spanish-style dwellings or a paved area between a residence and the garden. A patio is an outdoor space generally used for dining or recreation that often adjoins a residence and is typically paved
The firmness and stability of the base is essential to the robustness of the top layer of slabs - an infirm base will typically result in cracked slabs. This base is often formed of a layer of compacted hardcore , a layer of sharp sand, and a layer of cement mortar. Patios that hold a lot of weight, such as driveways, require stronger foundations than those that are designed for light use. Patios are typically made of concrete or stone slabs laid over a firm base
In Australia the term Patio is often used to mean any kind of outdoor balcony or verandah