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It's been a long, gray winter, and with beautiful weather upon us, why not make the most of the speedy spring and summer months? If you have outdoor space, but no place to congregate with friends or enjoy a meal, consider a patio. Whether you're looking to build one yourself, or hire outside help, it can be a relatively quick process. We asked celebrity contractor Stephen Fanuka, owner of the firm Fanuka Inc., to give us some helpful tips to take into account before starting the project.

"Most patios are attached to the home and can be used as extensions to the house, for example your family room or kitchen," Fanuka says. "You'll need a door to enter the backyard to make this right ... just a reminder." 

"Take sunlight factor into account when deciding your location," Fanuka advises. "Ideally you want to have just enough sun during the winter, yet a place that reduces your exposure to direct sun during the summer months."

"Bricks are a very popular option for patios," says Fanuka. "Make sure you get the right bricks for your climate." The colder the climate, the harder the bricks should be.

Good for cold weather and slip-resistant, slate is a smooth stone. Fanuka warns, however, that it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum. 

"Concrete has been around forever," Fanuka says. "And now comes in different colors and textures. It can be smooth like glass, or rough." An economical option, concrete can be stamped to replicate other stones. 

To ensure you don't run out of materials, Fanuka suggests ordering five percent more stone than the patio calls for.