You would be surprised how many people lay a patio in winter without considering where the sun will shine come summertime. That is an obvious mistake but you do need to think where you really want to have the patio
.
It may depend on the availability of the site, the size required or the need to entertain or preserve privacy.

If it is to be beside the house then make sure that the finished level isn’t above the damp proof course (DPC). If you can’t see the line in the wall then keep the surface of the patio below the top of the step out of the house.

A level site will be easier to work on with less earth moving and hardcore for the base. A sunny spot sheltered from cold winds is ideal with a small area in shade in the early afternoon. Privacy may be important with a screen of trees or shrubs between the patio and the neighbours.

Choose a position away from the noise and dust of a busy road. Close to the compost heat and the storage area for all the usual clutter is not the ideal position.

Don’t skimp on the size. While a small patio is useful, if you are going to entertain, eat outside or barbecue then considerable space is needed. Furniture such as table, chairs, lounger and swing seats use up a lot of space and where there are planted containers then the whole patio can become an obstacle course.

The patio must not be positioned in isolation to the rest of the garden. To freely move from it to the lawn or the rest of the garden may require steps and these should be sufficiently wide, if possible, to allow 2-3 people to use them side by side.

An electrical supply close to the patio will allow you to have a pond with a submersible pump providing moving water. An outside, waterproof power point will supply electricity for lights and a barbecue.