Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with a fire feature, gravel and an awning.

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Perth with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

R Residence

archer design

Central to the success of this project is the seamless link between interior and exterior zones. The external zones free-flow off the interior to create a sophisticated yet secluded space to lounge, entertain and dine.

Brighton: Renovation & Extension

First Avenue Homes

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Melbourne with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

MSN Homes Griffin display home

ProAbode Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

Fire Pit

Conklin Limestone

A perfect addition to your outdoor living is a seating wall surrounding a firepit. Cambridge Maytrx wall, Pyzique Fire Pit, Round table Pavers. Installed by Natural Green Landsacpe & Design in Lincoln, RI

Residential

Tucson Patio StruXure

Our products feature pivoting louvers that can be easily activated using a smartphone, to block out the sun or allow for air flow. The louvers will also close on their own when rain is detected, or open automatically during wind storms. The sturdy pergolas are made of extruded aluminum, with a powder coating in a variety of colors, which make it easy to coordinate the structures with the design of the home. With added lights and fans, it’s easier than ever to entertain outdoors.

Glen Residence

AoDK Inc.

Photo: Scott Pease
Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Terrasse et cuisine extérieure

Archi Design

Terrasse extérieure aux inspirations méditerranéennes, dotée d'une cuisine extérieure, sous une pergola bois permettant d'ombrager le coin repas.
Large mediterranean backyard patio in Nice with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Del Mar Exterior Renovation

SJS Studios Inc.

Bluestone Pavers, custom Teak Wood banquette with cement tile inlay, Bluestone firepit, custom outdoor kitchen with Teak Wood, concrete waterfall countertop with Teak surround.

Porch

Norris Architecture

Overlooking the lake and with rollaway screens
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Project of the Month: September 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This freestanding covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace is the perfect retreat! Just a few steps away from the home, this covered patio is about 500 square feet. The homeowner had an existing structure they wanted replaced. This new one has a custom built wood burning fireplace with an outdoor kitchen and is a great area for entertaining. The flooring is a travertine tile in a Versailles pattern over a concrete patio. The outdoor kitchen has an L-shaped counter with plenty of space for prepping and serving meals as well as space for dining. The fascia is stone and the countertops are granite. The wood-burning fireplace is constructed of the same stone and has a ledgestone hearth and cedar mantle. What a perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a cool evening outside. The structure has cedar columns and beams. The vaulted ceiling is stained tongue and groove and really gives the space a very open feel. Special details include the cedar braces under the bar top counter, carriage lights on the columns and directional lights along the sides of the ceiling. Click Photography

Nouveaux horizons - Terrasse

Stéphane Larcin - Concepteur - Paysagiste

Révéler et magnifier les vues sur l'horizon parisien grâce au végétal et créer des espaces de détente et de vie en lien avec l'architecture intérieure de l'appartement : telles sont les intentions majeures de ce projet de toit-terrasse.

Marblehead Residence

Sudbury Design Group

Photo of a traditional backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature and no cover.

Traditional Brick Patio, Garden and Pool Lounge Furniture

Hive Home

Teak furniture with custom cushions, tile top table, garden stool.
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with brick pavers and no cover.

Project 3419-1 Outdoor Living Space Screen Porch Deck Porch Bar Minneapolis

Castle Building & Remodeling

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Glasscock

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

We transformed the existing patio into a space that is a continuation of their kitchen and more inviting for entertaining .
Photo of a transitional backyard patio in Raleigh.

Trellis & Firepit Area - Northeast View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a pergola.

Traditional Style Outdoor Living Space

Pristine Acres

Traditional backyard patio in Richmond with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

la Maison Charrier

Bernard Touillon Photographe

Bernard Touillon photographe La Maison de Charrier décorateur
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Nice with a pergola.

Backyard Patio Design Ideas

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!