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

Outdoor Living Orient

Creative Design Landscaping

This is an example of a beach style backyard patio in New York with a fire feature, no cover and brick pavers.

Broken Arrow Lodge at Squaw Valley USA

Gemme Group

Stone patio, fire pit and mountain views at BrokenArrowLodge.info in Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe photography by Photo-tecture.com
Design ideas for an expansive country backyard patio in Sacramento with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Bedford Park

ACRE landscape architecture + design studio

A lovely yard that started as a long bowling alley of lawn. We wanted to create a more human scale in the lounge area without building too many visual barriers. The overall effect is contemporary, but it is met with hints of woodland to help maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

San Francisco 2-Story Addition

JMJ Studios

View of rear yard included custom-colored concrete walls, pavers, riverstone and a built-in bench around a firepit. Sliding Glass wall system by Nanawall. All exterior lighting by Bega. Catherine Nguyen Photography

Beaver Dam Residence

Berglund Architects

LIV Sotheby's International Realty
This is an example of a large country backyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Redmond Estate

Reynolds Landscape LLC

This circular gas fire pit with seat edge is a key feature of this destination random flagstone patio. A large curved seat stacked stone seat wall and bolder border benches create a magical place for conversation. Redmond, WA.

Salt Lake Flagstone Patio with Fire Pit & Sitting Wall

Archadeck Salt Lake

This stunning flagstone patio in Salt Lake features a gorgeous outdoor fire pit with a built in paver sitting wall for maximum seating.
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Lakeside Overlook | Patios

Southview Design

Natural stone patio and firepit overlooking Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata.
Design ideas for an expansive traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Small Backyard Transformation

Exscape Designs

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Cumberland Lakeside Patio

Fiano Landscapes

Like every property on the lake, this one had a steep slope immediately out of the back door. So we hugged the patio close to the house, building it up with a small retaining wall, and providing plenty of space to enjoy a summer night by the fire!

JH Modern

Pearson Design Group

Expansive country backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Wallingford Pizza Oven

SHED Architecture & Design

Mark Woods
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Fire Pit and Patio, Ridgewood, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with no cover, a fire feature and tile.

Ultimate Outdoor Pavillion

K Morris Landscape Design Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Perthshire house

Gonzalez Architects

Large country backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, a roof extension and concrete slab.

Issaquah Highlands

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Backyard Landscaping with patio, firepit, playground, water feature and more
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Fire Features

Markham Landscape Products, Inc.

Rustic Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit with custom caps.
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Charlotte with a fire feature and concrete slab.

Walnut Retreat

TRG Architecture + Interior Design

Bernard Andre
Large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Backyard Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature

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!