Tatum Brown Custom Homes {Architect: William Briggs} {Interiors: Mary Beth Wagner of Avrea Wagner} {Photo Credit: Shoot 2 Sell}
This is an example of a transitional patio in Dallas with a fire feature.

Port Chelsea

William Guidero Planning and Design

outdoor living area
Photo of a mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in Orange County with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Rose Garden

Design Focus International

© Lauren Devon www.laurendevon.com
Mid-sized traditional courtyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Earl Street

SK Design

Contemporary patio in Toronto.

Backyard Paradise

Morgan Howarth Photography

Maryland Landscaping, Twilight, Pool, Pavillion, Pergola, Spa, Whirlpool, Outdoor Kitchen, Front steps by Wheats Landscaping
This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard patio in DC Metro with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Modern Farmhouse

Brad Ramsey Interiors

Photo of a large backyard patio in Nashville with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Emerald Bay Modern

Meridith Baer Home

Staged for: David Wojtaszek, DiVita Builders Listed by: Tim Smith, Coldwell Banker Realty Photos by: Mellon Studio
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Orange County.

MGD x Inner Sunset

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Photo of a transitional patio in Orange County.

Backyard Bliss

Shambhala Landscapes

This classic San Francisco backyard was transformed into an inviting and usable outdoor living space. New expansive double french doors open onto the custom concrete paver and Ipe wood patio. A generous L-shaped outdoor kitchen island frames the patio area and allows for ample storage and prep space.

Flagstone walk, Flagstone Patio, Stacked Stone Firepit, Stacked Stone Seat Wall

SHM Landscape

Flagstone walk, Flagstone Patio, Stacked Stone Firepit, Stacked Stone Seat Wall with End Columns
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Atlanta with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

California Room w/ Fireplace & Outdoor Kitchen

Conscious Environments Inc.

This home had an existing pool that badly needed to be remodeled along with needing a space to entertain while protected from the outdoor elements. The pool was remodeled by integrating a new custom spa with water feature, updating all of the materials & finishes around the pool, and changing the entry into the pool with a new baja shelf. A large California room patio cover integrates a fireplace, outdoor kitchen with dining area, and lounge area for conversating, relaxing, and watching TV. A putting green was incorporated on the side yard as a bonus feature for increased entertainment.

Riverside Splash

Evalutions by Aubuchon Design Group

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Tampa with tile, a roof extension and an outdoor kitchen.

Curved Edge Patio with Fire Pit

Conceptual Outdoor Design

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Outside Details

Seaside Builders Of Delray Beach, Florida

Outside details
This is an example of a large transitional courtyard patio in Miami with tile and a roof extension.

Purple Accent Design

Freestyle Interiors

Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Miami with a roof extension.

Entre Rios

Keith Wing Custom Builders

Matthew Niemann
Design ideas for a mediterranean backyard patio in Other with a roof extension.

Fishhawk Ranch

Ryan Hughes Design

The screened, open plan kitchen and media room offer space for family and friends to gather while delicious meals are prepared using the Fire Magic grill and Big Green Egg ceramic charcoal grill; drinks are kept cool in the refrigerator by Perlick. Plenty of room for everyone to comfortably relax on the sectional sofa by Patio Renaissance. The tile backsplash mirrors the fireplace’s brick face, providing visual continuity across the outdoor spaces.

Pai Pai Pool BBQ

Pu'uwai Design & Construction

The great room flows onto the large lanai through pocketing glass doors creating a seamless indoor outdoor experience. On the lanai teak daybeds imported from Bali face each other with custom blue covers and throw pillows in blue with coral motifs, the rectangular pool is complete with an aqua lounge, built-in spa, and a swim up bar at the outdoor BBQ. The flooring is a gray ceramic tile, the pool coping is natural puka pavers, The house a combination of traditional plantation style seen in the white board and batten walls, with a modern twist seen in the wood framed glass doors, thick square exposed tails and ebony stained square posts supporting the overhangs.

Big Ranch

Joseph Farrell Architecture

Inspiration for a country patio in San Francisco.

Patio Addition with Rustic Touches - Greensburg, PA

Cedar Creek Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized country patio in Other.

Beige 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!