Photo Credit: Ashton Thornhill
Large modern backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature and decomposed granite.

LED garden spike lights are the ideal fittings to light your garden as you can move them as the planting grows and matures. Our range of LED outdoor garden lights include LED spike spot lights, LED spike floodlights and a wonderful new candle-like product – the Carella.

Slatted Privacy Screen Panels

Kayu Canada Inc.

Slatted privacy screen panels provide a little privacy for this backyard retreat
This is an example of a traditional backyard patio in Calgary with concrete slab and no cover.

Outdoor kitchen in Bickley, Bromley

Grillo Outdoor Kitchens

We love this outdoor area in Bromley for so many reasons. Its beautiful clean horizontal lines, mirrored by the all-black feature walls of the kitchen and the endless fencing. The uncluttered airiness and freshness that pervades the space. The bleached Mediterranean look from the extensive use of white stone, set off against the warmth of the fence and the graced by the beauty of the plantings. The careful use of lighting that reveals it was clearly not an afterthought, and the way it complements and envelops the space as the evening sets in. Contemporary, yet somehow timeless.

The Eagle

Ruebl Builders LLC

Photo of an expansive country backyard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers.

Sunken Patio w/ Fire Pit and Built-in Seating

Conscious Environments Inc.

A lowered patio w/ built-in seating and contemporary fire pit. Great place for hanging out, relaxing, and entertaining. A floating hardwood bench provides ample seating for larger gatherings.

Outdoor Living. Pergola. Outdoor Kitchen

Curated Construction

Design ideas for a large modern backyard patio in Denver with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Telluride Cabin

Artisan Builders LLC

Inspiration for an expansive country backyard patio in Denver with natural stone pavers, no cover and a fire feature.

Dover Estate

Sudbury Design Group

Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in Boston with no cover.

Rockin Patio

Exigent Landscaping LLC

Large contemporary backyard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Woodside Modern Napa Style

The Design Build Company

Photo of a large modern backyard patio in San Francisco with concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Bluestone Irving Park

KD Landscape

Big flowery puffs of Hydrangea provide base for the deck and create a nice separation from the patio. Photography by Larry Huene Photography.
Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Modern Ranch

Lango Works

This is an example of a country backyard patio in Los Angeles with concrete slab, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Milton Road, East Sheen, SW14

Marsh & Parsons

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with no cover.

Poolside Solar Shade

NW Shade Co

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Seattle with concrete slab and a pergola.

Traditional Patio

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Newfound Lake House

Andover Landscape Design & Construction

Situated on the shore of newfound lake in central new hampshire, this outdoor retreat looks west over the spring fed waters toward the mountains beyond. Our design intent was to provide the homeowners with a viewing perspective that captured the feel of lakefront living. The fire pit terrace, situated on a plane aligned with the home’s main floor, uses native granite from a nearby quarry to create a refined campfire retreat. This carefully calculated elevation makes the upper plateau appear to jut out into the lake. A quick walk down a grass path with granite lawn treads brings us to a private beach for lounging and water access. Transitioning from refined to rustic successfully makes the landscape feel cohesive and inviting.

Custom Doors

Builders Door & Window

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Poolside Patio Dining

MARK IV Builders, Inc

A large fire pit flanks the pergola to provide warmth and light. Additional nighttime lighting radiates from Hinkley pendant lights from Annapolis Lighting. Tucked behind sliding bard doors is a SunBrite flatscreen TV. The kitchen roof is made from fire-rated hand split cedar shakes (western red).

Pool Patio, Ridgewood, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in New York with decking and a pergola.

Blue 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!