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

Fire Features

Johns Building Supply

Traditional Style Fire Feature - Techo-Bloc's Valencia Fire Pit.
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Backyard Bungalow

SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction

Morgan Howarth Photography, Surrounds Inc.
This is an example of a traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers.

Little Horn Residence

AquaTerra Outdoors

This gourmet kitchen includes wood burning pizza oven, grill, side burner, egg smoker, sink, refrigerator, trash chute, serving station and more! Photography: Daniel Driensky

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Photo by Samantha Robison
Design ideas for a small transitional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

4th Street Townhouse, Park Slope

Harper Design Build

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Sofronas Residence

Altera Landscape

Landscape Design: AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. / Photography: Jeri Koegel
Large contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Fire Features

Nansemond Precast Concrete

Traditional Style Fire Feature - the Prescott Fire Pit - using Techo-Bloc's Prescott wall & Piedimonte cap.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor kitchen in Oxshott, Surrey

Grillo Outdoor Kitchens

Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say. And what a dream; this is the acme of a Surrey suburban townhouse garden. The team behind the teamwork of this masterpiece in Oxshott, Surrey, are Raine Garden Design Ltd, Bushy Business Ltd, Hampshire Garden Lighting, and Forest Eyes Photography. Everywhere you look, some new artful detail demonstrating their collective expertise hits you. The beautiful and tasteful selection of materials. The very mature, regimented pleached beech hedge. The harmoniousness of the zoning; tidy yet so varied and interesting. The ancient olive, dating back to the reign of Victoria. The warmth and depth afforded by the layered lighting. The seamless extension of the Home from inside to out; because in this dream, the garden is Home as much as the house is.

Driftwood Estate

TM GRADY BUILDERS

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Country Patio

Inspiration for a large country backyard patio in Gloucestershire with natural stone pavers.

Entertainment Size | Timber Step Pergola w/Slight Curve to Mirror Paver Patio

Western Timber Frame

Timber frame pergola kit with old-world wood-to-wood connections. The pergola steps down over the steps and on the front has a radius roof to —ever so slightly— mirror the curvature of the paver patio. Also, where the pergola attaches to the home the timber is stained to compliment the home —so this is beautifully subtle —and yet it is a two tone pergola.

Contemporary Retreat

David Thorne Landscape Architect

Expansive contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Seal Beach Entertainers Retreat

MkyDesign

The homeowners wanted a backyard that would shade the house and have plenty of room for entertaining. The long, narrow yard was divided into three rooms. One for dining, another for gathering around the fire pit and the third as a sunken garden, Photos by: Scott Longwinter

Outdoor Kitchens

Jaymark Cabinets

Inspiration for a large arts and crafts backyard patio in Boise with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Mountain Vista

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The bench curves around the space and connects with the kitchen area. The fire bowl, which nestles in the circular part of the bench, is oversized as not to be overwhelmed by the open space. Photo by Marcus Teply,

Fire PIts

Great Goats Landscaping, Inc.

This is an example of a large country backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Bluestone, The Land Collaborative.

Bay Area Bluestone

Bluestone patio by The Land Collaborative. Natural Cleft Full Range. Flamed and Blue Thermal border.
Inspiration for an arts and crafts patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers.

Equestrian Farm Lifestyle

LandWorks, Inc.

Overview from guest wing of home. The patio area is surrounded with grasses and masses of perennials just starting to take on their autumn color changes.

East Hampton Home

Elizabeth Kohn Design

Large traditional backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Brown Patio Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers

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!