Outdoor kitchen complete with refrigerator, storage, fridfer and blaze bbq kitchen and we finished with beautiful grey granite, stacked stone walls and outdoor sink. We also finished the area with a brand new pergola as well as new tile floor

Italian Villa

Richard Drummond Davis Architects

Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in Dallas with tile and a roof extension.

Manayunk Elevations

GroundTec, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Philadelphia with no cover and tile.

Custom Traditional Home in Bellaire, Texas

Purser Architectural

Purser Architectural Custom Home Design Outdoor patio with fireplace, wall mounted TV, and summer kitchen
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Houston with tile and a roof extension.

Cortijo

Tom Meaney Architect, AIA

Large outdoor patio provides seating by fireplace and outdoor dining with bbq and grill.
This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Santa Barbara with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Eclectic Mediterranean Estate

The Accidental Decorator

Large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, an awning and tile.

Straight Line Pool in Boerne Texas

Keith Zars Pools

This large outdoor kitchen and dining area is perfect for entertaining guests in the backyard by the pool! Photographer: Siggi Ragnar
Large mediterranean backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Swimming Pool & Water Features

Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture

Tom Minczeski photographer
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, tile and a pergola.

Oceanfront

McRae Lambert Dunn

Grey Crawford Photography
Contemporary patio in Los Angeles with tile and a roof extension.

Brookhaven Pool Pavilion

Soorikian Architecture

Pool Pavilion for entertaining family and friends.
This is an example of a traditional patio in Atlanta with with fireplace, tile and a roof extension.

Outdoor Living in Las Colinas

Compass Outdoor Design

These clients spent the majority of their time outside and entertained frequently, but their existing patio space didn't allow for larger gatherings. We added nearly 500 square feet to the already 225 square feet existing to create this expansive outdoor living room. The outdoor fireplace is see-thru and can fully convert to wood burning should the clients desire. Beyond the fireplace is a spa built in on two sides with a composite deck, LED step lighting, and outdoor rated TV, and additional counter space. The outdoor grilling area mimics the interior of the clients home with a kitchen island and space for dining. Heaters were added in ceiling and mounted to walls to create additional heat sources. To capture the best lighting, our clients enhanced their space with lighting in the overhangs, underneath the benches adjacent the fireplace, and recessed cans throughout. Audio/Visual details include an outdoor rated TV by the spa, Sonos surround sound in the main sitting area, the grilling area, and another landscape zone by the spa. The lighting and audio/visual in this project is also fully automated. To bring their existing area and new area together for ultimate entertaining, the clients remodeled their exterior breakfast room wall by removing three windows and adding an accordion door with a custom retractable screen to keep bugs out of the home. For landscape, the existing sod was removed and synthetic turf installed around the entirety of the backyard area along with a small putting green. Selections: Flooring - 2cm porcelain paver Kitchen/island: Fascia is ipe. Counters are 3cm quartzite Dry Bar: Fascia is stacked stone panels. Counter is 3cm granite. Ceiling: Painted tongue and groove pine with decorative stained cedar beams. Additional Paint: Exterior beams painted accent color (do not match existing house colors) Roof: Slate Tile Benches: Tile back, stone (bullnose edge) seat and cap

Andalusia La Quinta, CA

Nicholas Lawrence Design

Photo by Lance Gerber
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with tile, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Mediterranean Patio

Inspiration for a mediterranean patio in Houston with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Fire Magic Grills

Fire Magic Grills - Robert H Peterson Company

Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Palos Verdes Estates Outdoor Entertaining

Built By Newkirk

Jeri Koegel
Photo of a large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

Modern Elegance at Pauoa Beach

Nicholson

This is an example of a large tropical backyard patio in Hawaii with an outdoor kitchen, a roof extension and tile.

Mediterranean Patio

Photo of a mediterranean patio in Other with tile, a pergola and with fireplace.

Outdoor Spaces

Eagle Luxury Properties

Eagle Luxury Properties
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with tile and a pergola.

Tropez Lake House

John West Stoddard, Inc.

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Austin with a roof extension, an outdoor kitchen and tile.

Cave Creek Backyard Oasis

Rocket Garden Landscape Design

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

Brown Patio Design Ideas with Tile

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!