Outdoor dining area
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Dartmouth House

Shane Marsh Architects

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

Keon House

Demardi.

Mid-sized contemporary patio in Melbourne.

MSN Homes Griffin display home

ProAbode Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

Tinson Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in San Francisco with decking and a pergola.

Residential

Tucson Patio StruXure

Our products feature pivoting louvers that can be easily activated using a smartphone, to block out the sun or allow for air flow. The louvers will also close on their own when rain is detected, or open automatically during wind storms. The sturdy pergolas are made of extruded aluminum, with a powder coating in a variety of colors, which make it easy to coordinate the structures with the design of the home. With added lights and fans, it’s easier than ever to entertain outdoors.

Glen Residence

AoDK Inc.

Photo: Scott Pease
Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Project of the Month: September 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This freestanding covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace is the perfect retreat! Just a few steps away from the home, this covered patio is about 500 square feet. The homeowner had an existing structure they wanted replaced. This new one has a custom built wood burning fireplace with an outdoor kitchen and is a great area for entertaining. The flooring is a travertine tile in a Versailles pattern over a concrete patio. The outdoor kitchen has an L-shaped counter with plenty of space for prepping and serving meals as well as space for dining. The fascia is stone and the countertops are granite. The wood-burning fireplace is constructed of the same stone and has a ledgestone hearth and cedar mantle. What a perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a cool evening outside. The structure has cedar columns and beams. The vaulted ceiling is stained tongue and groove and really gives the space a very open feel. Special details include the cedar braces under the bar top counter, carriage lights on the columns and directional lights along the sides of the ceiling. Click Photography

Lancaster area paver patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Traditional Brick Patio, Garden and Pool Lounge Furniture

Hive Home

Teak furniture with custom cushions, tile top table, garden stool.
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with brick pavers and no cover.

la Maison Charrier

Bernard Touillon Photographe

Bernard Touillon photographe La Maison de Charrier décorateur
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Nice with a pergola.

Contemporary Ranch - Home Remodel

McCutcheon Construction Inc.

this professionally equipped outdoor kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances and a built-in smoker Eric Rorer Photography
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a pergola.

New Home @ Carlton Woods Creekside

Le Classique Interiors

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with a roof extension.

Pavilion

KD Landscape

Best of Houzz Design Award Winner. The pavilion not only provides a shady respite during the summer months but also a great place to relax by the fire during spring and fall. The pavilion is convenient to the home, the pool and the outdoor kitchen. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Landscape design by John Algozzini. The complete landscape can be seen in our projects, listed as Fun By The Farm.

Flex Roof

Armadillo Convertible Room Solutions

Available in different fabrics and colors. All products are custom made. We chose the top-rated "Gennius Awning" for our FlexRoof. The FlexRoof is a roller-roof system, from KE Durasol Awnings, one of the best rated awning companies. The FlexRoof is more unique than traditional awnings on the market, such as retractable awnings. The FlexRoof is built onto a pergola-type frame (or mounted onto a FlexRoom) which aesthetically enhances your outdoor space and adds function as an outdoor room. The FlexRoof provides overhead protection from outdoor elements with design and innovation. Our FlexRoof can be installed together with or separately from a FlexRoom. All FlexRoofs are custom designed and are available in a variety of frame options, fabrics, and colors. Lights and/or speaker installations are optional.

Arbors

M&M Builders

arbor over outdoor kitchen in Palo Alto
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

Lake Minnetonka New Construction

Vivid Interior Design - Danielle Loven

Hendel Homes Landmark Photography Summer Classics
Design ideas for an expansive traditional patio in Minneapolis.

West LA

California Deck Builders

Trex Decking & Concrete Pavers
Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Los Angeles with no cover and concrete pavers.

Lawton Wood

User

Fall and Summer container gardens designed for a longtime client.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Seattle with a container garden, concrete slab and no cover.

Exteriors

Shiffler Builders Inc

Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Mid-sized and Expansive 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!