This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with tile and a roof extension.

South Ocean Boulevard | Oceanfront Estate

New 2-story residence consisting of; kitchen, breakfast room, laundry room, butler’s pantry, wine room, living room, dining room, study, 4 guest bedroom and master suite. Exquisite custom fabricated, sequenced and book-matched marble, granite and onyx, walnut wood flooring with stone cabochons, bronze frame exterior doors to the water view, custom interior woodwork and cabinetry, mahogany windows and exterior doors, teak shutters, custom carved and stenciled exterior wood ceilings, custom fabricated plaster molding trim and groin vaults.

Rock Creek Residence

Smelek Design

Inspiration for an expansive traditional backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Outdoor living

Monarch & Maker

Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Future Proof Log Cabin

The SOHO Shop

Inspiration for an expansive country backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Spacious Lanai

Pu'uwai Design & Construction

Expansive tropical backyard patio in Hawaii with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Westlake Estate

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Design ideas for an expansive transitional backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Lake House Project - Fire Pit

Jane Reece Interiors

Photo of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Tuscan Tradition

Fred Parker Company, Inc.

The home has a large Cabana complete with outdoor kitchen, vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, cast stone fireplace, uniquely engineered cast stone columns and entrances with limestone floors. The clients worked with the collaborative efforts of builders Ron and Fred Parker, architect Don Wheaton, interior designer Robin Froesche, and landscaping by Marcus Bowen landscape to create this incredible home.

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

Mediterranean Patio

Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, tile and a pergola.

El Paseo Grande | La Jolla

The Nelson Brothers | Willis Allen Real Estate

Cameron Acker
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary courtyard patio in San Diego with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Bayview Project, Kona, Hawai'i

Greg Putman Construction

extended lanai - indoor and outdoor living; living space; patio designs
Inspiration for an expansive tropical side yard patio in Hawaii with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Southampton Shingle

Halper Architects LLC

Photography by Michael Moran
Photo of an expansive arts and crafts backyard patio in New York with tile and a roof extension.

Outdoor Dining

Matrix Design

Outdoor dining area with infinity edge pool and tropical landscape.
Photo of an expansive contemporary courtyard patio in San Diego with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

California Spanish Revival

User

This is an example of an expansive mediterranean courtyard patio in Orange County with a water feature, tile and no cover.

Outdoor Living

Cochrane Design

This sleek walnut coloured outdoor seating area sits within a stone courtyard/ patio that steps onto the lawn. The grand outdoor fireplace in the distance becomes the vocal point and the topiary bushes are strategically placed for an elegant finish.

An East Bay Garden

Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

This property has a wonderful juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, which are unified by a natural planting scheme. Although the house is traditional, the client desired some contemporary elements, enabling us to introduce rusted steel fences and arbors, black granite for the barbeque counter, and black African slate for the main terrace. An existing brick retaining wall was saved and forms the backdrop for a long fountain with two stone water sources. Almost an acre in size, the property has several destinations. A winding set of steps takes the visitor up the hill to a redwood hot tub, set in a deck amongst walls and stone pillars, overlooking the property. Another winding path takes the visitor to the arbor at the end of the property, furnished with Emu chaises, with relaxing views back to the house, and easy access to the adjacent vegetable garden. Photos: Simmonds & Associates, Inc.

Makai Residence

GFDS Engineers

deReus Architects David Duncan Livingston Photography Underwood Construction Company
This is an example of an expansive asian backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, tile and a roof extension.

Patio Tilework

Exteriors By Chad Robert

The colors and intricate paving patterns in the tiles create interest in the patio area.
Photo of an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in Phoenix with tile.

Expansive 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!