Mid-sized tropical backyard patio in Hawaii with natural stone pavers, a pergola and a container garden.

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Sunset Construction and Design specializes in creating residential patio retreats, outdoor kitchens with fireplaces and luxurious outdoor living rooms. Our design-build service can turn an ordinary back yard into a natural extension of your home giving you a whole new dimension for entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re interested in converting a boring back yard or starting from scratch in a new home, look us up! A great patio and outdoor living area can easily be yours. Greg, Sunset Construction & Design in Fresno, CA.

Santa Barbara, California

KES Studio

The residence received a full gut renovation to create a modern coastal retreat vacation home. This was achieved by using a neutral color pallet of sands and blues with organic accents juxtaposed with custom furniture’s clean lines and soft textures.

Arlington Street

Fischer Schalles

Mid-sized country courtyard patio in Houston with gravel and a pergola.

Pig Bay 1

Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

Inspiration for a country backyard patio in Minneapolis with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a pergola.

Rustic Eaton Cedar Pavilion Patio

The Site Group

Design ideas for a large country backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Glencoe French Chateau - Formal Pool and Landscape

Arrow. Land + Structures

French Inspired Pool and Landscape by Marco Romani, RLA - Landscape Architect. Design and Construction of Entire Property by: Arrow
This is an example of a traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Summer Hill

User

A pretty detached Georgian House (c1830) with delightful gardens and terraces with southerly views over Dartmouth and beyond. Colin Cadle Photography, Photo Styling Jan Cadle

Outdoor living area

HrH Architecture

The arbor overlooks the pool with the gazebo in the background.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Suburban Oasis

Western DuPage Landscaping, Inc.

This partially wooded, acre and a half lot in West Dundee presented many challenges. The clients began working with a Landscape Architect in the early spring, but after not getting the innovative ideas they were seeking, the home builder and Architect suggested the client contact our landscape design/build firm. We immediately hit it off with the charismatic clients. They had a tall order for us: complete the design and implement the construction within a three month period. For many projects this would be a reasonable time frame. However construction delays and the coordination of multiple trades left a very short window to complete the work. Beyond the tight time frame the site required specific care in preserving the many mature surrounding trees, as well as addressing a vast grade change. Over fifteen feet of grade change occurs from one end of this woodland property to the other. All of these constraints proved to be an enormous challenge as we worked to include and coordinate the following elements: the drive layout, a dramatic front entry, various gardens, landscape lighting, irrigation, and a plan for a backyard pool and entertainment space that already had been started without a clear plan. Fortunately, the client loved our design ideas and attention to detail and we were able to mobilize and begin construction. With the seamless coordination between our firm and the builder we implemented all the elements of this grand project. In total eight different crews and five separate trades worked together to complete the landscape. The completed project resulted in a rewarding experience for our firm, the builder and architect, as well as the client. Together we were able to create and construct a perfect oasis for the client that suited the beautiful property and the architecture of this dream home.

The Vanberstarren

So Green Canada (landscape design /build)

Bridge floating over a 48 linear feet long pond connecting main entrance to driveway
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Toronto with gravel and a pergola.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Wallace Landscape Associates

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a pergola, a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Dressel Pool Pavilion, Woodside, CA

Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design

This is an example of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in San Francisco with a pergola, natural stone pavers and with fireplace.

Hill-Top Residence

Eileen Gordon Design

A complete remodel of a 70s-era home re-imagines its original post-modern architecture. The new design emphasizes details such as a phoenix motif (significant to the family) that appears on a fountain as well as at the living room fireplace surround, both designed by the firm. Mahogany paneling, stone and walnut flooring, elaborate ceiling treatments, steel picture windows that frame panoramic views, and carved limestone window surrounds contribute new texture and character.

Pergola by the Patio

Conte & Conte, LLC

Conte & Conte, LLC landscape architects and designers work with clients located in Connecticut & New York (Greenwich, Belle Haven, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Fairfield, Southport, Rowayton, Manhattan, Larchmont, Bedford Hills, Armonk, Massachusetts) Thanks to Fairfield House & Garden Co. for making this happen!

JUNGLE URBAINE

GARDEN TROTTER

Design ideas for a tropical patio in Paris with a container garden, decking and a pergola.

Broadway Paver

Barkman Concrete Ltd.

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a pergola.

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.

Berlin Gardens

Georgia Patio, Inc. - Outdoor Furniture

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Atlanta with a pergola.

Le perchoir du 104

Kevin Clare - Paysagiste

Les bacs plantés composent l'espace tout en ménageant des surprises
This is an example of an expansive backyard patio in Paris with a container garden, decking and a pergola.

Green Patio Design Ideas with a Pergola

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!