Inspiration for a large tropical backyard patio in Phoenix with natural stone pavers, a pergola and an outdoor kitchen.

Falls Church Pavilion with Stone Column Bases

Freestanding pavilion with stone column bases over a concrete paver patio. Located in Falls Church, VA
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Light Simplicity

Eco Outdoor AUS

Outdoor Living

Sunset Construction & Design

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. 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. 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.

San Antonio Home 2

William W. Stubbs and Associates

Inspiration for a large mediterranean courtyard patio in Houston with a vertical garden, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Landscaping and bluestone patio

Land Creations Landscaping Inc.

Jeff Rak
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Estate Greenhouses and Garden Rooms

BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd

A beautiful estate greenhouse completed with vestibules and double glass where the lights can shine through easily at night.
This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Vancouver with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

Curved Fieldstone Patio and Walkway

Land Art Design, Inc.

Landscaping stones line the walkway from the garage to the house in this Great Falls backyard. Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.
Design ideas for a large eclectic backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Living

Master Stone Design, LLC

This elegant outdoor living area has all of the elements you will need for a relaxing getaway. The fireplace is a drystacked application of Tennessee fieldstone and in a unique twist we layed the natural stone flagging from Pennsylvanian, it has a distinctive color pallet based with purples, olives and grays. Combine all that with the cast stone pillars and the stucco accented walls and you have a truly unique combination of materials that make for a wonderful retreat from the real world.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON)

Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd.

With the goal of enhancing the connection between interior and exterior, backyard and side yard, and natural and man-made features, Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd. drew on nature for inspiration. We worked around one of Oakville’s largest oak trees introducing curved braces and sculpted ends to an organic patio enhanced with wild bed lines tamed by a flagstone mowing strip. The result is a subtle layering of elements where each element effortlessly blends into the next. Linear structures bordered by manicured lawn and carefully planned perennials delineate the start of a dynamic and unbridled space. Pathways casually direct your steps to and from the pool area while the gentle murmur of the waterfall enhances the pervading peace of this outdoor sanctuary.

Midwest Outdoor Living in a Bird Lover's Backyard

The Cleary Company

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Columbus with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Jafri Project

Timberline Patio Covers

This project is a hip style free standing patio cover with a cedar deck and cedar railing. It is surrounded by some beautiful landscaping with a fire pit right on the golf course. The patio cover is equipped with recessed Infratech heaters and an outdoor kitchen.

DS Chicago to Birmingham

Amy Storm & Company

Joe Kwon Photography
This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

External Patio - View 8

ArchiNature Photography

This is an example of a large country backyard patio in Surrey with natural stone pavers.

Stately Residence

Peregrine Design Build

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in Burlington with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

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.

Solar Panel Pergola

GenRenew, LLC

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Aussie Pool House

Bear Ridge Homes

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in Nashville with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Farmhouse Bluestone and Brick - Hawthorn Woods, IL

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

Patio detail showing the inlaid brick soldier courses which visually overlap each other within the bluestone paving. Renn Kuhnen Photography
This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Large 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!