Mid-sized contemporary patio in Melbourne.

Project of the Month: September 2017

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

Earth, Water & Fire

Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.

Landscape by Gardens by Gabriel; Fire Bowl and Water Feature by Wells Concrete Works; Radial bench by TM Lewis Construction
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a water feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Wilmington Court - Fire Pit

Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC

Built-in custom polished concrete fire -pit with surrounding brick bench with a bluestone cap. Bluestone patio paving with slot of gray beach pebbles. Fire-pit has natural gas with an electric spark starter. Bench seating has a wood screen wall that includes lighting & supports vine growth.

Mechanicsville Hillside Makeover

Outdoor Dreams

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Lansdowne Modern Swimming Pool + Outdoor Living

Randy Angell Designs

Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, decking and a pergola.

Townsend

Yardscapes Northwest

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Boise with stamped concrete and a pergola.

North Melbourne

Normark Landscapes

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Melbourne.

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.

Patio Rockville, MD

Design Builders, Inc.

Summary As far as unique outdoor living spaces go, this entire backyard makeover at Manor Country Club in Rockville, Maryland has the bases covered. A flagstone patio, AZEK-covered deck, cedar pergola, and hot tub were added to make this Montgomery County home stand out. The basement was also renovated and given a stone fireplace. Situated on Manor's 18th tee box, the patio and pavilion feature open views, low-maintenance plantings, and all of the amenities one needs for entertaining. The integrated hot tub is integrated into the AZEK decking for easy and safe access. We also paved the driveway and laid stone for the front path. Other features Hot tub that is half under the awning and half exposed to the sky for excellent stargazing Integrated porch lighting Stone flower boxes built into the multi-tiered patio Materials AZEK Terra Collection decking, Tahoe AZEK Harvest Collection decking, slate gray Pennsylvania flagstone patio blocks Cedar wood Pressure-treated wood Photos by Venturaphoto

10' One Piece Waterfall Edge Bar

Concrete Commander

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Jacksonville with an outdoor kitchen and brick pavers.

Arun Landscapes - Project Value £20,000 - £35,000 - Winner

The Association of Professional Landscapers

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Berkshire with a vertical garden and concrete pavers.

Napa Winery Outdoor Kitchen

Outdora

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, gravel and a pergola.

Mid-Century Vibe Concrete Patio - Bayside

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

A line of 'Skyracer' molinia repeats the same element from the front yard and is paralleled by a bluestone stepper path into the lawn. Westhauser Photography

Long town garden Strawberry Hill

Echinops Garden Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with a water feature, tile and no cover.

Pool structures

Glen Gate Company

A decorative wooden pergola accents this pool changing area and outdoor shower.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Woodside Conservatory & Hardscape

Chateau Construction Company

Spencer Kent
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers, an outdoor shower and no cover.

Metal Roof Extension Outdoor Entertain Areas

Southwest Fence & Deck

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature and a pergola.

Mid-Century Modern Concrete Patio - Fox Point, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The unique window pattern on this mid-century home was repeated in the concrete patio in the form of inlaid bluestone runnels. Renn Kuhnen Photography

Lake View Patio in Powhattan

Outdoor Dreams

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Mid-sized 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!