The Pai Pai is the automatic hangout spot for the whole family. Designed in a fun tropical style with a reed thatch ceiling, dark stained rafters, and Ohia log columns. The live edge bar faces the TV for watching the game while barbecuing and the orange built-in sofa makes relaxing a sinch. The pool features a swim-up bar and a hammock swings in the shade beneath the coconut trees.

Kitchen & living room addition including an outdoor living space

Greater Pacific Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a roof extension.

Container Plantings

The JCRD Group

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Casale di Cellole

Matteo Castelli Fotografia

This is an example of a mid-sized country patio in Florence with a pergola.

Covered Patio, Outdoor Kitchen: Katy, TX

Tradition Outdoor Living

In Katy, Texas, Tradition Outdoor Living designed an outdoor living space, transforming the average backyard into a Texas Ranch-style retreat. Entering this outdoor addition, the scene boasts Texan Ranch with custom made cedar Barn-style doors creatively encasing the recessed TV above the fireplace. Maintaining the appeal of the doors, the fireplace cedar mantel is adorned with accent rustic hardware. The 60” electric fireplace, remote controlled with LED lights, flickers warm colors for a serene evening on the patio. An extended hearth continues along the perimeter of living room, creating bench seating for all. This combination of Rustic Taloka stack stone, from the fireplace and columns, and the polished Verano stone, capping the hearth and columns, perfectly pairs together enhancing the feel of this outdoor living room. The cedar-trimmed coffered beams in the tongue and groove ceiling and the wood planked stamped concrete make this space even more unique! In the large Outdoor Kitchen, beautifully polished New Venetian Gold granite countertops allow the chef plenty of space for serving food and chatting with guests at the bar. The stainless steel appliances sparkle in the evening while the custom, color-changing LED lighting glows underneath the kitchen granite. In the cooler months, this outdoor space is wired for electric radiant heat. And if anyone is up for a night of camping at the ranch, this outdoor living space is ready and complete with an outdoor bathroom addition! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sue Photography

Custom Backyard Overhaul

Bella Terra Landscape Resources

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Houston with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Flagstone & Irregular Shaped Natural Stone

London Stoneworks LLC

Designed by Heidekat Design
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Diagonal Lattice Fence & Arched Gate

Riverside Fence

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with a container garden and no cover.

Hardscaping

Fullers Landscaping

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Boston with natural stone pavers.

Lake Forest Fire Bowl

Chicago Gas Lines

Ran propane gas line underground to location of freestanding fire bowl
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Rustic Landscape

Outdoor Dreams

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

All Photos

JC Wagner & Associates, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Sacramento with decking and a gazebo/cabana.

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.

Garden

Levitate

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with no cover and a container garden.

Westwood, CA

BE Landscape Design

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor shower, decking and no cover.

Backyard Renovations- Custom Pergola and patio

Bradford Associates, LLC

The natural wood pergola and trellis provide shade over the bluestone outdoor entertaining area.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Providence with a vertical garden, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Modern Fencing

Heath Carpentry

Redwood fence with louvers
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern side yard patio in Los Angeles.

Amante

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

This client started with their home remodel and then hired us to create the exterior as an extension of the interior living space. The backyard was sloped and did not provide much flat area. We built a completely private inner courtyard with an over-sized entry door, tile patio, and a colorful custom water feature to create an intimate gathering space. The backyard redesign included a small pool with spa addition (pictured here), fireplace, shade structures and built in wall fountain. Photo Credit - Cynthia Montgomery

Dressel Pool Pavilion, Woodside, CA

Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Manzanita Wall Sculpture

Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.

A found manzanita branch becomes an artful addition to a wabi sabi garden.
Mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a vertical garden, decking and no cover.

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!