This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Brisbane with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

Project of the Month: September 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

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

Container Plantings

The JCRD Group

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a container garden, tile and no cover.

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.

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

White Porcelain Paving

Nustone

White Porcelain Paving will brighten up any patio to create an added sense of space to your exterior! The light grey and white tones throughout the flat surface of each slab will create an authentic finish to transform your garden, with all the modern conveniences of man-made, vitrified paving. With a slip-resistance rating of R11, our porcelain tiles will retain their grip underfoot, even when wet and as a non-porous stone, they won’t allow moisture to penetrate the surface which will help to prevent any build-up of moss or algae, saving you time and money!

Bluestone Collection (Full Color Cleft) - Outdoor Porcelain Paver Collection

Bergen Brick Stone & Tile Company

Bluestone Collection (Full Color Cleft) from the Outdoor Porcelain Paver Collection from Mountain Hardscaping. Installation done by: McEntee Construction

Skylake Residence

Agsia Design Group

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Miami with tile and a roof extension.

Open and Outdoor Living

Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a gazebo/cabana.

Manayunk Elevations

GroundTec, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Philadelphia with no cover and tile.

Work

Wimmel Design & Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Houston with tile, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Vivienda unifamiliar Moraira

Soltec Sistemas de Iluminación s.l.

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean side yard patio in Other with tile and no cover.

Peppermint Picket Porch

ARTO

Fat Tony
Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Los Angeles with tile and a pergola.

Coastal Modern

Lindye Galloway Interiors

Chad Mellon Photographer
Mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Orange County with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Project of the Month: September 2017

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

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

Delray Beach Custom Home

Ocean Blue Custom Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Backyard Revamp

User

Campbell Landscape Bay Area's Landscape Design, Custom Construction & Management
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a pergola.

Venue

April Philips Design Works

Private patio fences and podium roof planting.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, tile and no cover.

Helena Fair Lawn

Balitano Contracting Co Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with tile and no cover.

Work

Inside Out

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Mid-sized 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!