Blue Max & Belgard
Traditional patio in Charlotte with a fire feature and a gazebo/cabana.

DMax photography, Liz Prater interior design and fit out. Swell Homes addition and renovation.
Photo of a traditional backyard patio in Perth.

Backyard Retreat

Superior Lawn and Landscape

Designer Craig Frick A hot tub was installed to warm up and rest after a long day of ice skating.
This is an example of a traditional patio in Minneapolis.

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Channahon Brick Patio

KD Landscape

This two-tiered space offers lower level seating near the swimming pool and upper level seating for a view of the Illinois River. Planter boxes with annuals, perennials and container plantings warm the space. The retaining walls add additional seating space and a small grill enclosure is tucked away in the corner.

Contemporary Entertaining

J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Aquarius - Custom Swimming Pool - Flower Mound, TX

One Specialty Landscape Design, Pools & Hardscape

An outdoor fire pit with fire glass and custom stone seat benches lead to the sunken bar area complete with a custom cedar pergola with custom outdoor lighting. http://www.onespecialty.com/aquarius-luxury-swimming-pool-flower-mound/

Natural Pools

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

Eclectic patio in Dallas with a gazebo/cabana.

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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.

Sanctuary In The City

Green Scene Landscaping & Pools

Greenery on a wood structure creates privacy for this swimming pool and spa backyard with an outdoor kitchen and spa. The stone veneer used in the fireplace, outdoor kitchen, and swimming pool is Eldorado Rustic Ledge. Photos by Deidre Walpole

1305 Ranch

Rowland+Broughton Architecture & Urban Design

The remodel of this mid-century ranch house in an established Aspen neighborhood takes the opportunity to reuse sixty percent of the original roof and walls. Raising the roofline and adding clerestory windows and skylights flood the living spaces and master suite with natural light. Removing walls in the kitchen, living room and dining room create a generous and flowing open floor plan. Adding an entire wall of exterior glass doors to the centralized living room.

Mill Valley Residence

Pedersen Associates

Front yard renovation with new waterfall and bridge and fireplace seating area. Barbara Ries Photography
Traditional patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and a fire feature.

Beautiful Small Landscape

Southview Design

A paver patio (Anchor Afton, walnut color) to gives the homeowners the entertainment and dining space they wanted. The blended colors of the pavers pull together the colors of the roof shingles (brown) and the New York Bluestone (blue/gray). The smaller pattern of the pavers defines the space, inviting guests to sit. Plus, the plant bed between the wall and the patio gave the homeowners a space to plant seasonal color and an edible garden.

Romantic Tarrytown Terrace

Westover Landscape Design

Often, less is more. Take this landscape design composed of climbing roses, hydrangeas, and lilies surrounding a bluestone terrace. This small, suburban garden feels both expansive and intimate. Japanese forest grass softens the edge of the terrace and adds just enough of a modern look to make the garden’s owners, urban transplants, happy. “My husband and I were looking for an outdoor space that had a secret-garden feeling,” says homeowner Anne Lillis-Ruth. “We’ve had fun adding furniture, antique planters, and a stone fountain to [landscape designer] Robert Welsch’s beautiful landscape. The white and green plantings provide the perfect backdrop to my collection of colorful table linens, glassware, and china. We love our garden!” Dean Fisher loved it, too. “The setting is so lovely and relaxed. It evokes the south of France, with its intimate scale and the integration of house and patio through the use of the vines and other plantings.”

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!