private plunge pool
Modern courtyard patio in Brisbane.

Outdoor dining area
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne with concrete slab and a roof extension.

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

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.

Cole

Manias Associates Building Designers

Internal North facing courtyard for Williamstown project. View of stairs and preliminary garden design to internal courtyards. Windows and doors are aluminum and floors are off white travertine marble. A similar treatment to the first floor provides for the stack effect and cross ventilation.

Trellis & Firepit Area - North View

Krueger Architects

Unlimited Style Photography
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and a pergola.

Inside Out

Ketron Custom Builders

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Columbus with natural stone pavers and a fire feature.

Porch

Norris Architecture

Overlooking the lake and with rollaway screens
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

West London Courtyard

Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design

Walpole Garden, Chiswick Photography by Caroline Mardon - www.carolinemardon.com
Design ideas for a small traditional patio in London with brick pavers.

Mid-Century Modern

Amy Martin Landscape Design

Created a multi-level outdoor living space to match the mid-century modern style of the home with upper deck and lower patio. Porcelain pavers create a clean pattern to offset the modern furniture, which is neutral in color and simple in shape to balance with the bold-colored accents.

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.

Highland

Brookside Landscape Design

This picture shows the fire lounge seating area and artificial turf area for family games. Photography: Brett Hilton
Large contemporary backyard patio in San Diego with gravel and no cover.

Brighton Home

MR.MITCHELL

Photo Andrew Wuttke
Large contemporary backyard patio in Melbourne with tile and a roof extension.

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.

Outdoor kitchen with Wolf grill

Clarke - New England’s Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom

This outdoor kitchen includes a Wolf barbecue. See and try this equipment when planning your New England outdoor kitchen. http://www.clarkeshowrooms.com

Outdoor Living Space with Pool in Milton

Boyce Design + Build

The classic style covered cabana sits poolside and houses an impressive, outdoor, stacked stone, wood burning fireplace with wood storage, mounted tv, a vaulted tongue and groove ceiling and an outdoor living room perfect for hosting family and friends.

Transitional Patio

This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

East Coast Traditional

Fautt Homes

Outdoor living at its finest. Stained ceilings, rock mantle and bluestone flooring complement each other and provide durability in the weather.
This is an example of a large beach style backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

AG Millworks Movable Wall Systems - Decorative bi-fold french patio doors

Cal Comfort Windows & Doors

Fold walls open with AG Millworks Bi-fold Doors and change your view of the world. Narrow site lines are available for maximum light, and if you want to go super-big, we make bi-folds with individual door panels as large as 4 feet wide and 13 feet tall. Made in the USA, our doors are energy-efficient and fully customizable with flat panels, divided lites and lock rails. Exquisite wood surfaces on the interior provide warm, luxurious design details. Thick extruded aluminum exteriors with durable baked-on Kynar paint in any imaginable color completes the picture. Bi-Fold Doors are also available with wood exteriors (limited warranty). Expand your world view with AG Millworks Bi-Fold Doors.

Kowski Project

Timberline Patio Covers

This project is a skillion style roof with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment, heaters, and gas fireplace! It has a super modern look with the white stone on the kitchen and fireplace that complements the house well.

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!