Mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in New York with an outdoor shower, gravel and no cover.

Patios

Interior & Exterior Environmental Designs

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Chalfont Patio & Landscape

GroundTec, Inc.

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Bluestone Irving Park

KD Landscape

Pergola design by John Algozzini and Cara Buffa.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Firepit Ambiance

Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

a more disciplined look to this wood-burning fire pit and matching stone wall, mixed stone and brick pavers
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Clyde Hill Project

Great Floors

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

Project of the Month: April 2018

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

The homeowner wanted a hill country style outdoor living space larger than their existing covered area. The main structure is now 280 sq ft with a 9-1/2 feet long kitchen complete with a grill, fridge & utensil drawers. The secondary structure is 144 sq ft with a gas fire pit lined with crushed glass. The table on the left in the main structure was a piece of granite the homeowner had and wanted it made into a table, so we made a wrought iron frame for it. There are more sentimental touches! The swing by the fire pit is a newly made replica of a swing the husband had made in wood shop in high school over 50 years ago. The flooring is stamped concrete in a wood bridge plank pattern. TK IMAGES

Santa Barbara Transitional

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

This is an example of an expansive transitional backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature and a roof extension.

Fire pits

The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Pergola, Patio, and Fire Pit

NWI Patio Pros

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, a pergola and stamped concrete.

Lake Elmo Sanctuary

DreamScapes Landscaping & Design, Inc.

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

Landscape Projects

Creative Landscapes

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

J-W

HaiJoe Stamped Concrete Patios and Decks

Stamped concrete patio with concrete steps and a firepit
This is an example of a mid-sized backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Magnolia Hill

Bonick Landscaping

Corten steel risers lead to cozy seating area Landscape Design: Michael Pappas for Bonick Landscaping Photography: Clay Hayner Furniture: Brown Jordan Kantan Rockers

DIY Douglas Fireplace

Backyard Flare, LLC

This backyard patio was made complete after the fireplace addition. What a beautiful destination for a dinner party.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional patio in Other with a fire feature.

Kalorama Penthouse

DANE AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN Boston & Cambridge

White metal framed seating with gray cushions and turquoise blue throw pillows placed around a fire pit form the entertainment area on the patio. A white dining table set forms the patio's dining area. The patio is surrounded by white outdoor curtains to facilitate privacy. Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://daneaustindesign.com/kalorama-penthouse

Bellevue Backyard Renovation

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Our client desired a large, multi-room patio space for entertaining along the entire back facade of their home. Three distinct rooms were created with the use of custom paving designs and large scale raised planters. The patio accommodates a fire pit seating area, a dining area and a comfortable seating area. The space is spacious enough to host a large group of people, yet each area is intimate enough for a small group. Plantings were designed to enhance the color and texture to the existing yard. Outdoor lighting adds just enough light for ambiance and to illuminate steps. Photos by William Wright Photography

Shady Lane

User

As long as weather permits, there is no greater pleasure on Earth than an outdoor shower. Photo: Christopher Stark
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional patio in San Francisco with an outdoor shower and no cover.

AYANA HOUSE

The Designory

Photographer: Tom Ferguson
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary front yard patio in Sydney with an outdoor shower, decking and no cover.

Vacation Rental - Palm Springs, CA

Robert D. Gentry Photography

Robert D. Gentry
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with an outdoor shower and gravel.

Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and an Outdoor Shower

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!