This project is located in the Turtle Ridge community near UCI in Irvine. With an existing pool, our goal was to create a Modern inviting space with multiple entertaining areas. The unique areas include a firepit and lounging area at one of the pool with Tuscan styled planting, at the other end is a Modern pass-through fireplace with fire balls and a custom water fountain spilling into the pool. The fireplace wraps around to include a barbecue and bar area with an Ipe wood deck seating lounge. Just off the bar area is a zen garden with custom water features spilling from the gabion walls, a pebble contemplation garden, and bamboo planting. As you pass through the Zen Garden you enter the Tuscan themed entertaining space with corten steel planters, citrus trees, and decomposed granite. A few of the materials included in this project are as follows: Limestone paving, concrete coping,gabion walls, limestone veneer,concrete countertops,custom stainless steel scuppers,1" glass tile veneer, large wood beams,glass rails,ipe wood,rolled pebble and succulent planting. Studio H Landscape Architecture, Inc.

Outdoor Living

Third Space Builders, LLC.

Bi-Level Deck Custom Planter Boxes Custom Radius Benches Integral Lighting Kayu Batu Lumber Outdoor Dining
Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Columbus with a fire feature, a pergola and decking.

New French Country

Kyle Hunt & Partners, Incorporated

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with decking, a roof extension and a fire feature.

Reina Family | Swim Spa Paradise

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

This client has a big heart for the famous French Quarter! He enjoys incorporating little details and products that can turn his backyard spot into the ultimate getaway (when he is not traveling the world!) This is the perfect Outdoor Living paradise complete with a Swim Spa, Fire Pit, and Outdoor Kitchen. Key features of this project include: - Endless Pools E700 with a Treadmill - E2E Roll-up swim spa cover with cover shelf - Custom-made swim spa steps - Custom ledger stone gas fire pit with a bench - Comfort decking in the color "Mission Tan" - 6ft Richard's Island with a 36" Coyote grill

Wynnewood, PA: Black and White Outdoor Patio

Bella B Home Designs

Black and white outdoor furniture is so classic. This small alcove needed to be a fun outdoor hang out spot. We paired this classic set with an outdoor area rug, console, and outdoor greens to bring the space to life.

WS54 Outdoor gas fireplace

Hearth Manor Design Group

Town & Country sets the benchmark fireplace design. Built to face the elements, the Wide Screen54 Outdoor gas fireplace can withstand temperatures up to -40C while disappearing ceramic glass ensures Town & Country's signature bold flames are always protected from wind.

Low Maintenance Backyard Reno

Ever After Custom Homes

Low maintenance backyard with the wooden deck taking up the whole backyard. Very Zen. Trees planted to give color and contrast. Step down leads to the dining area

The Woodlands Heritage Hills Home

Vining Design Associates

Large transitional backyard patio in Houston with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

live eat relax and play in the back yard

austin outdoor design

fire pit creates a visual and physical connection from the sunken sitting area to the modern play house at the end of the backyard. the tigerwood ceiling opens itself to a spacious ipe deck that leads down to conversation pit surrounding the fire or the outdoor kitchen patio. the space provides entertainment space for both the young and the old. designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

Homeowner's Deck in Germantown, Maryland.

Offenbachers Home Escapes

Featured here are the curved Malibu sectional by Cape May, the San Simeon fire-pit table by California Outdoor Concepts, and the Cantabria hot tub by Caldera Spas.

Mid Century Chic

NUMI Build

Mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, decking and a gazebo/cabana.

Hollywood Hills

Somerset Associates

This "courtyard" space originally had slate tiling , 7 inches lower then the door walls, narrow steps, and a outdated fire pit. The new design features modern floating concrete steps extended creating more space, the decking area is now the same height as the interior floors for a smooth transition when walking inside and out, poured in place concrete walls replacing the previous small boulders, and a new modern concrete fire pit with back fire glass.

Southlake, TX - Brownstone Spa - Modern Outdoor Living

One Specialty Landscape Design, Pools & Hardscape

Another small back yard design challenge One Specialty was happy to take on. Our clients wished to remove a large planter bed against the wall and create a covered seating area in place of it. For the decking, we used Trex materials for lasting durability and easy maintenance and added new steps with lighting. The metal cantilevered pergola custom designed with shade panels provides the needed shade during the hot Texas summers. And to add more luxury, we suggested a vent-less fireplace ensuring the family could enjoy their backyard all year and our clients loved the idea!

ABBOTT

DDLA Design Landscape Architecture

Located in Highland Park, Texas just off the Katy Trail, is this outdoor patio project that took a stale, harsh exterior space and turned it into an inviting and private space for the owner to enjoy. The project featured custom planters, led lighting, privacy screen plantings, ipe wood deck and an outdoor fire pit with comfortable exterior furniture for relaxing and entertaining.

Berg Residence

Outdoor Craftsmen

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, decking and a pergola.

Brock Built Details

Brock Built

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard patio in Atlanta with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

Lake Home

Jeff Luth - Soldano Luth Architects

Jeff Luth
Photo of a modern side yard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

Balsamina Residence

Ana Williamson Architect

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, decking and no cover.

Lakeside Cottage

Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Expansive transitional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, decking and a pergola.

Eden Prairie Private Residence

Swanson Homes

Spacecrafting Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Minneapolis with decking, a roof extension and a fire feature.

Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and Decking

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!