A modern master bedroom addition to a midcentury ranch home. The inside/outside connection is enhanced with floor to ceiling glass and direct access to a shaded gravel patio.

Yard Crashers - Modern Zen Fusion

McKeithan Design Studio, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized asian backyard patio in Nashville with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Craftsman Revival

Onju Updegrave, Architect

Dan Friedman Photography www.DanFriedmanPhotography.com
Photo of an arts and crafts backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Woodside French Farmhouse rehab and preservation

HPS Palo Alto-Home Preservation Stewardship

View from the Guest Home Photo: Steve Spratt
Inspiration for a large country courtyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, gravel and a pergola.

new firepit adjoining patio

DK Gregory Custom Building and Remodeling

Photo of a large country backyard patio in Raleigh with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Landscapes

Dirt Clods Landscaping LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Kansas City with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Glass House in the Garden

Flavin Architects

Modern glass house set in the landscape evokes a midcentury vibe. A modern gas fireplace divides the living area with a polished concrete floor from the greenhouse with a gravel floor. The frame is painted steel with aluminum sliding glass door. The front features a green roof with native grasses and the rear is covered with a glass roof. Photo by: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

Cheviot Hills Transitional

Deirdre Doherty Interiors

This is an example of a transitional patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Parkgate Country Estate

New Zealand Projects International

Ian Thompson
Inspiration for a country patio in Auckland with a fire feature and gravel.

Highland Drive

Reuter Homes

Midcentury patio in Orange County with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Firepits and Fireplaces

Nature's Touch

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Kansas City with a fire feature and gravel.

Outdoor Fire Place

Big Rock Landscaping

An outdoor fireplace is a stunning addition to any yard, but especially this custom fireplace with copper details and black planters.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Tetherow Custom 1

Likens Design

This is an example of a country backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Ranch Redux

Uccello Development, LLC

The cottage style exterior of this newly remodeled ranch in Connecticut, belies its transitional interior design. The exterior of the home features wood shingle siding along with pvc trim work, a gently flared beltline separates the main level from the walk out lower level at the rear. Also on the rear of the house where the addition is most prominent there is a cozy deck, with maintenance free cable railings, a quaint gravel patio, and a garden shed with its own patio and fire pit gathering area.

Calistoga

Randy Thueme Design Inc. - Landscape Architecture

Gravel terrace and fire feature. Jason Liske, photographer
This is an example of a small contemporary patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and gravel.

Enhancing a Classic Charm

Braen Supply

Enhancing the Classic Charm The experts at Braen Supply were tasked with finding materials that would enhance the character and charm of this house, which was built in 1960. The homeowner was looking to give the older, existing walkway, driveway and patio a face lift that would bring it into the twenty first century. In addition to redoing those areas, the homeowner added a large fire pit in the backyard, which is surrounded by pea gravel, where friends and family can sit and enjoy the fire on a cool night. Boulders were added to the landscaping bringing depth and texture to the flowerbeds. The changes that were made to the home made a huge difference in the overall appearance of the house. It now has a modern look while still maintaining that classic charm feeling.

Atherton - Modern Industrial

JPM Construction

JPM Construction offers complete support for designing, building, and renovating homes in Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, and surrounding mid-peninsula areas. With a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and professionalism, our clients can expect premium end-to-end service. The promise of JPM is unparalleled quality both on-site and off, where we value communication and attention to detail at every step. Onsite, we work closely with our own tradesmen, subcontractors, and other vendors to bring the highest standards to construction quality and job site safety. Off site, our management team is always ready to communicate with you about your project. The result is a beautiful, lasting home and seamless experience for you.

Noe Mid-Century Modern

Seed Studio Landscape Design

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature and gravel.

Fire pit

Heaven & Earth Landscape Design

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with a fire feature, a pergola and gravel.

Favorite Colorado Exteriors

From The Hip Photo

From The Hip Photo
Design ideas for a country patio in Denver with a fire feature, gravel and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature and Gravel

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!