Photo of a mediterranean patio in Dijon with a water feature, tile and a roof extension.

Outdoor living area built by Nelson Construction and Renovations. The patio features a bead-board ceiling and brass light fixtures. The perfect place to enjoy the Florida weather.

Contemporary Outdoor Living Area

Savvy Design Group

Michael Jacob
Design ideas for a contemporary backyard patio in St Louis with a water feature, a roof extension and concrete slab.

Robbinsville Backyard Patio & Deck

New Outlooks Construction

There is enough to love about this space to keep you busy all year round! Indulge in differing outdoor activities with this backyard retreat! With this project, you can enjoy the covered patio all year round, as well as have a relaxing time in this spacious hot tub!

Mitch Sawasy, Sawasy Studio Partners & Associates

Peter Christiansen Valli

Peter Christiansen Valli
This is an example of a mid-sized backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, a roof extension and natural stone pavers.

Intown Georgian Estate - Greenville, SC

DabneyCollins

Entertaining terrace between the home and guest house. Photo Credit http://www.jerryfinleyphotography.com/

Modern Old Naples Home

BUILD

@Amber Frederiksen Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Miami with a water feature, decking and a roof extension.

Mansion in May, Showhouse, NJ

Melone Cloughen Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with a water feature, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Patio Spaces

JPM Landscape

Design/Build Jpm Landscape Sideyard patio area, pavers, seating area, back step
Photo of a small traditional side yard patio in San Francisco with concrete pavers, a roof extension and a water feature.

Landmark Doral

Concept 2 Design

Concept 2 Design
This is an example of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Miami with a water feature, concrete pavers and a roof extension.

Transitional Patio

Photo of a transitional patio in Philadelphia with a water feature and a roof extension.

Moorish-Inspired Hacienda Courtyard

Clemens & Associates Inc.

Hacienda-style front courtyard with a fountain, lounge seating and small, tiled dining table. Metal Morrocan-style cutout lanterns hand from a mature Russian Olive tree over the seating area. a fountain provides a soothing sound and, along with richly planted ceramic pots, lends a feeling of lushness to the courtyard. Photo Credit: Kirk Gittings

Hollywood Hills Mid-century Modern

Peralta Construction

Peralta Construction
This is an example of a small modern front yard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Hacienda Courtyard at Flintrock Lakeway, Texas

Alberto Jauregui Designs, Inc.

Hacienda Courtyard at Flintrock Lakeway, Texas
Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard patio in Austin with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Landscape on the Links

Coppercreek Landscaping

With their house backing onto a historic golf course, the homeowners wanted to better take advantage of the landscape and energy of the links. A roof addition with an infrared heater creates covered entertaining space that they can enjoy throughout the year.

Italian Elegance

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Piston Design
Photo of an expansive mediterranean backyard patio in Houston with a water feature and a roof extension.

Siesta Key Zen Home

Ellis Consulting Group Inc.

Asian front yard patio in Tampa with a water feature, tile and a roof extension.

Modernizing a Historical Masterpiece

GDC Construction

A view of the home’s main courtyard. An example of the structural engineering work GDC did at the property is the upright wooden beams, which were split in half, reinforced with structural steel, and joined back together again.

The Fountain

Conscious Environments Inc.

A Spanish style covered front porch features a unique Spanish tile fountain, smooth stucco garden walls, and drought tolerant landscaping.
This is an example of a large beach style front yard patio in Orange County with a water feature, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Valley Estate

Damian Farrell Design Group

A view from the home's main patio, with a clear view of the silo stairwell. There's a stepping stone bridge over the creek-like water feature, and multiple spaces for gathering.

Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature and a Roof Extension

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!