Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan
Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Forever Home

Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors

A patterned Lannonstone wall creates a private backdrop for the heated spa, featuring a sheer water weir pouring from between the wall’s mortar joints. Generous planting beds provide seasonal texture and softening between paved areas. The paving is Bluestone.

New Urban Garden

SED Design

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, brick pavers and a pergola.

Highland Park Residence

Wernerfield Architecture

Charles Davis Smith
Photo of a mid-sized transitional courtyard patio in Dallas with a water feature, concrete slab and a pergola.

Entry Courtyard

Landwell Design + Build Co.

Inspiration for a small contemporary courtyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Living Wall

Concept Design, Inc.

Living wall by Plantscapers and water feature by Campagnia
This is an example of an expansive mediterranean patio in Orange County with a water feature and a roof extension.

Long Project : Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor Designs

Western Pavers, Inc. has been in business for over twenty years. Western Pavers is the Pioneer of all local paver companies in Southern California. Western Pavers has been transforming customers' visions into a reality for decades. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with 100% satisfaction and creating beautiful outdoor living spaces. Western Pavers can provide beautiful designs and take you from conceptual to the completion of your outdoor living project. We are Western Outdoor Designs’ paver specialist department.

Norris St. Bridget Model by Florida Lifestyle Homes

Norris Furniture & Interiors

Outdoor sitting area with stacked stone fireplace and travertine flooring.
Design ideas for a transitional backyard patio in Miami with a roof extension, tile and a water feature.

Dining Pavilion

Braitman Design Studio

One corner of the raised pond is crafted out of Corten Steel Photo Credit: Roger Foley
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Cornelius Home

W.L.C INC

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Baltimore with decking, a water feature and a pergola.

Atwater Spanish Bungalow

Koffka Phakos Design

Landscape Design by Lisa Gimmy, www.lglalandscape.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Natural Stone Patio

LandArt

This tongue in groove, 9'x15' living structure is made of Douglas Fir with a corrugated steel roof. The patio is laid in Banas flagstone with a raised garden bench. The risers and bench are made with Brussels Dimensional Stone and Wiarton sawn bed building stone.

Custom Cantilevered Pergola

Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc.

The pergola is integrated within the framework of a complex interlocking pavement design composed of a combination of Unilock Copthorn and Brussels Block pavers.

The Secret Garden (Oakville, ON)

Partridge Fine Landscapes Ltd.

It takes a certain finesse to assess the landscape and its needs effectively to produce a garden oasis of this scope. Traffic flow, visual aesthetic, and local flora and fauna must be considered. For this build, local fauna such as raccoon and mink threatened the Coi swimming in the pond. Juergen and his design team created designs that incorporated simple forms of shelter for the fish that kept them out of harm’s way. Another challenge the team faced involved redefining the deck space, which was little more than a transition space in and out of the house. Partridge put a new patio in place that blurred the lines between inside and outside and transformed the space into a favourite sitting spot. No matter what challenges Juergen and his team face, they overcome it with unparalleled skill.

Siesta Key Zen Home

Ellis Consulting Group Inc.

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

Bali House

Rick Ryniak Architects

Don Bloom Tropical Light Photography
Design ideas for a large tropical patio in Hawaii with a gazebo/cabana, a water feature and natural stone pavers.

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.

Saratoga Springs, NY Residence

Mandy's Spring Nursery and Landscaping

Pergola on stone pillars with flagstone patio. Field stone retaining wall with plant beds, and waterfall.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in New York with a water feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Rustic Modern Outdoor Entertainment Retreat

Landwell Design + Build Co.

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Palos Verdes Modern

Solutions by Design, LLC.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, a pergola and tile.

All Covers Patio Design Ideas with a Water Feature

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!