This is an example of a contemporary patio in Melbourne with no cover.

surry hills

panda studio architecture pty ltd

Photo of a contemporary patio in Sydney with concrete pavers and no cover.

Del Mar Exterior Renovation

SJS Studios Inc.

Bluestone Pavers, custom Teak Wood banquette with cement tile inlay, Bluestone firepit, custom outdoor kitchen with Teak Wood, concrete waterfall countertop with Teak surround.

garden in the sun

CATO creative

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in London with concrete pavers and no cover.

Mosman

Harrison's Landscaping

A truly beautiful garden and pool design to complement an incredible architectural designed harbour view home.
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary backyard patio in Sydney with no cover.

Lake Elmo Sanctuary

DreamScapes Landscaping & Design, Inc.

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

Delightful Duplex

Cathers Home Furniture + Interior Design

Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Denver with concrete pavers and no cover.

Clarke residence remodel - Islands Estates

Creativa Builders

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Miami with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Palmerston Lake Cottage

Bell+Associates Architecture Inc.

Front Porch Photography
Photo of a large country backyard patio in Ottawa with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Hollywood Hill, Woodinville

Reynolds Landscape LLC

Large random flagstone slabs in hues of blue, gray, brown and copper are artistically formed to create a stunning patio mosaic that captures your attention and blends with the backyard lawn and gardens. Woodinville, WA.

Natural stone patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Kitchen

Anderson Landscape

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and no cover.

Long town garden Strawberry Hill

Echinops Garden Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in London with a water feature, tile and no cover.

Rustic Traditional

Hoyt Architects

Photo of a country patio in Other with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Earthship Farmstead

Kaplan Thompson Architects

Brett Winter Lemon Photography
Photo of a country backyard patio in Portland Maine with no cover, a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Garden

John Bynum Custom Homes, Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Atlanta with a container garden, brick pavers and no cover.

Romantic Tarrytown Terrace

Westover Landscape Design

Often, less is more. Take this landscape design composed of climbing roses, hydrangeas, and lilies surrounding a bluestone terrace. This small, suburban garden feels both expansive and intimate. Japanese forest grass softens the edge of the terrace and adds just enough of a modern look to make the garden’s owners, urban transplants, happy. “My husband and I were looking for an outdoor space that had a secret-garden feeling,” says homeowner Anne Lillis-Ruth. “We’ve had fun adding furniture, antique planters, and a stone fountain to [landscape designer] Robert Welsch’s beautiful landscape. The white and green plantings provide the perfect backdrop to my collection of colorful table linens, glassware, and china. We love our garden!” Dean Fisher loved it, too. “The setting is so lovely and relaxed. It evokes the south of France, with its intimate scale and the integration of house and patio through the use of the vines and other plantings.”

Scot Meacham Wood Design

This is an example of a traditional patio in San Francisco with no cover.

Greico Designer Builders Dallas

Greico Designers/Builders Dallas

View of courtyard from upper level
Photo of a large modern courtyard patio in Dallas with natural stone pavers and no cover.

All Covers Patio Design Ideas with No Cover

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!