Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Photography by SpaceCrafting
Photo of a transitional backyard patio in Minneapolis with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Exterior

Karli Moore Photography

Karli Moore Photography
Design ideas for a traditional backyard patio in Tampa with tile and a roof extension.

West Hollywood Residence

Weller Photography

Photo of a transitional patio in Los Angeles with an awning.

patio

Stratos Form

Photos by Aidin Mariscal
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Orange County with a container garden, tile and a pergola.

Peacock Pavers 12-2-09

Peacock Pavers

Ann
Mid-sized backyard patio in Miami with concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Sarasota Bay St. Renovation

Ray C. Moore, LLC

View of the kitchen from water side.
This is an example of a midcentury patio in Tampa with a roof extension.

Private Dallas Area Residence

Southwest Fence & Deck

Custom built arbors are the first step in transforming your back yard into a useable area. A properly built arbor will provide the necessary retreat from the hot summer sun as well as creating a nice cozy feel in the evenings. Strategically placed lighting, fans, heaters and misters allow for year round use of your living area. Originally called summerhouses, cabanas have emerged as one of today’s most desired outdoor living requirements. We create structures that serve as great gathering places including grill stations, fireplaces and even that special place for the TV.

Serota Home (For South Bay Magazine HOME Edition

JDS OUTDOOR DESIGNS

Dominik Wroblewski
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Los Angeles with decking and a pergola.

Alderwood Landscape

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Seattle with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

3 - Portola Valley Residence

Stoecker and Northway Architects, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a roof extension.

Roseville Pavilion

Michelle Walker architects

The Pavilion is a contemporary outdoor living addition to a Federation house in Roseville, NSW. The existing house sits on a 1550sqm block of land and is a substantial renovated two storey family home. The 900sqm north facing rear yard slopes gently down from the back of the house and is framed by mature deciduous trees. The client wanted to create something special “out the back”, to replace an old timber pergola and update the pebblecrete pool, surrounded by uneven brick paving and tubular pool fencing. After years living in Asia, the client’s vision was for a year round, comfortable outdoor living space; shaded from the hot Australian sun, protected from the rain, and warmed by an outdoor fireplace and heaters during the cooler Sydney months. The result is large outdoor living room, which provides generous space for year round outdoor living and entertaining and connects the house to both the pool and the deep back yard. The Pavilion at Roseville is a new in-between space, blurring the distinction between inside and out. It celebrates the contemporary culture of outdoor living, gathering friends & family outside, around the bbq, pool and hearth.

The Strand, III

Tomaro Architecture

Photography: Geoff Captain Studios
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Los Angeles with a roof extension.

Pergola and Patio

User

This is an example of a traditional patio in Los Angeles with a pergola.

Bowman Outdoor Living

Cornerstone Architects

The driving impetus for this Tarrytown residence was centered around creating a green and sustainable home. The owner-Architect collaboration was unique for this project in that the client was also the builder with a keen desire to incorporate LEED-centric principles to the design process. The original home on the lot was deconstructed piece by piece, with 95% of the materials either reused or reclaimed. The home is designed around the existing trees with the challenge of expanding the views, yet creating privacy from the street. The plan pivots around a central open living core that opens to the more private south corner of the lot. The glazing is maximized but restrained to control heat gain. The residence incorporates numerous features like a 5,000-gallon rainwater collection system, shading features, energy-efficient systems, spray-foam insulation and a material palette that helped the project achieve a five-star rating with the Austin Energy Green Building program.

Grand Lanai

Bella Luna Services, Inc.

Inspiration for a tropical patio in Tampa with a roof extension.

AMS Landscape Design Studios

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

This is an example of a mediterranean patio in Los Angeles with a gazebo/cabana.

Urban Landscape Design & Construction

Urban Landscape

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a gazebo/cabana and a fire feature.

Magnolia Residence- Hillside Renovation

Kim Rooney Design

Garden Design By Kim Rooney Landscape architect, Client designed planting in containers, located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle Washington. This photo was taken by Eva Blanchard Photography.

Seattle Exterior Renovations By Fine Construction

Thomas Fine, CGR, GMB & CGP

Photo of a traditional patio in Seattle with a gazebo/cabana and a fire feature.

All Covers Patio Design Ideas

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!