Large traditional backyard patio in Boston with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Business Photo Pro / Klee Van Hamersveld
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Orange County with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Backyard Entertaining and Relaxing

Sander Design Landscape Architecture

Design ideas for a contemporary backyard patio in Toronto with natural stone pavers and no cover.

YC Residence

North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

Photography - LongViews Studios
This is an example of a country patio in Other with natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Bluestone Naperville

KD Landscape

Landscape design by John Algozzini and Kevin Manning.
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

SoCal Outdoor Remodel: Pavers, Turf, and Elements

System Pavers

These homeowners wanted to maintain their home's existing tropical mediterranean vibes, so we enhanced their space with accenting multi-tone pavers. These paving stones are rich in color and texture, adding to the existing beauty of their home. Artificial turf was added in for drought tolerance and low maintenance. Landscape lighting flows throughout the front and the backyard. Lastly, they requested a water feature to be included on their private backyard patio for added relaxation and ambiance.

English Garden in the Bay Area

Karen Aitken and Associates

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, brick pavers and a pergola.

Bluestone Irving Park

KD Landscape

Pergola design by John Algozzini and Cara Buffa.
Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Firepit Ambiance

Ted Carter Inspired Landscapes

a more disciplined look to this wood-burning fire pit and matching stone wall, mixed stone and brick pavers
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Pool Cabana

Nyhus Design Group

Designed to compliment the existing single story home in a densely wooded setting, this Pool Cabana serves as outdoor kitchen, dining, bar, bathroom/changing room, and storage. Photos by Ross Pushinaitus.

Arcadia Spanish Colonial | Courtyard

Greey Pickett

The landscape of this home honors the formality of Spanish Colonial / Santa Barbara Style early homes in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. By re-grading the lot and allowing for terraced opportunities, we featured a variety of hardscape stone, brick, and decorative tiles that reinforce the eclectic Spanish Colonial feel. Cantera and La Negra volcanic stone, brick, natural field stone, and handcrafted Spanish decorative tiles are used to establish interest throughout the property. A front courtyard patio includes a hand painted tile fountain and sitting area near the outdoor fire place. This patio features formal Boxwood hedges, Hibiscus, and a rose garden set in pea gravel. The living room of the home opens to an outdoor living area which is raised three feet above the pool. This allowed for opportunity to feature handcrafted Spanish tiles and raised planters. The side courtyard, with stepping stones and Dichondra grass, surrounds a focal Crape Myrtle tree. One focal point of the back patio is a 24-foot hand-hammered wrought iron trellis, anchored with a stone wall water feature. We added a pizza oven and barbecue, bistro lights, and hanging flower baskets to complete the intimate outdoor dining space. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Higgins Architects Landscape Contractor: Premier Environments Photography: Scott Sandler

Giardino in collina

Silvia Longhi

ph. Silvia Longhi
Large country patio in Venice with natural stone pavers, a container garden and an awning.

Blue and white Beach house

Elizabeth Louise Interiors

Photo of a beach style backyard patio in San Diego with brick pavers and a pergola.

Toddington House

Andy Stedman Design

Kensington Park Road

Studio 22a Architects

A complete refurbishment of an elegant Victorian terraced house within a sensitive conservation area. The project included a two storey glass extension and balcony to the rear, a feature glass stair to the new kitchen/dining room and an en-suite dressing and bathroom. The project was constructed over three phases and we worked closely with the client to create their ideal solution.

Craftsman Bluestone Patio - Cedarburg

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The new patio is surrounded by a garden, while the existing fence is nearly obscured by new plants. Westhauser Photography
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers.

Custom Brookhaven Home

Vincent Longo Custom Builders

Willet Photography
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Atlanta with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Midwest Outdoor Living in a Bird Lover's Backyard

The Cleary Company

Daniel Feldkamp @ Visual Edge Imaging
This is an example of a large transitional backyard patio in Columbus with brick pavers and a pergola.

European Relaxation

Mom's Design Build

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

Charming Cottage Courtyard

Garden Nest Residential Landscape

Photo © Jude Parkinson-Morgan
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with Brick Pavers and Natural Stone Pavers

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!