New Gazebo Creates a Private Outdoor Entertainment Space

The placement of the gazebo creates a private courtyard. The cedar slats match the existing screen wall and potting shed, creating a seamless design.
Inspiration for a midcentury backyard patio in Other with brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Decks & Pergolas

McMorrow Construction

This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in Chicago with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a pergola.

Lancaster area paver patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with brick pavers and no cover.

Eastern Henrico Project

Glen Allen Grounds Management, LLC

Residential Retaining Wall
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Richmond with brick pavers and no cover.

Front Yard Patio Design in Palatine, IL

Archadeck of Chicagoland

This front yard was in desperate need of a little curb appeal and we were up to the challenge! Wanting a unique look, we put a twist on the classic front stoop and walkway design by adding more patio space, an inset circle for a portable fire pit, and a seat wall to separate the patio space from the attached driveway. The patio features Belgard's Laffit Rustic Slab pavers in London Grey with a soldiers course of Holland Stone in Ashbury Haze. The inset circle is comprised of Holland Stone in Bristol Beige. The contrasting colors create a stunning design element. The seat wall and raised flowerbed were built with Weston Wall bricks, also in Ashbury Haze. A simple, elegant, and unique design that would compliment any home. ~Palatine, IL

Spanish Colonial Custom New Home, River Oaks

Mirador Builders

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in Houston with brick pavers and a roof extension.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen

System Pavers

Celebrity Chef Sam Zien was tired of being confined to his small barbecue when filming grilling episodes for his new show. So, he came to us with a plan and we made it happen. We provided Sam with an extended L shaped pergola and L shape lounging area to match. In addition, we installed a giant built in barbecue and surrounding counter with plenty of seating for guests on or off camera. Zen vibes are important to Sam, so we were sure to keep that top of mind when finalizing even the smallest of details.

Viso Residence

Lionel F Bailey AIA Architect LLC

Oivanki Photography | www.oivanki.com
This is an example of a large traditional backyard patio in New Orleans with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a roof extension.

Braeburn Showcase Home

Connie Anderson Photography

Connie Anderson Photography
Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Houston with brick pavers and a roof extension.

Upper Hermosa Spanish Eclectic

Kim Grant Design Inc

Kim Grant, Architect Theresa Clark, Landscape Architect
Mediterranean courtyard patio in San Diego with a water feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Meyer Colvin Run

Osprey Construction Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in Atlanta with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

An Evolution for Land and Family

Mariani Landscape

This project represents the evolution of a 10 acre space over more than three decades. It began with the pool and space around it. As the vegetable garden grew, the orchard was established and the display gardens blossomed. The prairie was restored and a kitchen was added to complete the space. Although, it continues to change with a pond next on the design plan. Photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Lemont Fire Pit

KD Landscape

The primary patio space narrows into a walkway connecting to the fire pit. The planting beds on both side help define and separate the spaces. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Sandy Springs Outdoor Living Space & Pool

Boyce Design + Build

This gorgeous custom pool & covered porch that houses a large stone fireplace with seating walls and a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and wraparound raised bar makes it the perfect spot for entertaining. The custom tongue and groove ceilings with exposed beams, can lights, and ceiling fans add just the right ambiance to this comfortable, elegant outdoor living space.

West London Courtyard

Karen Rogers at KR Garden Design

Walpole Garden, Chiswick Photography by Caroline Mardon - www.carolinemardon.com
Small traditional courtyard patio in London with brick pavers.

Waterview - River Valley

Parkinson Building Group

French Country home built by Parkinson Building Group in the Waterview subdivision and featured on the cover of the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of Country French Magazine

Chicago Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

Chicago Antique Bricks

London Stoneworks LLC

WWW.LONDONSTONEWORKS.COM
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Chicago with brick pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Grilling Station

New Outlooks Construction

With a grill like that, why wouldn't you want to spend all your time outdoors. Great space to host guests. Make the most of your backyard with a personalized grilling area, seating area, and patio. We used earth tones and plenty of flowers to create an open and inviting outdoor area. Stainless steel appliances complete the look, and make this outdoor area the place to be each summer.

Wallingford

Sage and Stone LLC

Large arts and crafts backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, brick pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with Brick 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!