Outdoor dining area
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in Melbourne with concrete slab and a roof extension.

Willow Vale Farm

Habitat Studio Architects

This is an example of a country patio in Other with decking and a pergola.

Attadale Project

Western Cabinets

This is an example of a large contemporary backyard patio in Perth with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Tinson Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in San Francisco with decking and a pergola.

Villa à Toulon

KAST DESIGN

Inspiration for a large beach style side yard patio in Paris with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Terrasse et cuisine extérieure

Archi Design

Terrasse extérieure aux inspirations méditerranéennes, dotée d'une cuisine extérieure, sous une pergola bois permettant d'ombrager le coin repas.
Large mediterranean backyard patio in Nice with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a pergola.

Project 3419-1 Outdoor Living Space Screen Porch Deck Porch Bar Minneapolis

Castle Building & Remodeling

This modern home, near Cedar Lake, built in 1900, was originally a corner store. A massive conversion transformed the home into a spacious, multi-level residence in the 1990’s. However, the home’s lot was unusually steep and overgrown with vegetation. In addition, there were concerns about soil erosion and water intrusion to the house. The homeowners wanted to resolve these issues and create a much more useable outdoor area for family and pets. Castle, in conjunction with Field Outdoor Spaces, designed and built a large deck area in the back yard of the home, which includes a detached screen porch and a bar & grill area under a cedar pergola. The previous, small deck was demolished and the sliding door replaced with a window. A new glass sliding door was inserted along a perpendicular wall to connect the home’s interior kitchen to the backyard oasis. The screen house doors are made from six custom screen panels, attached to a top mount, soft-close track. Inside the screen porch, a patio heater allows the family to enjoy this space much of the year. Concrete was the material chosen for the outdoor countertops, to ensure it lasts several years in Minnesota’s always-changing climate. Trex decking was used throughout, along with red cedar porch, pergola and privacy lattice detailing. The front entry of the home was also updated to include a large, open porch with access to the newly landscaped yard. Cable railings from Loftus Iron add to the contemporary style of the home, including a gate feature at the top of the front steps to contain the family pets when they’re let out into the yard. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Jacuzzi Hot Tubs

GALAXY OUTDOOR LLC

Whether it’s arthritis, joint or back pain, restless leg syndrome, muscle injuries or fibromyalgia, hot tubs are a proven form of chronic pain relief. The heat of the water increases blood flow and relaxes the body, while the massaging action of the jets and the water’s buoyancy loosen muscle tension and soothe sore joints. The New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) found that, after just 10 days, patients with Type 2 Diabetes who used hot tubs 30 minutes a day/6 days per week required reduced doses of insulin, lost weight, slept better and showed distinct decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Hot tubs can be a great fix for those suffering from insomnia, helping your body to wind down before bed and get the natural sleep you need. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic sleep problems, the Better Sleep Council recommends establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as soaking in hot water to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle. According to the Council’s findings, warm water releases muscle tension and increases blood flow, both of which contribute to a relaxed and deeper, more comfortable sleep. Whether it’s a new exercise routine or an unusually active day on your feet, most of us know the “day after” feeling of sore, overworked muscles that make it hurt to move, period. The water pressure from hot tub jets relieves muscle tightness and soreness by removing lactic acid, opening up the blood vessels and promoting the flow of endorphins. LPGA Sports Medicine Director Caroline Nichols and former President of the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Dr. James Andrews recommend hydrotherapeutic activity for athletes at every level. Nichols says that hot tubs especially help with recovery since jets focus on overused muscle and joint regions, while Andrews supports hydrotherapy as a good tool for improved circulation, sensory impulses and stiff joints. Whether you’re looking to alleviate stress, feel healthier or simply spend more time with your loved ones, you’d be amazed at how as little as 10 minutes in a hot tub can help you relax and put everything in perspective. There are hot tubs for every type of user, regardless of whether it’s just you or it’s the entire gang piling in, looking for some much-needed relief after a long day.

Lake Minnetonka Artisan Home

Ron Brenner Architects

Wrap around porch.
Photo of a traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Gas Fire Pits

Decorative Landscaping

This is an example of a contemporary patio in Salt Lake City with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Sammamish Outdoor Living and Backyard Makeover

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Flex Roof

Armadillo Convertible Room Solutions

Available in different fabrics and colors. All products are custom made. We chose the top-rated "Gennius Awning" for our FlexRoof. The FlexRoof is a roller-roof system, from KE Durasol Awnings, one of the best rated awning companies. The FlexRoof is more unique than traditional awnings on the market, such as retractable awnings. The FlexRoof is built onto a pergola-type frame (or mounted onto a FlexRoom) which aesthetically enhances your outdoor space and adds function as an outdoor room. The FlexRoof provides overhead protection from outdoor elements with design and innovation. Our FlexRoof can be installed together with or separately from a FlexRoom. All FlexRoofs are custom designed and are available in a variety of frame options, fabrics, and colors. Lights and/or speaker installations are optional.

Lawton Wood

User

Fall and Summer container gardens designed for a longtime client.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Seattle with a container garden, concrete slab and no cover.

Custom Work

Gwc Decorative Concrete

Photo of a large transitional backyard patio in Portland with concrete slab and no cover.

Maruccia Residence

Promise Path Landscaping Inc

Small backyard with lots of potential. We created the perfect space adding visual interest from inside the house to outside of it. We added a BBQ Island with Grill, sink, and plenty of counter space. BBQ Island was cover with stone veneer stone with a concrete counter top. Opposite side we match the veneer stone and concrete cap on a newly Outdoor fireplace. far side we added some post with bright colors and drought tolerant material and a special touch for the little girl in the family, since we did not wanted to forget about anyone. Photography by Zack Benson

live eat relax and play in the back yard

austin outdoor design

fire pit creates a visual and physical connection from the sunken sitting area to the modern play house at the end of the backyard. the tigerwood ceiling opens itself to a spacious ipe deck that leads down to conversation pit surrounding the fire or the outdoor kitchen patio. the space provides entertainment space for both the young and the old. designed & built by austin outdoor design photo by ryann ford

Portfolio

Edmunds Studios Photography, Inc.

Design: modernedgedesign.com Photo: Edmunds Studios Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Milwaukee with a fire feature, a pergola and concrete slab.

Esplanade Residence

SUBU Design Architecture

Inspiration for a contemporary patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete slab and no cover.

Casa GB

Bernardo Pozas Residential Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Brooklyn Backyard fit for a Fiesta

Brooklinteriors

Brooklyn backyard patio design in Prospect Heights for a young, professional couple who loves to both entertain and relax! This space includes a West Elm outdoor sectional and round concrete outdoor coffee table.

Patio Design Ideas with Concrete Slab and Decking

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!