Mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor shower, decking and no cover.

A found manzanita branch becomes an artful addition to a wabi sabi garden.
Mid-sized mediterranean backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a vertical garden, decking and no cover.

Robinson St.

LETTER FOUR, INC.

Photo of a large modern side yard patio in Los Angeles with decking and no cover.

Outdoor Living South London by Simon Orchard Gardens

Solus Decor UK Ltd

Simon Orchard Garden Design
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Surrey with a fire feature, decking and no cover.

Patio Partition and more

WWOO Concrete Outdoor Kitchens, LLC

Close up view of 20' long WWOO Concrete e Outdoor Kitchen. Installed right beside the patio which helps enclose the patio. Equipped with small BGE, WWOO Stainless Steel sink, WWOO Cutting boards, and WWOO wooden boxes.

Hot Tub with City View

Wolf Design Studio

Large modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a vertical garden, decking and no cover.

BBQ's & Fire Pits

Vacation Pools

Photo of a mid-sized tropical backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, decking and no cover.

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.

Jane St., West Village, -NYC Rooftop

The Brooklyn Garden Club Inc.

the brooklyn garden club
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary patio in New York with no cover, decking and a container garden.

Garten in Mindelheim

Droll & Lauenstein

Martin Staffler, Gartenfotografie
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Nuremberg with decking and no cover.

Tribeca Pool Garden

Jeffrey Erb

Jeffrey Erb
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary courtyard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, decking and no cover.

Southampton

Koch Architects

Indoor-outdoor courtyard, living room in mid-century-modern home. Living room with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, with wood ceilings and floor to ceiling sliding doors. Courtyard with round dining table and wicker patio chairs, orange lounge chair and wood side table. Large potted plants on teak deck tiles in the Berkeley hills, California.

Trex Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Denver with decking and no cover.

Modern Terrace

Roble

Roble exotic wood decking from bangkirai wood
Photo of a modern backyard patio in Other with decking and no cover.

Farmhouse

Allen Architectes

Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Rennes with decking and no cover.

Outdoor

NorthPoint Appliance

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Atlanta with an outdoor kitchen, decking and no cover.

Phantom Screens Design Gallery

Phantom Screens of Central Florida

This is an example of a large modern backyard patio in Orlando with an outdoor kitchen, decking and no cover.

Patio Awnings & Shades

Texas Sun & Shade

Exterior solar shades and awning systems are the most efficient solution to protect your windows and patio areas from the sun's damaging heat and UV rays. Blocking up to 99% of UV, motorized retractable shading systems allow you to block the sun and heat or reverse the strategy to allow in natural light and heat as desired.

Modern Custom Home in Hollywood Hills, CA

Levi Design Build

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with decking and no cover.

Chelmsford, MA Deck

Connolly Management Group, LLC

Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Boston with decking and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with Decking and 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!