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

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.

Prairie Village Home Renovation

Faust Construction

Design ideas for a large modern backyard patio in Kansas City with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

Rockridge Redux - Extending an Elegant Home Outdoors

Ian Moore Design

The hot tub patio is designed to provide flexible furnishing options. When open or unfurnished the ground plane details and lighting bring the space alive. This area can also accommodate chaise lounge chairs or larger dining assemblies. The plantings envelop and calm the space.

Lansdowne Modern Swimming Pool + Outdoor Living

Randy Angell Designs

Photography by Jimi Smith / "Jimi Smith Photography"
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, decking and a pergola.

Backyard Cottage Pergola

HideAway Screens

The customer wanted to create an outdoor space for their cottage. A wooden pergola and three Hideaway Privacy Screens provide the frame for their patio to give them another outdoor space while ensuring shade during the long summer days.

Attached Fiberglass Black Pergola

Outdoor Living of NJ

Small transitional backyard patio in New York with decking and a pergola.

Elegant Entertaining

BlueStone Construction, LLC

The major objective of this home was to craft something entirely unique; based on our client’s international travels, and tailored to their ideal lifestyle. Every detail, selection and method was individual to this project. The design included personal touches like a dog shower for their Great Dane, a bar downstairs to entertain, and a TV tucked away in the den instead of on display in the living room. Great design doesn’t just happen. It’s a product of work, thought and exploration. For our clients, they looked to hotels they love in New York and Croatia, Danish design, and buildings that are architecturally artistic and ideal for displaying art. Our part was to take these ideas and actually build them. Every door knob, hinge, material, color, etc. was meticulously researched and crafted. Most of the selections are custom built either by us, or by hired craftsman.

Outdoor hidden TV lift tile and wood island cabinet hides TV and swivels

TV Lift Cabinet by Cabinet Tronix

Cabinet Tronix outdoor weather resistant Cumaru or IPE TV lift furniture is perfect for a backyard family movie night. Watch TV from grass area, sitting area, pool, Jacuzzi, deck, gazebo and bbq. with the 360 swivel TV lift system you can turn the TV and all the sudden watch from different sittings areas. An architecturally-led outdoor TV lift cabinet combining superb Cumaru or IPE solid wood and Mamawood porcelain glazed tiles. Shown with a 55 inch LG TV however you can use other outdoor TV's such as Seura and SunbriteTV. We can build these to fit most size TV's such as 55, 65, 75 inch and larger. Places outdoor these can be used are on the deck, patio by pool and Jacuzzi, under a pergola or veranda, out in the open, by the BBQ and many other places. These can be ordered with covers so no matter if you live in Southern California, San Diego, Kentucky, Santa Barabara, Clearwater Florida, Connecticut, Houston, Oklahoma City, North Carolina or even Colorado the outside furniture lift system will hold up great.

Napa Valley Farmhouse

Carreiro Builders

Photo of a large country front yard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, decking and a roof extension.

New Buffalo Lake House Exterior Deck and Outdoor Shower

Belzowski Woodwork & Design

Inspiration for a large beach style backyard patio in Chicago with decking.

Kitchen & living room addition including an outdoor living space

Greater Pacific Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a roof extension.

Rooftop Gardens and Urban Farming

User

San Francisco Rooftop Urban Garden. Photo Cred: Joshua Thayer
Photo of a small modern courtyard patio in San Francisco with decking, a roof extension and a vertical garden.

Spec Home Outdoor Transformation

David Font Design

Mid-sized asian backyard patio in Miami with decking and no cover.

Pool Patio, Ridgewood, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in New York with decking and a pergola.

Shawnee Porch & Kitchen

Drawing Dept

RVP Photography
Photo of a modern backyard patio in Cincinnati with decking and a roof extension.

BBQ area

Nick Bennett's Garden Life

This is one side of the backyard. the other is paved with a wood fired pizza oven.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Melbourne with decking and a roof extension.

Patios, Porches & Gardens

The Red Shutters - Marina Case

Steve Belner-Photographer
Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard patio in New York with decking and a roof extension.

Patio et Veranda Laurentides

PurPatio.ca

Pour le patio et la véranda de cette résidence de Ste-Therese, le mandat était clair; un patio pour recevoir une trentaine de personnes + une véranda sur mesure avec une structure en bois massif apparent et un design qui s’harmonise avec la maison et l’environnement. Design du patio et de la véranda par Louis Philippe Lord pour PurPatio.ca. La structure de la terrasse et de la véranda est supportée par 25 pieux vissés, ce qui assure une construction solide et durable. Le plancher en composite Trex couleur Tiki Torch avec accents et fascia Spiced Rum ne demande pas d’entretien et est garantie pour 25ans. Un corridor couvert permet un accès protégé des intempéries à partir du salon et de la cuisine. La structure de la véranda est impressionnante avec ses colonnes de 8po x 8po ainsi que des poutres en pin surdimensionné de 8po x 12po, le tout supporté par des étriers en acier encré avec des tire-fond en acier inox. Quel plaisir de pouvoir siroter un café au petit matin tout en contemplant la piscine en contre bas. Des boites à fleurs originales en cèdre rouge complètent l’aménagement.

Extension bois

Atelier300

Pierre Jean Verger
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Paris with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with 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!