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

A small covered area adjacent to the pool, offers a casual space to gather. Shade sails provide a contrast to the rigid concrete walls and the linearity of the house. Bill Timmerman - Timmerman Photography

Hingham Outdoor Living

Shoreline Builders, Inc.

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Boston with decking.

Cornelius Home

W.L.C INC

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Baltimore with decking, a water feature and a pergola.

Vermilion 3

Geoff Chick & Associates

Derek Makekau
Photo of a beach style backyard patio in Miami with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

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.

Backyard Deck - After

Realty Restoration, LLC

Design ideas for a large midcentury backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, decking and an awning.

Mediterranean Dream.

Landscape d.o.o. Slovenia

Landscape d.o.o., Tina Demšar Vreš
Photo of a large mediterranean courtyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a roof extension.

Trex Decking

West Coast Decks

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

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.

New French Country

Kyle Hunt & Partners, Incorporated

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with decking, a roof extension and a fire feature.

Los Gatos Courtyard Escape

Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

Contained in a small courtyard, this intimate garden includes a full sized lounge chair along with an outdoor shower and full bath. The Herbert S. Frank Special Award recognizes exceptional design, unique use of materials and quality of construction in a residential landscape. Granted at the discretion of the California Landscape Contractors Association judges, this award is not necessarily given each year at the Trophy Awards event. In 2014, Confidence Landscaping, Inc. earned this important honor that carries the highly respected name of one of the founding members of the CLCA - San Francisco Bay Area chapter.

Beaux Arts Village

LaCantina Doors

LaCantina Doors Aluminum Thermally Controlled bi-folding door system
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in San Diego with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a roof extension.

Architect's residence

Harmoni Designs + Build

Multi-level deck with built-in planters and benches. The deck was designed to fit around the existing house structure and to provide convenient access to the kitchen and dining room. Harmoni Designs, LLC

Cottage Perennial

Glenna Partridge Garden Design

exterior

Elad Gonen

Photo of a mediterranean patio in Other with decking.

Tinson Residence

Urbanleaf Landscapes

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in San Francisco with decking 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!

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.

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!