Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Diego with decking.

This pergola is small in size but is a nice addition to allow for privacy with out loosing the benefits of the sun. All of the pergola materials are aluminum embossed to appear as painted wood.

Outdoor kitchen in Colchester, Essex

Grillo Outdoor Kitchens

Samuel Moore, owner of Consilium Hortus, is renowned for creating beautiful, bespoke outdoor spaces which are designed specifically to meet his client’s tastes. Taking inspiration from landscapes, architecture, art, design and nature, Samuel meets briefs and creates stunning projects in gardens and spaces of all sizes. This recent project in Colchester, Essex, had a brief to create a fully equipped outdoor entertaining area. With a desire for an extension of their home, Samuel has created a space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. A louvered pergola covers the full length of the back of the house. Despite being a permanent structural cover, the roof, which can turn 160 degrees, enables the sun to be chased as it moves throughout the day. Heaters and lights have been incorporated for those colder months, so those chillier days and evenings can still be spent outdoors. The slatted feature wall, not only matches the extended outdoor table but also provides a backdrop for the Outdoor Kitchen drawing out its Iroko Hardwood details. For a couple who love to entertain, it was obvious that a trio of cooking appliances needed to be incorporated into the outdoor kitchen design. Featuring our Gusto, the Bull BBQ and the Deli Vita Pizza Oven, the pair and their guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to alfresco dining. The addition of our single outdoor fridge also ensures that glasses are never empty, whatever the tipple.

La Sombra - Canopy Flair Shot

Hush House

Overly dramatic view of the space featuring the Sunbrella shade fabric awning, dappled sunlight, and warm ipe wood deck. Smash Design Build
This is an example of a mid-sized modern courtyard patio in Austin with a vertical garden, decking and an awning.

Pergola Roof System / My Moon Event Venue Williamsburg NY

Sunart Outdoor LLC

Motorized Remote Control Retractable Pergola Roof System with built in dimmable lighting and gutter.
Inspiration for a large industrial courtyard patio in New York with decking and a pergola.

Bullfrog Spa Design Gallery

Barrett Outdoors Deck & Patio Design Center

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in New York with decking and no cover.

Cutting Edge Pavers

New construction for a large custom home in Woodbridge CA wine country
Mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Sacramento with a water feature and decking.

Apex Screen Porch

Catherine French Design, LLC.

Custom tiered decking adjacent to screen porch
Mid-sized country backyard patio in Raleigh with decking and no cover.

Retractable Awnings

Shade And Shutter Systems, Inc

These Retractable Awnings are motorized and operated via remote control.
Design ideas for a mid-sized backyard patio in Boston with decking and an awning.

Outdoor kitchen in Wokingham, Berkshire

Grillo Outdoor Kitchens

Our client required a modern outdoor kitchen to suit their clean and contemporary garden in Wokingham, Berkshire. The Iroko within the Vantage kitchen matches perfectly with the cedar clad boundary fencing. Grillo’s L-shaped outdoor kitchen incorporates a Bull Angus BBQ and Fridge and Bin cabinet. This is accompanied by a double bar seating run where guests can sit and watch the action!

West Norwood Family Garden

Tracey Parker Landscape Design Ltd

This family garden was redesigned to gives a sense of space for both adults and children at the same time the clients were extending their home. The view of the garden was enhanced by an oversized picture window from the kitchen onto the garden. This informed the design of the iroko pergola which has a BBQ area to catch the evening sun. The wood was stained to match the picture window allowing continuity between the house and garden. Existing roses were relocated to climb the uprights and a Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Charles Lamont’ was planted immediately outside the window to give floral impact during the winter months which it did beautifully in its first year. The Kiwi clients desired a lot of evergreen structure which helped to define areas. Designboard ‘Greenwich’ was specified to lighten the shaded terrace and provide a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface. The front garden was also reorganised to give it some clarity of design with a Kiwi sense of welcome. The kitchen was featured in Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine, March 2019, if you would like to see more.

Porches and Patios

Screens of Kentucky, LLC

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with a roof extension and decking.

Landscape Projects Pt II.

Moliver Landscape

This is an example of a mid-sized backyard patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, decking and no cover.

Deck Pavilion

Decosimo Architects

Pavilion kitchen & interior
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a gazebo/cabana.

Mangaris Wood Custom Patio Screen

Outside InStyle

Mangaris wood privacy screen with changing widths to add interest. Porch wood screen blocks barbeque from deck patio view. Photo by Katrina Coombs
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a pergola.

Desocio Home, Forest Virginia

LogHomesByJack.com

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, decking and a roof extension.

JACUZZI

Oregon Hot Tub

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland with decking.

Cedar Patio Cover (A-Frame)

Marks Builders

Solid Cedar Patio Cover with Tongue & Groove Ceiling and recessed can lighting.
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Austin with an outdoor kitchen, decking and a gazebo/cabana.

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.

Une cour victorienne à Paris XIII

Kevin Clare - Paysagiste

Au pied de la façade, la jardinière en bois a été complètement restaurée
Inspiration for a small traditional courtyard 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!