Design Works
Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Other with a pergola, a water feature and brick pavers.

Emily Ruddo Design

Emily Ruddo

Design by Emily Ruddo, Photo by Alison Buck
Contemporary patio in Los Angeles with brick pavers.

Courtyard Hacienda

chas architects

Design ideas for a large mediterranean backyard patio in Austin with brick pavers and a roof extension.

Green Street

Daedalus Design Build

View from driveway of green wall and mahogany deck stair Kyle Born
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Philadelphia with a vertical garden, brick pavers and no cover.

Custom Built Brick and Stucco Home

Suiter Construction Company, Inc.

Traditional patio in Charleston with a water feature and brick pavers.

Backyard Oasis, Arlington VA

Wheat's Landscape

Traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with brick pavers and with fireplace.

Beekman NY

MLC Masonry Inc.

Rocco Smith Photography
Inspiration for a traditional patio in New York with brick pavers and a fire feature.

Private residence - Upstate New York

RetractableAwnings.com Inc.

The client requested a large (31 feet wide by 29-1/2 feet projection) three-span retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide rain, heat, sun, glare and UV protection. This would allow them to sit outside and enjoy their garden throughout the year, extending their outdoor entertainment space. For functionality they requested that water drain from the rear of the system into the front beam and down inside the two end posts, exiting at the bottom from a small hole and draining into the flower beds. The entire system used one continuous piece of fabric and one motor. The uprights and purlins meet together at a smooth L-shaped angle, flush at the top and without an overhang for a nearly perfectly smooth profile. The system frame and guides are made entirely of aluminum which is powder coated using the Qualicoat® powder coating process. The stainless steel components used were Inox (470LI and 316) which have an extremely high corrosion resistance. The cover has a Beaufort wind load rating Scale 9 (up to 54 mph) with the fabric fully extended and in use. A hood with end caps was also used to prevent rain water and snow from collecting in the folds of fabric when not in use. A running profile from end to end in the rear of the unit was used to attach the Somfy RTS motor which is installed inside a motor safety box. The client chose to control the system with an interior wall switch and a remote control. Concrete footers were installed in the grassy area in front of the unit for mounting the four posts. To allow for a flat vertical mounting surface ledger board using pressure-treated wood was mounted the full 31-foot width, as the client’s house was older and made of uneven stone. The client is very satisfied with the results. The retractable patio cover now makes it possible for the client to use a very large area in the rear of her house throughout the year.

Admiral's House

Meyer & Meyer, Inc. Architecture and Interiors

This stately Georgian home in West Newton Hill, Massachusetts was originally built in 1917 for John W. Weeks, a Boston financier who went on to become a U.S. Senator and U.S. Secretary of War. The home’s original architectural details include an elaborate 15-inch deep dentil soffit at the eaves, decorative leaded glass windows, custom marble windowsills, and a beautiful Monson slate roof. Although the owners loved the character of the original home, its formal layout did not suit the family’s lifestyle. The owners charged Meyer & Meyer with complete renovation of the home’s interior, including the design of two sympathetic additions. The first includes an office on the first floor with master bath above. The second and larger addition houses a family room, playroom, mudroom, and a three-car garage off of a new side entry. Front exterior by Sam Gray. All others by Richard Mandelkorn.

Warren Estate

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC

This is an example of a traditional patio in Boston with brick pavers.

Garden

Diego Correa Interior Design

view of the garden, the gazebo at the back.
Inspiration for a contemporary patio in London with brick pavers.

Private Couples Courtyard

DabneyCollins

Private courtyard off of the master bedroom. We used their existing iron furniture but had it powder coated. The buffet on the left is is covering up the utilities. It has doors that can be opened when the meter needs to be read. Reclaimed brick was used for the floor.

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Photo of a beach style patio in Los Angeles with brick pavers and a roof extension.

Eco-friendly garden, Kentfield, CA

Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Lawn replaced with decomposed granite resulting in a very low maintenance and low water garden. Rustic caldron retrofitted into a gas firepit. Photo: Eileen Kelly, Marin Landscape and Garden Designer and owner of Dig Your Garden Landscape Design located in San Anselmo, CA. http://www.digyourgarden.com/portfolio/kentfieldreplacedlawn.html

1950s Bungalow

Naomi

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury backyard patio in San Francisco with brick pavers and a pergola.

The Menagerie | Decomposed Granite Patio

Twistleaf

Photo by Brittany Dawn Short
This is an example of an eclectic patio in Austin with decomposed granite.

Private home - Atlanta, Georgia

RetractableAwnings.com Inc.

The client’s intention was for installation of a retractable waterproof patio cover system to provide heavy rain, hail, heat, sun, glare and UV protection for their backyard patio area.

Lemont Landscaping

KD Landscape

The distinct spaces can be seen from this overhead view. The dining space is separated from the social space by three large containers on one side and from the fire pit by a low profile planting bed on the other side. A small grill with counter is conveniently located near the three season room. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Shade Sails

Turf World Co.

Turf World Co. Parma. Ohio
Large traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with brick pavers and an awning.

Lake at White Oak Outdoor Kitchen

Angelo's Landscape Group

This is an example of a large mediterranean backyard patio in New Orleans with an outdoor kitchen, brick pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Patio Design Ideas with Decomposed Granite and Brick Pavers

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!