Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Olivenhain - Remodel

ProPacific Builders, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized country backyard patio in San Diego with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Project 604

HoneyBee Designz

Shelby Halberg Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Miami with an outdoor shower, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Stone Fire Ring and Seating Wall

Anderson Landscape

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Entertainer's Backyard with Cabana

Nature's Expressions

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers, an outdoor kitchen and a gazebo/cabana.

Traditional Covered Patio

DBR Designs

By creating two separate spaces (living and dining) the Designs by Robin team was able to accessorizes for both. In the Living, we grounded the space by adding a rug. Coordinating pillows with fun trim makes this living area very elegant. Adding an outdoor buffet console really help define the dining area and gives you a space to store your outdoor items, while giving you a surface to place fun, colorful lamps.

Shading Solutions - Canopy

LUSH REMODELING & DEVELOPMENT INC

Photo of a mid-sized modern front yard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a pergola.

Luxury Outdoor Sports Bar

Bill D'Agata

Pembrooke Fine Landscapes designed and built this outdoor sports pavilion in East Hampton, NY. The custom designed space include a full kitchen, fireplace, USTA standard tennis court and heated unite pool and spa. The kitchen features several high-end elements including a kegerator, wine refrigerator, ice maker, grill, dishwasher and full stove. The pavilon is fully integrated with a Lutron entertainment system for all of the TVs. The audio and video can stream movies, music and TV. The space also features an changing area, bathroom and outdoor shower.

Transition Garden - Harrogate Flower Show

North Leeds Garden Design

Small contemporary backyard patio in Other with natural stone pavers.

Mountain Vista

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The bench curves around the space and connects with the kitchen area. The fire bowl, which nestles in the circular part of the bench, is oversized as not to be overwhelmed by the open space. Photo by Marcus Teply,

Naperville Fire Pit with River Rock

Chicago Gas Lines

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Porch

Norris Architecture

Overlooking the lake and with rollaway screens
Design ideas for a country backyard patio in Austin with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

HOUSE IN DORA ROAD, WIMBLEDON, London

Francesco Pierazzi Architects

A couple with two young children appointed FPA to refurbish a large semi detached Victorian house in Wimbledon Park. The property, arranged on four split levels, had already been extended in 2007 by the previous owners. The clients only wished to have the interiors updated to create a contemporary family room. However, FPA interpreted the brief as an opportunity also to refine the appearance of the existing side extension overlooking the patio and devise a new external family room, framed by red cedar clap boards, laid to suggest a chevron floor pattern. The refurbishment of the interior creates an internal contemporary family room at the lower ground floor by employing a simple, yet elegant, selection of materials as the instrument to redirect the focus of the house towards the patio and the garden: light coloured European Oak floor is paired with natural Oak and white lacquered panelling and Lava Stone to produce a calming and serene space. The solid corner of the extension is removed and a new sliding door set is put in to reduce the separation between inside and outside. Photo by Gianluca Maver

Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

MARK IV Builders, Inc

The Franke Europro undermount sink was purchased at Ferguson Plumbing as was the Minka Aire Strata ceiling fan. The kitchen features on-demand hot water via an Insinkerator. The plumbing is set up to be drained and winterized just like the pool.

Fulham 1, London

Richmond Bell Architects Ltd

Inspiration for a small contemporary backyard patio in Wiltshire with a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Toro Canyon Tuscan Style Pool and Landscape | Santa Barbara CA

Natural Concepts Landscaping Contractors

Design | Tim Doles Landscape Design Photography | Kurt Jordan Photography
Design ideas for a mediterranean courtyard patio in Santa Barbara with natural stone pavers and a pergola.

pool

Glen Gate Company

A decorative wooden pergola accents this pool changing area and outdoor shower.
Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Upper East Side Townhouse

VGC NYC Inc.

Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in New York with a container garden, no cover and natural stone pavers.

British West Indies Custom Home in Naples

Simonsen-Hickok Interiors

Inspiration for a large tropical backyard patio in Miami with a fire feature, no cover and natural stone pavers.

Luxury 75' Long Lap Pool Ridgewood NJ

Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Development

This is an example of an expansive contemporary backyard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with Gravel and Natural Stone 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!