This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian front yard patio in Madrid with a container garden and tile.

Interior Design: Lucy Interior Design | Builder: Detail Homes | Landscape Architecture: TOPO | Photography: Spacecrafting
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic side yard patio in Minneapolis with gravel and no cover.

Rockin Patio

Exigent Landscaping LLC

Large contemporary backyard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

La terrasse de l'Abbé Grégoire

Kevin Clare - Paysagiste

Les nouvelles plantations cadrent les vues sur la ville - en l'occurence la Tour Eiffel
Mid-sized country side yard patio in Paris with a container garden, tile and a pergola.

Garden Room Addition

Green Point Design Pty Ltd

Garden room addition and courtyard
Photo of a small contemporary courtyard patio in Other with tile and a pergola.

Modern Twist

Golden Mean Landscapes Inc.

Stephen Elphick
Contemporary patio in Toronto with tile and no cover.

Noyack Sloped Natural Garden

Hotbotany

Seating areas under pergola and fire pit surrounded by Russian Sage and perennials.
Expansive contemporary backyard patio in New York with a fire feature, gravel and a pergola.

Farmdale

CxS Designs

Inspiration for a mediterranean patio in Other with tile and no cover.

GLENDALE-COMPLETE HOME REMODEL

SES Builders Inc.

Design ideas for a large transitional backyard patio in Los Angeles with tile and a roof extension.

John Volk Palm Beach Estate

Beacon Construction Group Inc

Coral stone patio with brick pizza oven
This is an example of a mediterranean backyard patio in Miami with an outdoor kitchen, tile and no cover.

Harvard Pl

Urban Building Group

Jim schmid Photography
Photo of a beach style patio in Charlotte with an outdoor shower, tile and a roof extension.

Canyon Modern

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, gravel and a roof extension.

Canyon Modern

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard patio in Los Angeles with a water feature, gravel and no cover.

Outdoor Living in Las Colinas

Compass Outdoor Design

These clients spent the majority of their time outside and entertained frequently, but their existing patio space didn't allow for larger gatherings. We added nearly 500 square feet to the already 225 square feet existing to create this expansive outdoor living room. The outdoor fireplace is see-thru and can fully convert to wood burning should the clients desire. Beyond the fireplace is a spa built in on two sides with a composite deck, LED step lighting, and outdoor rated TV, and additional counter space. The outdoor grilling area mimics the interior of the clients home with a kitchen island and space for dining. Heaters were added in ceiling and mounted to walls to create additional heat sources. To capture the best lighting, our clients enhanced their space with lighting in the overhangs, underneath the benches adjacent the fireplace, and recessed cans throughout. Audio/Visual details include an outdoor rated TV by the spa, Sonos surround sound in the main sitting area, the grilling area, and another landscape zone by the spa. The lighting and audio/visual in this project is also fully automated. To bring their existing area and new area together for ultimate entertaining, the clients remodeled their exterior breakfast room wall by removing three windows and adding an accordion door with a custom retractable screen to keep bugs out of the home. For landscape, the existing sod was removed and synthetic turf installed around the entirety of the backyard area along with a small putting green. Selections: Flooring - 2cm porcelain paver Kitchen/island: Fascia is ipe. Counters are 3cm quartzite Dry Bar: Fascia is stacked stone panels. Counter is 3cm granite. Ceiling: Painted tongue and groove pine with decorative stained cedar beams. Additional Paint: Exterior beams painted accent color (do not match existing house colors) Roof: Slate Tile Benches: Tile back, stone (bullnose edge) seat and cap

City Garden

Chris Snook

Chris Snook
Design ideas for a contemporary patio in London with a vertical garden and tile.

Inviting Patio Spaces

Exscape Designs

Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Urban Oasis, Father Nature Landscapes of Birmingham, Inc.

Father Nature Landscapes of Birmingham, Inc.

There is perhaps nothing more charming than an elegant old home in historic southern neighborhood. Our mission was to make this one modern-day livable while keeping the home's historic personality. It was in many ways a blank slate, as it was being completely renovated. It was small inside, but instead of adding indoor space, the client wanted outdoor spaces where he could live, relax, and entertain. The design played off the old world limestone and included connecting the garage to the home by creating a covered living area. Limestone walls and an Alabama blue fireplace gives the space structure while the reflecting pool and gravel patio added a subtle touch of glamor. The boxwoods create clean lines, while the hydrangeas contrasted those with structured chaos. The entry courtyard and front porch offer additional spots where the client unwinds at the end of the day in his lush, personal urban oasis.

Wailea Highlands Residence

ARQUITECTURA

Architect- Marc Taron Contractor- Trend Builders Interior Designer- Wagner Pacific
Photo of a large contemporary backyard patio in Hawaii with an outdoor kitchen, tile and a roof extension.

Hagestadsborg

Fotograf Jonas Norén

Photo of a beach style patio in Malmo with gravel and a roof extension.

Courtyard makeover

Blue Sky Maintenance Solutions LLC

Blue Sky Solutions
Mid-sized arts and crafts backyard patio in Atlanta with a container garden, a pergola and gravel.

Patio Design Ideas with Gravel and Tile

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!