Suzanne M. Vickers
Inspiration for a large traditional front yard patio in Miami with gravel.

Daniel Wexler
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Giardino Collection Outdoor Dining

Ballard Designs

Left untreated, the natural teak finish on these pieces will mellow to a warm, silvery gray. (Photo: Ballard Designs)
This is an example of a contemporary patio in Atlanta with gravel and no cover.

Color Amidst a Woodland

User

A country casual sitting area was fashioned into the slope. Photo by William Healy
Inspiration for a large traditional backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Parlette Residence

WA Design Architects

Copyrights: WA design
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Francisco with a water feature, gravel and no cover.

Modern Fountain - Elm Grove, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

A small, pond-less water feature allows for the sights and sounds of water without a lot of maintenance. A more contemporary water feature vs a typical fountain. Westhauser Photography

3 homes on a County Courthouse Square

User

The public courtyard
Contemporary courtyard patio in Dallas with gravel.

Santa Monica Garden House

SoCal Contractor

This couple is comprised of a famous vegan chef and a leader in the Plant based community. Part of the joy of the spacious yard, was to plant an Entirely edible landscape. This glorious garden is a space where the couple also Can relax and entertain.

Backyard Gardens

Durable Greenbed

Raised Garden Planters Durable Greenbed
Design ideas for a traditional side yard patio in Other with gravel.

Free Standing Poolside Arbor

Southwest Fence & Deck

Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, gravel and a pergola.

Unique Fountain Backyard

Creative Environments

Water features can help turn your landscape into something special, providing a focal point and attracting wildlife. If done correctly, they can bring both beauty and very low maintenance into your backyard. Finding the right design that will fit with the existing look of your outdoor environment is key. We want your water features in Arizona to match the style and sophistication of your home and landscape.

Steel + Cedar Shade Arbor and Garden Wall with Natural Stone Veneer

Regenesis Ecological Design

Steel + Cedar arbor shades a compact concrete courtyard with edge plantings of Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'. A hand-made Quartzite veneer wall encloses the space.

Los Angeles Front & Backyard Renovation

AD Design Inc

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Turtle Ridge Remodel

Studio H Landscape Architecture

This project is located in the Turtle Ridge community near UCI in Irvine. With an existing pool, our goal was to create a Modern inviting space with multiple entertaining areas. The unique areas include a firepit and lounging area at one of the pool with Tuscan styled planting, at the other end is a Modern pass-through fireplace with fire balls and a custom water fountain spilling into the pool. The fireplace wraps around to include a barbecue and bar area with an Ipe wood deck seating lounge. Just off the bar area is a zen garden with custom water features spilling from the gabion walls, a pebble contemplation garden, and bamboo planting. As you pass through the Zen Garden you enter the Tuscan themed entertaining space with corten steel planters, citrus trees, and decomposed granite. A few of the materials included in this project are as follows: Limestone paving, concrete coping,gabion walls, limestone veneer,concrete countertops,custom stainless steel scuppers,1" glass tile veneer, large wood beams,glass rails,ipe wood,rolled pebble and succulent planting. Studio H Landscape Architecture, Inc.

Rancho Los Olivos

Tom Meaney Architect, AIA

This is an example of a mediterranean backyard patio in Santa Barbara with a fire feature and gravel.

Silvertop

Jamie Bush & Co.

Photo of a midcentury courtyard patio in Los Angeles with gravel and no cover.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Garden Gate Landscaping

A small yet functional addition to the rear garden. Tumbled concrete pavers meet natural stone boulders. Gravel path leading to patio Charles W. Bowers/Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc.

Decks, Patios, and Walkways

Outer Image Design

This is an example of a small courtyard patio in Houston with gravel and no cover.

The Beauty of Hardscapes

Mariani Landscape

Benefiting from varied stone and gravel hardscapes, this back yard is used in many ways. Transitions are marked with a change in structure of paths, walls, and features. The dining area is defined by a seat wall that ends where the fire feature area starts. Garden beds surround the space as an accent, softening the space. A rugged yet warm design for a relatively small back yard. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Modern Residence

Taylor Lombardo Architects

Adrián Gregorutti
Photo of a contemporary courtyard patio in San Francisco with no cover, a fire feature and gravel.

Patio Design Ideas with Gravel

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!