Fully custom backyard, a beautiful design done together with the homeowners and then brought to life by Royal Family Construction Team.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and gravel.

Atlanta Pool, Patio and Fire Pit Area

authenTEAK Outdoor Living

Magnum CorTen steel fire pit by Fire Pit Art. Teak Adirondacks and stools by Gloster.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Atlanta with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Rustic sunken fire pit with bluestone gravel and large boulders

Van Zelst Inc

Seating for eight on the rustic green adirondack chairs. Fire pit is sunken into the earth and ringed with large granite boulders. Bluestone gravel adds to the rustic feel. Photo by Russell and Terra Jenkins

Small Patio Spaces

Marilyn's Garden Design

patio garden with low water design Designer and photographer Marilyn Guidroz
Inspiration for a small backyard patio in San Diego with a container garden, gravel and no cover.

Arlington

Cascade Outdoor Design

This riverfront property received a major facelift while keeping with the traditional style of the home. Working between an existing bulkhead and a covered patio off the back of the house, we incorporated various design elements to add plenty of "rooms" for the homeowners to entertain in. The linear pool features an elevated inset spa, with infinity edge. The pool deck, landing, and cabana floor are travertine. Brick stairs and walls match the existing brick from the property. A linear fire pit sits in a sunken gravel patio, to create a more intimate space and soften the feel of the hardscape surround. Raised planters break up space and add a bright pop of color, encouraging butterflies and birds to visit often. Photo by Josh Mauser

Country Farmhouse Gathering

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Design ideas for a small country backyard patio in Bridgeport with gravel, a vegetable garden and no cover.

Larchmont

CARL BALTON + ASSOCIATES

Design ideas for a mid-sized asian backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature and gravel.

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.

Transitional Living Room

Courtney H. Design LLC

GTDM Photo
Inspiration for a small transitional courtyard patio in Houston with a water feature, no cover and gravel.

Aviary in Landscape node

3D Green Planet Architects

Aviary for a formal garden. The garden implements landscape node design. This garden has three nodes: Alley of the Planets and Arbor; Koi Pond with floating orbs: and Aviary node for tropical birds........ This garden is featured in the 2012 book: A GARDEN MAKES A HOUSE A HOME, by Elvin McDonald.

Fishtown Row

Wyant Architecture

A barren and underutilized concrete yard was transformed into a beautiful urban garden.
This is an example of a small transitional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a vertical garden, gravel and no cover.

Decomposed Granite Patio with Flagstone Border

Revolution Landscape

Small decomposed granite patio with a border of flagstone interplanted with creeping thyme. A mix of low water plants with varying textures and colors enclose the small patio.

Entrance Courtyard with COR-TEN Planters

Regenesis Ecological Design

Steel + Cedar arbor shades this entrance courtyard, while blooming COR-TEN planters brighten up the space.
This is an example of a small modern courtyard patio in Other with a container garden, gravel and a pergola.

ellwood exteriors

Erin Ellwood Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern patio in Los Angeles with gravel.

COR-TEN Planter with Sedum tetractinum 'Coral Reef' and Sedum reflexum 'Angelina

Regenesis Ecological Design

Custom designed and fabricated COR-TEN Planter with Carex testacea, Sedum tetractinum 'Coral Reef' and Sedum reflexum 'Angelina' adjacent to a poured-in-place concrete walkway with diamond-cut joints.

East Alameda Renovation

Violante & Rochford Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Albuquerque with gravel and a pergola.

La Farigoulette - @ Leslie Drouet

Sara Alfieri Architecte DPLG

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean front yard patio in Nice with a container garden, gravel and a pergola.

Casa entre 2 patios

Srta. Rottenmeier

Patio japonés entre medianeras, con grava y madera
Inspiration for a small contemporary courtyard patio in Other with gravel and no cover.

Pebble Beach Home Remodel

JET Construction

Photo of a mid-sized beach style backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with gravel and no cover.

Burrow Residence

RAU CONSTRUCTION

Mid-sized country backyard patio in Houston with gravel, no cover and a fire feature.

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!