A perfect addition to your outdoor living is a seating wall surrounding a firepit. Cambridge Maytrx wall, Pyzique Fire Pit, Round table Pavers. Installed by Natural Green Landsacpe & Design in Lincoln, RI

Del Mar Exterior Renovation

SJS Studios Inc.

Bluestone Pavers, custom Teak Wood banquette with cement tile inlay, Bluestone firepit, custom outdoor kitchen with Teak Wood, concrete waterfall countertop with Teak surround.

Rooftop Refuge

Lifescape Colorado.

Photo of a large contemporary courtyard patio in Denver with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Peaceful Spa-inspired Retreat

Peery Homes

Photo of a large transitional courtyard patio in Other with no cover, a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Award Winning Portfolio

Daniel's Landscape & Design, LLC

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Denver with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Converted Church, Upper Black Eddy

Odell Painting

Large traditional side yard patio in Philadelphia with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Intimate Backyard String Lighting

Light Up Nashville

Custom string lighting in backyard by Light Up Nashville. String lights are a great way to spruce up any outdoor space after dark. Create an intimate outdoor setting to entertain using string lights.

Techo-Bloc Display

R.P. Smith & Son, Inc.

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

Grande Entrance & Retaining Wall - Bluestone, Retaining Wall, Steps, Walkway

Prime Construction & Remodeling LLC

The first goal for this client in Chatham was to give them a front walk and entrance that was beautiful and grande. We decided to use natural blue bluestone tiles of random sizes. We integrated a custom cut 6" x 9" bluestone border and ran it continuous throughout. Our second goal was to give them walking access from their driveway to their front door. Because their driveway was considerably lower than the front of their home, we needed to cut in a set of steps through their driveway retaining wall, include a number of turns and bridge the walkways with multiple landings. While doing this, we wanted to keep continuity within the building products of choice. We used real stone veneer to side all walls and stair risers to match what was already on the house. We used 2" thick bluestone caps for all stair treads and retaining wall caps. We installed the matching real stone veneer to the face and sides of the retaining wall. All of the bluestone caps were custom cut to seamlessly round all turns. We are very proud of this finished product. We are also very proud to have had the opportunity to work for this family. What amazing people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople As a side note regarding this phase - throughout the construction, numerous local builders stopped at our job to take pictures of our work. #UltimateCompliment #PrimeIsInTheLead

Seat Wall and Fire Pit, Glen Rock, NJ

Jacobsen Landscape Design & Construction

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

Silvercreek Stoneworks Bluestone Project

The Brickyard, Inc.

This Project was installed with manufactured wet cast stone tiles by Silvercreek Stoneworks. The color used is called Bluestone.
Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Milwaukee with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Outdoor Fire Features

Browne and Associates Custom Landscapes

This Firepit, constructed in 2010 is built into the "bench wall" . Fire Pits need careful placement - they can take up a large area on a patio. By building this firepit into the wall, more valuable space is made for the rest of the patio. Browne and Associates Custom Landscapes.

English Inspired Country House

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

This is an example of a mediterranean backyard patio in Philadelphia with a water feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Woodinville Pivot Site Design

Board & Vellum

Photography by Meghan Montgomery
Photo of a small midcentury front yard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Brookline Rejuvenation

Oak Hill Architects

Design ideas for a large backyard patio in Boston with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Fire Pits

Elements Landscape

Custom Rustic Stone Fire Pit with crushed slate patio
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Atlanta with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Urban Outdoor Living

Trevor Fulmer Design

To create a colonial outdoor living space, we gut renovated this patio, incorporating heated bluestones, a custom traditional fireplace and bespoke furniture. The space was divided into three distinct zones for cooking, dining, and lounging. Firing up the built-in gas grill or a relaxing by the fireplace, this space brings the inside out.

Cameo Shores 1

geoff sumich design

Contemporary courtyard patio in Orange County with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Larkspur White in Forest

PatriARCH Architecture

View of entry, blue door,
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers and no cover.

BBQ and Rocks

Exigent Landscaping LLC

Large transitional backyard patio in Detroit with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with Natural Stone Pavers and No Cover

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!