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

Lake Elmo Sanctuary

DreamScapes Landscaping & Design, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in Minneapolis with a fire feature, no cover and concrete pavers.

Clarke residence remodel - Islands Estates

Creativa Builders

This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Miami with a fire feature, tile and no cover.

Natural stone patios

Cobblestone Landscape LLC

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

Earthship Farmstead

Kaplan Thompson Architects

Brett Winter Lemon Photography
Photo of a country backyard patio in Portland Maine with no cover, a fire feature and natural stone pavers.

Palm Springs 18

digs inside & out

extension of pool area with a fire pit and comfortable , colorful seating. great outdoor lighting.
Design ideas for a large midcentury backyard patio with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Home in the Trees on Forest Trail

New Leaf Custom Homes

This is an example of a contemporary backyard patio in Dallas with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Midcentury Patio

Design ideas for a midcentury backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Valparaiso Pool Surround

NWI Patio Pros

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Chicago with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

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.

Outdoor Fire Pit with Concrete/Grass Pavers

California Landscape Construction

We created a custom paver design and included a gas fire pit.
Mid-sized modern backyard patio in Orange County with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Lemont Landscaping

KD Landscape

The distinct spaces can be seen from this overhead view. The dining space is separated from the social space by three large containers on one side and from the fire pit by a low profile planting bed on the other side. A small grill with counter is conveniently located near the three season room. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Cumberland Lakeside Patio

Fiano Landscapes

Like every property on the lake, this one had a steep slope immediately out of the back door. So we hugged the patio close to the house, building it up with a small retaining wall, and providing plenty of space to enjoy a summer night by the fire!

Rustic Landscape

Outdoor Dreams

Photo of a mid-sized country backyard patio in Richmond with a fire feature, concrete pavers and no cover.

Fire pit and natural stone patio

Land Creations Landscaping Inc.

Jeff Rak
This is an example of a large country backyard patio in Cleveland with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Mercer Island Covered Addition, Spa + Patio

Alderwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in Seattle with a fire feature, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Stamped Concrete Done Right!

Creation Builders Inc

Creation Builders Inc
Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with a fire feature, concrete pavers 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.

Outdoor Living Area With Fireplace

My House Design/Build/Team

- Space has direct access from the kitchen/great room. - Boundaries of the existing patio area were expanded with paving stones - Lower level patio connected to the upper level with basalt steps. - New outdoor gas fireplace anchors the outdoor living area - Series of stone columns and wood rafters ‘frame’ the outdoor living room. - Fireplace provides a visual screen to the unsightly view of neighbour’s shed. - Raised hearth clad in slate provides additional seating at fireplace - Low voltage lighting mounted to a concrete cap, ‘grazes’ the face of the ledgestone fireplace.

Stark Punk

Colossus Mfg.

Custom design and hand painted geometric mural on refurbished carport turned dining area, with recessed lighting, and a light wood outdoor dining table and chairs.

Patio Design Ideas with a Fire Feature 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!