Scott Amundson Photography
Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Minneapolis with concrete slab, a roof extension and with fireplace.

Dana Point Contemporary

Living Gardens Landscape Design

Design ideas for a contemporary patio in Orange County with with fireplace, concrete slab and no cover.

Sage Residence

Stonecreek Building Company, Inc.

Contemporary backyard patio in Phoenix with with fireplace, concrete slab and no cover.

The Provence Collection

Sunset West Outdoor Furniture

Photo of a traditional patio in San Diego with with fireplace, concrete slab and no cover.

Pa Pa Pool Pavillion

Lewis & Associates Designs, llc

Inspiration for a large contemporary backyard patio in Cleveland with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Grove at Lakewood Ranch - Model Home

Omega Builders

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Austin with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Newport Beach Residence

d'Arcy & Associates Architecture, Inc.

Inspiration for a contemporary backyard patio in Orange County with concrete slab, a pergola and with fireplace.

Westport

User

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Dallas with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Saline Creek Road

Kurtz Construction, Inc.

Country patio in Austin with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Edwards Residence

Maxie Home Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in New Orleans with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Sunken Patio Dining Area w/ Fireplace

Conscious Environments Inc.

This garden utilizes every square inch by incorporating a pool, above ground hot tub, sunken seating area w/ fire place and solid roof patio cover, dining area, and synthetic lawn area for play. Stacked stone veneer, glass tile, pebble plaster finish, and precast coping add to the elegance of the pool and surrounding hardscapes. A great place for entertaining and relaxing.

Farley Street

Greenberg Construction

Photo of a contemporary patio in San Francisco with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Arrow Wood Home

Cella Architecture

A pool house and outdoor entertaining area. A small kitchen sits in the right hand alcove and storage and a bathroom are access via the left hand alcove. Ambiance is provided by the basalt clad fireplace and gas lamp above. The space is fully wired for sound and video as well. A large gas space heater make the space useable for most of the year.

Lake Oconee Residence

Architectural Collaborative

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake.

Goldenrod

Shear Construction

Ipe and steel trellis over contemporary patio entryway
Large contemporary backyard patio in Los Angeles with with fireplace, concrete slab and a pergola.

Project of the Month: March 2019

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

This cozy, yet gorgeous space added over 310 square feet of outdoor living space and has been in the works for several years. The home had a small covered space that was just not big enough for what the family wanted and needed. They desired a larger space to be able to entertain outdoors in style. With the additional square footage came more concrete and a patio cover to match the original roof line of the home. Brick to match the home was used on the new columns with cedar wrapped posts and the large custom wood burning fireplace that was built. The fireplace has built-in wood holders and a reclaimed beam as the mantle. Low voltage lighting was installed to accent the large hearth that also serves as a seat wall. A privacy wall of stained shiplap was installed behind the grill – an EVO 30” ceramic top griddle. The counter is a wood to accent the other aspects of the project. The ceiling is pre-stained tongue and groove with cedar beams. The flooring is a stained stamped concrete without a pattern. The homeowner now has a great space to entertain – they had custom tables made to fit in the space. TK Images

Front courtyard with fireplace

RICHLAND

Blairview Front Courtyard
Photo of a transitional patio in Dallas with concrete slab, no cover and with fireplace.

Outdoor Entertaining

Cultured Stone®

Stone: Country Ledgestone - Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone is easy to install and offers an extensive color palette that helps differentiate one ledgestone from another. Explore Country Ledgestone: https://www.culturedstone.com/products/country-ledgestone

Sunset Island Trail Project

JR Builders LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized country backyard patio in Nashville with with fireplace, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Contemporary Farmhouse

KGA Studio Architects, PC

This is an example of a large country backyard patio in Denver with with fireplace, concrete slab and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with with Fireplace and Concrete Slab

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!