A new Patio area transitions to the backyard where the view of the lake begins. Sun shading provided by a Pergola adjacent to a small covered Porch where grilling activities prevail with a view of the dock.

Trio of pots

Homescapes

Native planting in egg planters
Small contemporary side yard patio in Wellington with a container garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

The Crosby

Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc

Edible garden entryway
Mid-sized mediterranean side yard patio in San Diego with a container garden, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Upcycled Side Yard

Sweet Smiling Landscapes

When this homeowner’s neighbor removed two, two- story-high Ficus trees, her side-yard became baron and sunbaked. Concrete covers virtually the whole area from the house to the property line, but because the side-yard has a lot of foot traffic and serves as a sitting area to the basement apartment, the owner did not want to remove any of the concrete. The solution was to put up fencing to block the view of the neighbor’s house, then upcycle wine barrels and 55-gallon drums into huge planters. The drums are large enough to accommodate a full-sized tree and provide the added advantage of giving height to smaller trees to provide further screening of the neighbor’s house. Everything was painted in bright colors to give the space a cheery Caribbean feel. The neighbor’s tree removal ended up as a blessing in disguise, because what had been a drab trough-way was transformed into a happy patio.

Baldwin Duplex

ORA Inc

940sf interior and exterior remodel of the rear unit of a duplex. By reorganizing on-site parking and re-positioning openings a greater sense of privacy was created for both units. In addition it provided a new entryway for the rear unit. A modified first floor layout improves natural daylight and connections to new outdoor patios. (c) Eric Staudenmaier

La terrasse de l'Abbé Grégoire

Kevin Clare - Paysagiste

Les bacs en châtaignier associés aux poteries taupe viennent rythmer l'espace
Inspiration for a mid-sized country side yard patio in Paris with a container garden, tile and a pergola.

Beautiful Flagstone

All Natural Landscapes

Frank Spiker
Inspiration for a mid-sized country side yard patio in Detroit with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

Nolita NYC-Terrace Makeover

Garden Goddess By The Sea, LLC

Liz Donaghy
Photo of a small contemporary side yard patio in New York with a container garden and no cover.

Gracious Poolside Entertaining in the Suburbs

GreenHeart, LLC

Melissa Clark Photography
Small contemporary side yard patio in DC Metro with a container garden and natural stone pavers.

ÁTICO PASSEIG D´AMUNT

The Room Studio

Proyecto realizado por Meritxell Ribé - The Room Studio Construcción: The Room Work Fotografías: Mauricio Fuertes
Mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Other with a container garden, gravel and no cover.

Pejaver Residence

MB Land Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary side yard patio in Houston with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Estilismo Completo - Home Staging en Pamplona

JaioneElizalde DECORACIÓN Y ESTILISMO

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Other with a container garden and no cover.

Porch in the Preserve

ELM Construction LLC

Design ideas for a small country side yard patio in Birmingham with a container garden, natural stone pavers and a roof extension.

Pergolas

Terraform

Photo of a mid-sized modern side yard patio in New York with a container garden, a pergola and concrete pavers.

AYILYAM

Studio 3am

Residence for Smt. Leela Location - Thripunithura, Ernakulam Area - 2500sqft Ayilyam is a story of traditions, retold. The house compliments to the traditional buildings of Tripunithara, the land of temples. This compact house is a reflection of the class, pride and ethnicity of the town. The narrow site contributes to bringing focus to the elevation of the house. The exterior wall is adorned with the traditional concept of seating - ' thinna' to bring more character and life to the house. The thinna runs around the house bridging the exterior and the interior. The casual yet minimalistic interiors are decorated with intricate detailing. The unembellished windows adorns the front elevation of the house placidly. This 4bhk house has a dining attached to a tranquil verandah with traditional pillars and seating with ambient day lighting which provides an excellent reading space. The attic space reduces heat inside the house and also provides ample amount of storage. The love for traditional elements by the client enriched the soul of this design. More the tradition, more its sanctity.

Priddis Acreage #6

Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.

Our clients hired us to create a landscape for their new acreage that stays true to the native setting. We utilized natural rock, large southern Alberta native trees and plantings, with rock slabs for steps down the walkout sides of the home. The new asphalt driveway will be going in now that the landscaping is complete.

Large Wrap-around Rear and Side Extension to a Garden Flat in South West London

VORBILD Architecture

Inspiration for a small modern side yard patio in London with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Roseneath Patio

Homescapes

Patio with a view
Small contemporary side yard patio in Wellington with a container garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

LANCASTER RESIDENCE

FineLines Design Studio

Michael Hunter
This is an example of an eclectic side yard patio in Dallas with a container garden, stamped concrete and a roof extension.

vue rapprochée de la terrasse toscane

Duval&Bossennec - Paysagiste concepteur

Design ideas for a small eclectic side yard patio in Nantes with a container garden, tile and an awning.

Side Yard Patio Design Ideas with a Container Garden

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!