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

Inside Out Pool Cabana

THE UP STUDIO

Modern Shaded Living Area, Pool Cabana and Outdoor Bar
Inspiration for a small contemporary side yard patio in New York with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Beacon Hill Brownstone

TOMHILL STUDIO

A custom outdoor Kitchen was designed simultaneously with the wood screening for a seamless appearance. The built-in bbq and cooktop are surrounded with a honed black granite and behind, the Corten retaining wall forms a planter for an herb garden. The shed houses bikes that the family uses to get around town.

2019 Gold Award - Residential less than 50m², ecodesign

LDI (Landscape Design Institute)

This is an example of a small contemporary backyard patio in Sydney with concrete slab and no cover.

Wynnewood, PA: Black and White Outdoor Patio

Bella B Home Designs

Black and white outdoor furniture is so classic. This small alcove needed to be a fun outdoor hang out spot. We paired this classic set with an outdoor area rug, console, and outdoor greens to bring the space to life.

Vermont Cres

Gelderman Landscape Services

Jeff McNeill
This is an example of a small transitional backyard patio in Toronto with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Washington, DC - Exterior and Landscape Renovation Project

InSite Builders & Remodeling

Gaining Perspective - Shawnta Williams
Small contemporary backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Atlantic Beach Contemporary Compact Backyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

Small spaces can provide big challenges. These homeowners wanted to include a lot in their tiny backyard! There were also numerous city restrictions to comply with, and elevations to contend with. The design includes several seating areas, a fire feature that can be seen from the home's front entry, a water wall, and retractable screens. This was a "design only" project. Installation was coordinated by the homeowner and completed by others. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

Long Project : Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor Designs

Western Pavers, Inc. has been in business for over twenty years. Western Pavers is the Pioneer of all local paver companies in Southern California. Western Pavers has been transforming customers' visions into a reality for decades. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with 100% satisfaction and creating beautiful outdoor living spaces. Western Pavers can provide beautiful designs and take you from conceptual to the completion of your outdoor living project. We are Western Outdoor Designs’ paver specialist department.

Patio Covers

Sunset Construction & Design

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Sunset Construction and Design specializes in creating residential patio retreats, outdoor kitchens with fireplaces and luxurious outdoor living rooms. Our design-build service can turn an ordinary back yard into a natural extension of your home giving you a whole new dimension for entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re interested in converting a boring back yard or starting from scratch in a new home, give us a call today! A great patio and outdoor living area can easily be yours. Greg, Sunset Construction & Design in Fresno, CA.

Los Gatos Courtyard Escape

Confidence Landscaping, Inc.

Contained in a small courtyard, this intimate garden includes a full sized lounge chair along with an outdoor shower and full bath. The Herbert S. Frank Special Award recognizes exceptional design, unique use of materials and quality of construction in a residential landscape. Granted at the discretion of the California Landscape Contractors Association judges, this award is not necessarily given each year at the Trophy Awards event. In 2014, Confidence Landscaping, Inc. earned this important honor that carries the highly respected name of one of the founding members of the CLCA - San Francisco Bay Area chapter.

Seward Park patio garden

Scott Mantz Associates, Inc

This is an example of a small contemporary patio in Seattle with concrete pavers and a fire feature.

Patio, Bench, & Fire Feature at Alexandria Townhouse

Pristine Acres

Pristine Acres (www.pristineacres.com) installed this Techo-Bloc Aberdeen patio with a custom Cedar bench and planter. We also installed a custom gas firepit, landscaping, and LED lighting.

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in Other with gravel.

Mustang Park, Carrollton

AquaTerra Outdoors

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to bring life to the outdoors of the new home. When it came time to design the space we were challenged with the tight space of the backyard. We worked through the concepts and we were able to incorporate a new pool with spa, custom water feature wall, Ipe wood deck, outdoor kitchen, custom steel and Ipe wood shade arbor and fire pit. We also designed and installed all the landscaping including the custom steel planter. Photography: Wade Griffith

Modern Courtyard Garden

Unique Landscapes Ltd

Small modern courtyard patio in West Midlands with a water feature and natural stone pavers.

Logan Circle Loft Terraces

GardenWise

Michael K. Wilkinson
Design ideas for a small contemporary courtyard patio in DC Metro with a container garden, concrete pavers and an awning.

Tsunami House, Resilient Design, Camano Island WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Patio door detail. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Design ideas for a small modern front yard patio in Seattle with concrete slab and no cover.

Back Flagstone Patio

Abingdon Heights

Nestled in a tight back yard is this little Oasis. Designed to to be somewhat informal to reflect clients past cottage memories. The focal point is an iron art piece that the client purchased years ago. It sits nicely between the two Slender Silhouette Sweetgums and highlighted with landscape lighting and a beautiful gas fire pit.

Patio covers

Frost Construction

Photo of a small transitional backyard patio in Orange County with concrete pavers and a pergola.

Small Grey Patio Design Ideas

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!