Photo of a traditional patio in Charlotte with gravel and no cover.

Lake Forest Mosaic House designed by prominent American architect Henry Ives Cobb, in 1882. Grounds designed and constructed by Arrow Land+Structures, in 2016.

Classic French Country43a6t

Griffin Architects, P.A.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Other with a water feature, gravel and no cover.

Outside Living

Paul Hendershot Design, Inc.

Outdoor living space.
Design ideas for a traditional patio in Los Angeles with no cover and gravel.

Arlington

Cascade Outdoor Design

This riverfront property received a major facelift while keeping with the traditional style of the home. Working between an existing bulkhead and a covered patio off the back of the house, we incorporated various design elements to add plenty of "rooms" for the homeowners to entertain in. The linear pool features an elevated inset spa, with infinity edge. The pool deck, landing, and cabana floor are travertine. Brick stairs and walls match the existing brick from the property. A linear fire pit sits in a sunken gravel patio, to create a more intimate space and soften the feel of the hardscape surround. Raised planters break up space and add a bright pop of color, encouraging butterflies and birds to visit often. Photo by Josh Mauser

New Construction

Hoebeke Builders, Inc.

The mystery of evening moonlighting in the garden, Doug Greenley of Greenley Lighting turned our new construction into something magical.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Dallas with a vegetable garden, gravel and no cover.

Beautiful Pittsburgh Antique Limewash

ROMABIO / Interior & Exterior Mineral Based Paints

Lovely bench and water feature in their outdoor patio with antique limewash on the brick.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Atlanta with a water feature, gravel and no cover.

Aviary in Landscape node

3D Green Planet Architects

Aviary for a formal garden. The garden implements landscape node design. This garden has three nodes: Alley of the Planets and Arbor; Koi Pond with floating orbs: and Aviary node for tropical birds........ This garden is featured in the 2012 book: A GARDEN MAKES A HOUSE A HOME, by Elvin McDonald.

Los Angeles Front & Backyard Renovation

AD Design Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with gravel and no cover.

60th Pl. Burr Ridge, IL

Rolling Landscapes Inc.

The tightly clipped hedges of the garden nicely compliment the clean lines of the lounge chairs and stoop in the foreground. Like us on Houzz and see other featured gardens on our website at www.rollinglandscapes.com Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan

Outdoor Oasis

Wicker Land Patio

Imagine this on you're outdoor space! Customize these pieces to you're own style with the choice of Sunbrella outdoor fabrics. This All weather resin wicker is of the best quality and has been tested up to 3000 direct sunlight hours. With heavy gauge alluminum frames that will never rust! You will never have to sacrifice quality for style with ANY of our products.

Decomposed Granite Patio with Flagstone Border

Revolution Landscape

Small decomposed granite patio with a border of flagstone interplanted with creeping thyme. A mix of low water plants with varying textures and colors enclose the small patio.

MEMORIAL | court yard

Symmetry Architects

"Best of Houzz" architecture | www.symmetryarchitects.com interiors | www.browndesigngroup.com builder | www.hwhomes.com
Photo of a large traditional front yard patio in Dallas with gravel and no cover.

Richardson House

Ridout Photography

Mark Ridout
This is an example of a traditional patio in Toronto with gravel.

Vista Residence

Shapiro Didway

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland with a fire feature and gravel.

Fire Ring with Granite Cap

Anderson Landscape

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Rivers St, Bath

Joel Antunes photography

Traditional patio in London with gravel and no cover.

Two Oaks

SDG Architecture, Inc.

Bernard Andre
Inspiration for a traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with gravel, no cover and a fire feature.

East Alameda Renovation

Violante & Rochford Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional side yard patio in Albuquerque with gravel and a pergola.

College Point

Suzanne Vickers Construction Inc.

Suzanne M. Vickers
Inspiration for a large traditional front yard patio in Miami with gravel.

Traditional Patio Design Ideas with Gravel

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, traditional 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 traditional 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 traditional 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!