Outdoor fireplace of brick and natural stone Photo by Martin Mann
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in San Diego with a fire feature and brick pavers.

Outdoor Living

Accent Landscapes

This raised bed in the courtyard provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce color and life into the hardscape.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Denver with a container garden, concrete slab and an awning.

Deck Ideas that Work by Peter Jeswald

The Taunton Press, Inc

With potted plants, prickly roses, and a low planting bed, there's a little something for every taste here, but rather than feel overwhelming, it works. Although it may not appear so at first it's organized-the potted plants are grouped together and flank the door; the roses climb the house and wall and pop up out of the bed; and the bed is populated mainly by a single plant. Photo by: Jerry Pavia, Deck Ideas that Work, The Taunton Press

C-Stamped Concrete Patio

HaiJoe Stamped Concrete Patios and Decks

Stamped concrete patio with fieldstone pattern, the darker gray border, and the curves makes this patio look amazing.
Large traditional backyard patio in Other with a fire feature, stamped concrete and no cover.

Small-town Traditional

The Landmark Group

Design ideas for a traditional backyard patio in Toronto with no cover.

Piano shaped outdoor kitchen_2

The Viking Craftsman, Inc

Design ideas for a large traditional backyard patio in Dallas with a water feature, natural stone pavers and an awning.

Jacuzzi, Pool, and Grill Backyard

Imagine Backyard Living

Imagine Backyard Living brings together the top brands in spas and hot tubs, patio furniture, landscaping, accessories and maintenance under one roof to create unique and exceptional environments.

Old Wheatley Road, Long Island

Sussan Lari Architect PC

Photography: Peter Rymwid French Manor Style Home in Brick and Cut Stone in Brookville, New York on Long Island.
Photo of a traditional patio in New York.

Timeless Elegance

Harmony Design Group

Classic Designs often work the best for a traditional style home set on a rural estate in Princeton NJ. For the dinning terrace a bluestone patio was installed with a brick inlayed rug. Plantings beds filled with perennials and flowering shrubs surround the patio and lead you down to the swimming pool. Built at existing grade to meet DEP regulations the swimming pool is the centerpiece of the back yard. The walls were installed with Pennsylvania Fieldstone and the pool patio is Blue/ Grey Sandstone. The project was collaboration between Harmony Design Group and Ronni Hock Garden & Landscape. Ronni Hock is also responsible for the photographs.

Landscapes

Villani Landshapers

Inspiration for a small traditional backyard patio in Milwaukee.

Traditional

Katherine Shenaman Interiors

Design ideas for a traditional patio in Miami.

Poolside Pergola with Polygal Cover

Regal Plastics

This homeowner wanted to enjoy their patio rain or shine. They extended their current patio by adding the pergola and covering it with a clear Polygal.

Outdoor Kitchen with Fireplace

Landscape By Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Dallas with an outdoor kitchen and a pergola.

A Poolscape to be Enjoyed Year-Round

Outdoor Dreams

Large traditional backyard patio in Richmond with concrete pavers and a pergola.

A Lovely Yard to be Enjoyed

Jacobs Grant Design ltd

Design ideas for a traditional patio in Columbus.

Fiberglass pergola covering hot tub

Fine Decks Inc.

Landscaping done by Annapolis Landscaping ( www.annapolislandscaping.com) Patio done by Beautylandscaping (www.beautylandscaping.com)
Photo of a large traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with natural stone pavers and a gazebo/cabana.

Scott's Lake House

Bassett Furniture Design Studio

Interior designer Scott Dean's home on Sun Valley Lake
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional front yard patio in Other with a water feature.

Trex Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Denver with decking and no cover.

Siesta Key Custom Home- Heron Lagoon Low Country Home

Nautilus Homes

Siesta Key Low Country pool and patio area with covered screened-in porch with fireplace. This is a very well detailed custom home on a smaller scale, measuring only 3,000 sf under a/c. Every element of the home was designed by some of Sarasota's top architects, landscape architects and interior designers. One of the highlighted features are the true cypress timber beams that span the great room. These are not faux box beams but true timbers. Another awesome design feature is the outdoor living room boasting 20' pitched ceilings and a 37' tall chimney made of true boulders stacked over the course of 1 month.

Outdoor Kitchen Photos

Irwin Outdoors

Large traditional backyard patio in Tampa with an outdoor kitchen, concrete pavers and a pergola.

Traditional Turquoise 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, 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!