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. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Perhaps you have realized there is more to life than work and gathering around a TV at the end of the day. A custom-built, outdoor living area allows you to entertain friends, spend time with your family or just unwind after a long day. Our customers all agree, a custom built outdoor living area brings people together. With the addition of a patio cover or pergola, your backyard and landscape can be transformed into a scenic extension of your residence or even a luxurious entertainment area. Our services have made possible the creation of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, shady playgrounds, spas, arts studios, reading havens and living rooms. Greg Perger

Cedar Pergola with Putting Green

Daco Stone

Daco Real Stone Veneer transformed this elegant homestead into a priceless masterpiece featuring cedar pergola and a putting green

Outdoor BBQ islands

Diamond K Woodworks LLC

Custom Pools

McKinney Custom Pools

Orono Artistic Landscape

Stonepocket Unique Landscapes

Gloster outdoor dining table sits on a full-color bluestone patio. Granite outdoor kitchen with built-in Green Egg and Viking Grill in background. Photo by Tim Heelan

Decatur Back Yard Makeover

Plants Creative Landscapes

Water feature in glazed pot with LED lighting.

Gazebo & Custom Screen

Benchmark Building Services Inc.

Gazebo, Decks and Patios

Winterize Porch

Palmetto Outdoor Spaces

This customer wanted to block the wind on her beautiful patio by the pool and spa. The views from the porch were amazing year round and the porch could be enjoyed during all seasons, except on cold windy days. We added the Fenetex motorized clear vinyl panels to block the cold wind during winter months. The fireplace keeps the space warm too.

Pavilion - Waterdown

TFSinc - Timber Frame Design and Construction

Allen Texas

Dallas Outdoor Kitchens & Hardscape

Custom Cedar Jobs

Norcross Supply Company

ProWood Market

North Park Craftsman

Juniper Landscape Company

Outdoor Dining Area with Cover and Cafe Lights

Landscape Logic

This is a typical outdoor living and dining area created by Landscape Logic. We have a built-in seatwall in the back for fixed seating and a raised planter bed. The pergola has a waterproof shade sail above to keep the dining table dry from the elements. The bbq is up against the house and ready for grilling. We love to put up wall art on the fence and we used potted plants for this one. Photo by Tony Vitale

Radial fire area with natural flagstone... relax!

Cottage On The River

KD Landscape

Potting Shed

Sruthi Naidu Professional Organizer

Originally the side yard was used simply for garbage bin storage. However, in order to make space for a much needed potting shed we were forced to reconfigure the space. We thought it would be best to move the garbage bins to the front of the property. Not only does it make it easier to take the garbage out, but it gave us the space to make a potting shed.

Bothell Outdoor Living Structure

Tenhulzen Painting & Construction Partners, Inc.

Arts and Crafts 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, arts and crafts 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 arts and crafts 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 arts and crafts 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!