Renovation of a ranch with a great room and kitchen opening up to new conrete terrace with built in fireplace, grill and planter.Pete Weigley

Bruce's Garden

User

Suffolk fire pit and rustic backyard hangout.

Nottoway Gardeners

Paul Britt photo

Inviting Patio Spaces

Exscape Designs

Contemporary Urban Small Space

Classic Landscapes, Inc.

Rustic sunken fire pit with bluestone gravel and large boulders

Van Zelst Inc

Seating for eight on the rustic green adirondack chairs. Fire pit is sunken into the earth and ringed with large granite boulders. Bluestone gravel adds to the rustic feel. Photo by Russell and Terra Jenkins

Mid Century Courtyard Remodel

SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture

Already partially enclosed by an ipe fence and concrete wall, our client had a vision of an outdoor courtyard for entertaining on warm summer evenings since the space would be shaded by the house in the afternoon. He imagined the space with a water feature, lighting and paving surrounded by plants. With our marching orders in place, we drew up a schematic plan quickly and met to review two options for the space. These options quickly coalesced and combined into a single vision for the space. A thick, 60” tall concrete wall would enclose the opening to the street – creating privacy and security, and making a bold statement. We knew the gate had to be interesting enough to stand up to the large concrete walls on either side, so we designed and had custom fabricated by Dennis Schleder (www.dennisschleder.com) a beautiful, visually dynamic metal gate. The gate has become the icing on the cake, all 300 pounds of it! Other touches include drought tolerant planting, bluestone paving with pebble accents, crushed granite paving, LED accent lighting, and outdoor furniture. Both existing trees were retained and are thriving with their new soil. The garden was installed in December and our client is extremely happy with the results – so are we! Photo credits, Coreen Schmidt

Patio and fire pit garden

Susan Els Garden & Landscape Design

Edmonds Residence

Casa Architecture and Interior Design

Fire pit terrace

Rustic Peastone Patio & Garden - World's End, Hingham

User

The goal of this landscape design and build project was to create a simple patio using peastone with a granite cobble edging. The patio sits adjacent to the residence and is bordered by lawn, vegetable garden beds, and a cairn rock water feature. Designed and built by Skyline Landscapes, LLC.

Gallery

Acclaim Home Services

Sa Talaia House

LUV Architecture & Design

Dillon

The Cousins

The new backyard is perfect for entertaining large groups, hosting intimate dinners, or relaxing. Birdhouses and plants line the new space and a pergola shades a table for al fresco dining. A pass-through into the basement allows guests to pull a stool right up to the bar.

French Quarter Series

BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS

Midcentury Patio

Outdoor Fireplaces and Firepits

Bergen Brick Stone & Tile Company

Classic French Country

Griffin Architects, P.A.

Garden Fire Pit

Jane Ellison

Jane uses outdoor fabric pillows to repeat the colors of the garden. Each season has its own colors. Come on down and have a seat before the metal fire pit when it gets cool from the winds off the San Francisco Bay.

Knepper Residence

Evolution Design Build Group

Dos módulos de viviendas adaptadas

Álvaro Viera | FOTOGRAFÍA DE ARQUITECTURA

Álvaro Viera

Patio Design Ideas with Gravel and No Cover

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!