Brick walkways and a brick patio work in concert with boxwood and yew hedges on this farmhouse landscape. A fire pit, Adirondack furniture and plenty of annual flowers are also woven into the fabric of this landscape design.

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.

Small Backyard Transformation

Exscape Designs

AB LeCocq Projects

A B Lecocq Construction Company

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

Cedar Fences

Split Rail Fence Co Denver CO

Culver City Backyard

John Milander Architects

Before and After

Jane Ellison

Stuart Lirette 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.

FULL BACKYARD REMODELING

Royal Family Construction, Inc.

Fully custom backyard, a beautiful design done together with the homeowners and then brought to life by Royal Family Construction Team.

Atlanta Pool, Patio and Fire Pit Area

authenTEAK Outdoor Living

Magnum CorTen steel fire pit by Fire Pit Art. Teak Adirondacks and stools by Gloster.

Small Patio Spaces

Marilyn's Garden Design

patio garden with low water design Designer and photographer Marilyn Guidroz

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

Country Farmhouse Gathering

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Oakland Mid Century

Material

Julie Mikos

Outdoor Living Space

Republic West Remodeling

Outdoor desert landscape with water feature, accent lighting and bench seating.

Pea Gravel Patio with Stacked Stone Wall

Land Art Design, Inc.

Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.

Mid-Century Home: Charles Goodman, Architect

GreenHeart, LLC

The Vanberstarren

So Green Canada (landscape design /build)

Bridge floating over a 48 linear feet long pond connecting main entrance to driveway

Fishtown Row

Wyant Architecture

A barren and underutilized concrete yard was transformed into a beautiful urban garden.

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.

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, 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!