Outdoor living space in backyard features a fire pit and a cement tile fountain.

Modern Swimming Pool, Spa, Sunken Firepit, Outdoor Shower, and Beach Entry

This beautiful home and landscape design are centered around family gatherings and luxury entertainment. The design is full of exquisite amenities such as: a large pool and spa veneered with custom tile throughout, an elaborate outdoor kitchen with swim up bar, a luxury outdoor shower, fire water features, gorgeous sunken fire pit, travertine decks, beautiful landscaping, while highlighted by amazing LED lighting throughout. Bill at White Strobe Photography

Arlington

Groff Landscape Design, LLC

Italian kitchen and mid century modern home

Lucile Glessner Design

Wandsworth refurbishment

Abstract Renovations Ltd

Contemporary Urban Small Space

Classic Landscapes, Inc.

Contemporary in Cohasset

The Gardeners

Private residence Lot 5

BREWSTER MCLEOD ARCHITECTS INC

Mountain home outdoor living area with a stone firepit and lounge seating. Brands & Kribbs Photography

Seacliff Patio

SSA Landscape Architects

For this seaside patio, creating maximum usable space in a small front yard was the main goal. Equipped with an outdoor kitchen and a large fireplace, this space is a perfect compliment to the recently renovated ultra-modern house.

Grande Entrance & Retaining Wall - Bluestone, Retaining Wall, Steps, Walkway

Prime Construction & Remodeling LLC

The first goal for this client in Chatham was to give them a front walk and entrance that was beautiful and grande. We decided to use natural blue bluestone tiles of random sizes. We integrated a custom cut 6" x 9" bluestone border and ran it continuous throughout. Our second goal was to give them walking access from their driveway to their front door. Because their driveway was considerably lower than the front of their home, we needed to cut in a set of steps through their driveway retaining wall, include a number of turns and bridge the walkways with multiple landings. While doing this, we wanted to keep continuity within the building products of choice. We used real stone veneer to side all walls and stair risers to match what was already on the house. We used 2" thick bluestone caps for all stair treads and retaining wall caps. We installed the matching real stone veneer to the face and sides of the retaining wall. All of the bluestone caps were custom cut to seamlessly round all turns. We are very proud of this finished product. We are also very proud to have had the opportunity to work for this family. What amazing people. #GreatWorkForGreatPeople As a side note regarding this phase - throughout the construction, numerous local builders stopped at our job to take pictures of our work. #UltimateCompliment #PrimeIsInTheLead

Stone fireplace with adirondack chairs

Everett Garden Designs

Laguna Altura

Lee Ann Marienthal Gardens

Downtown Chicago Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Rose Bay

Marylou Sobel Interior Design

Fire pits

Great Escape Landscaping

Gamble Garden Spring Tour 2014: Webster

Hoi Ning Wong

Raised patio with lighted pillars

Henry Rogacki

Raised paver patio with lighted pillars and stairs. Henry Rogacki Landscaping

Natural Stone Garden

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The fire pit is the focal point of this outdoor seating area. It creates an intimate place to gather in the cool California evenings. The circular shape of the stone bench continues into the flower beds and encircles the fire pit creating a cozy area surrounded by the fragrance of the plants and herbs.

Roof patio

studio dre

Wandsworth

Emma O'Connell Garden Design

Up-lighting so garden can be used and seen in the evening.

Patio Design Ideas with 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!