Zito Landscape Design

Kitchen & Outdoor Bar

Kleppinger Design Group, Inc.

Greg Hadley Photography

Brighton Road Residence

William Guidero Planning and Design

Realtor: Casey Lesher, Contractor: Robert McCarthy, Interior Designer: White Design

Carroll Gardens Backyard

Staghorn NYC

Total renovation for a small backyard garden in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. The scope included a bluestone patio, horizontal cedar fence with built in planters and bench with storage. Overhead cafe string lights and a pendant fixture allow this family to enjoy their garden after dark. Low maintenance flowering perennials and grasses as well as herbs and vegetables fill the planted areas.

Clark

Rescom Landscaping, Inc.

Business Photo Pro / Klee Van Hamersveld

Bluestone Irving Park

KD Landscape

The fire bowl doubles as a table during the summer months. Dimensional steppers connect one patio space to the other. Photography by Larry Huene Photography. Landscape design by John Algozzini.

Southern Trace Outdoor Kitchen

Jackson Construction, Inc.

Spectacular Canyon View Terrace

Urban Oasis Landscape Design

The bespoke bench and fire pit were designed to sit at the edge of the deck and create the sense of being immersed in nature. The focus is outward to the canyon and the hills. Birds find the garden an irresistible attraction and my clients have added feeders all around their space to encourage them to visit. Photo by Marcus Teply

0036: Wellesley Custom Pergola

Provost Companies, Inc.

SoCal Outdoor Remodel: Pavers, Turf, and Elements

System Pavers

These homeowners wanted to maintain their home's existing tropical mediterranean vibes, so we enhanced their space with accenting multi-tone pavers. These paving stones are rich in color and texture, adding to the existing beauty of their home. Artificial turf was added in for drought tolerance and low maintenance. Landscape lighting flows throughout the front and the backyard. Lastly, they requested a water feature to be included on their private backyard patio for added relaxation and ambiance.

Lot 40

Marmiro Stones, Inc

Deep Blue® sandblasted pavers create a relaxing side patio for the family to gather and enjoy each other's company. The natural whites and gray of the stone compliment the natural elements of the area, as well as the multi-color outdoor fireplace.

KCMO Infinity Edge

Lorax Design Group

Jimi Smith Photography

Contemporary Patio

Project of the Month: April 2018

TCP Custom Outdoor Living

The homeowner wanted a hill country style outdoor living space larger than their existing covered area. The main structure is now 280 sq ft with a 9-1/2 feet long kitchen complete with a grill, fridge & utensil drawers. The secondary structure is 144 sq ft with a gas fire pit lined with crushed glass. The table on the left in the main structure was a piece of granite the homeowner had and wanted it made into a table, so we made a wrought iron frame for it. There are more sentimental touches! The swing by the fire pit is a newly made replica of a swing the husband had made in wood shop in high school over 50 years ago. The flooring is stamped concrete in a wood bridge plank pattern. TK IMAGES

Oak Avenue Traditional

Paul Daniels Design

Outdoor living/dining area

British West Indies Inspired Custom Home in Winter Park Florida

Element Home Builders

Pergola

KD Landscape

Sleek, black and just right for the space, this contemporary pergola provides just the right amount of shade in this Chicago back yard. The 2"x2" purlins on top of the pergola are repeated as a screen for the back to 'take the edge off' the neighbors garage. Bluestone paving, a large fire pit and traditional zinc planters help complete the design thought. Pergola design by Cara Buffa and John Algozzini.

Kentfield Home

Marcela D'Aprile Interiors

Modern Coastal at Manhattan Beach

Breeze Giannasio Interiors

Meghan Bob Photography

Fire Pits & Fireplaces

Aria Alfresco

Buff Flagstone Patio With Buff Stripstone Gas Firepit and Seating Wall-Plus Natural Boulder Waterfall

Patio Design Ideas with Stamped Concrete and Natural Stone Pavers

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!