Outside patio and firepit photo credit: Steve Rawls

West Coast English Retreat

Tierra Madre Fine Gardens

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.

AB LeCocq Projects

A B Lecocq Construction Company

Completed Projects

Phillips 360 Land & Hardscaping

Glass House in the Garden

Flavin Architects

Modern glass house set in the landscape evokes a midcentury vibe. A modern gas fireplace divides the living area with a polished concrete floor from the greenhouse with a gravel floor. The frame is painted steel with aluminum sliding glass door. The front features a green roof with native grasses and the rear is covered with a glass roof. Photo by: Peter Vanderwarker Photography

Small Patio Spaces

Marilyn's Garden Design

patio garden with low water design Designer and photographer Marilyn Guidroz

The Beauty of Hardscapes

Mariani Landscape

Benefiting from varied stone and gravel hardscapes, this back yard is used in many ways. Transitions are marked with a change in structure of paths, walls, and features. The dining area is defined by a seat wall that ends where the fire feature area starts. Garden beds surround the space as an accent, softening the space. A rugged yet warm design for a relatively small back yard. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Croxted Road - Dulwich

Chris Snook

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.

Strandvägen 175

Bjurfors Skåne

Bjurfors/ SE360

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

Seasonal Container planting

Kathleen Bassett Gardens

Kathy Bassett: this planting will bloom from early summer through November in zone 7b

Daresbury House

Dwell Homes

Exterior - the house is darkly clad using timber as the dominant material

Fishtown Row

Wyant Architecture

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

Entrance Courtyard with COR-TEN Planters

Regenesis Ecological Design

Steel + Cedar arbor shades this entrance courtyard, while blooming COR-TEN planters brighten up the space.

Small Patio Spaces

Marilyn's Garden Design

patio garden with low water design Designer and photographer Marilyn Guidroz

Outdoor Living

King Concrete Ottawa Inc.

Small 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!