10 Backyard Patio Designs For A Stunning Outdoor Space - Today's Homeowner (2024)

Patios are outdoor living areas with endless design, decoration, and structure possibilities.

Patios are as functional as they are diverse, allowing you to use your backyard to entertain guests, socialize with friends, and show off your landscaping skills.

Whether you’re looking to extend your patio, build a new one, or simply give your backyard a makeover, we’ve got 10 patio ideas to enhance your design plan.

    Common Patio Materials

    Before jumping into unique patio designs, we’ll look at some common materials for your patio’s structure.

    Keep this information in mind as you consider ways to refurbish or expand your outdoor living space.

    Brick

    Brick patios are perfect for homeowners seeking a classic look with endless design possibilities.

    Bricks are excellent patio materials because they’re durable, low maintenance, and versatile. You can arrange themin different patternsfor a unique appearance.

    While pricier than other patio options, bricks will last over a century if properly maintained.

    If a patio section is damaged or cracked, simply replace it with new bricks. These materials don’t fade over time, so replacements won’t be noticeable.

    Concrete Pavers

    Concrete patios are popular and cost-effective options for various backyard spaces.

    While concrete is durable and cheap, it’s not the best option for a low-maintenance patio. Concrete slabs can crack and weather over time, leading to repair and replacement costs.

    We suggest a concrete paver patio for easier maintenance and long-lasting quality.

    Paver patios consist of concrete stones placed tightly together. Like brick, pavers are laid individually on the compacted ground and then adhered with a polymeric sand substance.

    Pavers are generally more expensive than concrete slabs because of the cutting and shaping required to make them. However, you can replace individual slabs instead of replacing the entire patio when damage occurs.

    Stone

    Stone patios are low maintenance, durable, and undeniably elegant.

    Consider your budget and skill set before deciding on a stone patio. Stone is an expensive patio option, costing up to $28 per square foot. It’s also not an ideal DIY patio project – you’ll likely need professional assistance to fit the heavy, bulky stones into place.

    However, stone materials are easy to care for and come in many varieties.

    Flagstone is a popular choice for patios because of its rich texture and ability to be cut into unique shapes. Bluestone is a flagstone variety known forits bluish-gray colorand lightly textured surface. These stones, along with many other options, will fit beautifully in your patio space.

    Seeour patio material guidefor more information on pavers, bricks, stone, and more.

    10 Backyard Patio Design Ideas

    Once you’ve expanded or constructed a posh patio, increase its appeal with outdoor furniture, landscape design, and decor.

    Some homeowners like to execute their own renovation projects, while others prefer to hire a professional for the grunt work. With this in mind, we’ve listed DIY backyard patio projects and ideas that might require help from a pro.

    These patio designs will revamp your backyard with comfort, style, and functionality in mind, no matter which type of homeowner you are.

    Brick Courtyard

    Construct a brick courtyard for a fun and functional fortress right in your backyard.

    10 Backyard Patio Designs For A Stunning Outdoor Space - Today's Homeowner (1)

    A courtyard is a patio surrounded by walls. If you’re seeking ways to enhance an existing patio space, enclose it for added dimension and privacy. Simply build up walls around the patio space in a matching or complementary material.

    We suggest brick because of its classy, durable design and longtimeuse in historical courtyards.

    Courtyards are open structures perfect for soaking up sun or gardening light-loving container plants. Build your courtyard patio around existing trees for natural beauty. Then, enhance the area with a hammock and other outdoor furniture.

    Fire Pit

    A fire pit is a perfect place to sit back and relax around warm, comforting flames.

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    Fire pits can be simple or intricate, making them a great project for DIY lovers and beginner builders.

    Build a fire pityourself or purchase one from a local home improvement store. There are countless designs, brands, and price ranges to explore.

    Surround your fire pit with patio furniture for a cozy outdoor seating area. Remember to keep chairs, plants, and decorations away from open flames and hot coals.

    With seating, safety, and some homemade desserts, your backyard campfire will undoubtedly entertain you and your guests.

    Multi-Level Patio

    A multi-level patio is a perfect solution for your uneven backyard.

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    Instead of flattening your property for a traditional patio, hire a landscape architect to design a stunning multi-level patio.

    Join the patio levels with stairs or ramps that seamlessly flow from one area into the next.

    Incorporate a water feature into the slope of the garden. A bubbling waterfall will impress your guests and add a tranquil ambiance to your outdoor space.

    Finish off your multi-level patio space with greenery and bold, seasonal blooms. Then, lay gravel or stones on the slope to prevent erosion andaid water drainage. Read our article to discover ways to upgrade yard drainage.

    Garden Pond Patio

    Garden ponds are the best patio addition for nature-loving homeowners.

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    A garden pond is a water feature that often incorporates water-loving plants, river stones, and fish. Border the pond with the same material as your patio for a seamless design.

    Build a DIY garden pond or hire a landscape designer for the job. Home improvement stores sell pond liners, artificial rocks, and other decor items suited for the project.

    A popularfeature of a garden pondis the presence of plants around the water. We suggest bordering your pond with moisture-tolerant flowers and foliage. Then, fill the water with lily pads and koi fish for an aquatic oasis.

    Bistro Patio

    A bistro patio will become the focal point of your backyard.

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    The wordbistrooften brings to mind words like “simple” and “modest.” But, neither of these definitions has to apply to your bistro patio.

    Spice up your small backyard area with a bistro patio designed for chatting, dining, or enjoying a crisp glass of wine.

    Build a small patio from any material that fits your home’s aesthetic. Alternatively, section off a nook of your existing patio with plant containers, custom screens, or retaining walls. Then, furnish the space with a bistro table and chairs.

    We have no doubt your bistro patio will become your go-to spot for stay-at-home dates and restful moments in the fresh air.

    Poolside Patio

    Cool off from the summer heat with a poolside patio.

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    A pool deck is an area that surroundsyour swimming pool. These surfaces often consist of wood, concrete, or composite decking. Add an eye-catching patio cabana that contrasts with your pool deck for a private area of shade and relaxation.

    Create your poolside patio by laying a section of brick or stone. Then, furnish the space with lounge chairs, outdoor rugs, and tropical plants. Install a hot tub on your pool patio to continue using the area during chilly months.

    Pool patios don’t have to be covered, but a simple awning or broad foliage might be nice. We suggest enhancing the space with chic umbrellas for adjustable shade on scorching days.

    Covered Patio

    Cover your patio for year-round, rain-or-shine enjoyment.

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    Adding a cover to your outdoor patio is an excellent way to expand its functionality. The shade will keep you cool on hot days and dry during rainy ones.

    An awning is a simple, cost-effective way to cover your patio.

    Awnings attach to the side of your house to provide shade to your backyard space. They come in removable and retractable styles for seasonal use.

    If you have a stand-alone patio in your backyard, consider covering it with a stylish and functional pergola.

    Pergolas are shade structures built from slats of wood or other materials. They don’t provide complete protection from the sun, so you might want to cover the top of the structure with a canopy or thick vine plants. Are you considering having plants ideal for shaded areas around your pergola for the sake of aesthetics? If yes, then our article is a must-read for you.

    Once you’ve decided how to cover your patio, embellish the space with hanging plant baskets, lanterns, and string lights.

    Dining Patio

    Transform your patio into a dining area for relaxing outdoor meals.

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    Creating an outdoor dining room is excellent for turning your patio into a harbor for socialization, entertainment, and family fun.

    We suggest pairing this patio idea with other features like canopies, garden ponds, and grills for an exquisite dining experience.

    Choose an outdoor dining table that fits your design goals and size needs. Next, surround the table with comfortable,weather-resistant seating.

    We recommend topping off your dining patio with a rolling cart that holds dishes, silverware, napkins, and condiments for easy transportation to and fromyour indoor kitchen.

    Grill Station

    Show off your cooking skills with an outdoor grilling station.

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    A grill station is an excellent patio feature for grill masters and home cooks alike. Cover your grilling patio with an awning to make year-round use of the space. Pair your grill station with a dining patio for even more functionality.

    We suggest furnishing your grill station with other appliances like a sink, mini-refrigerator, and stovetop.Add built-in cabinetsand drawers to store utensils, dishes, and cooking equipment.

    With an outdoor kitchen and grill right on your patio, you can serve delicious homemade meals right in your backyard.

    Secret Garden

    Create a secret garden patio for a peaceful nature retreat.

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    Secret gardens are excellent for homeowners seeking a private area surrounded by lush greenery and brilliant blooms.

    While we don’t actually recommend keeping your garden patio a secret, we suggest designing it for peacefulness and privacy.

    Surround your patio withfoliage, shrubs, and flowers. Then, add more plants with containers, hanging baskets, and vine-covered trellises.

    Trellises help you section off an area without building a brick or stone wall. Cover them with creeping vines for additional privacy and greenery.

    Lastly, incorporate a gazebo or pond for an added touch of magic.

    Final Thoughts

    A backyard patio is a perfect place to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy cheerful company.

    Now that you have some ideas for backyard design, you can start creating a patio that fits your aesthetic preferences and functionality needs.

    Remember to enhance your patio area for comfort and style. You want the finished product to foster tranquility and peace, no matter the season.

    With these patio design ideas in mind, you’ll undoubtedly create a dream outdoor living space just steps from your backdoor.

    Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

    As an expert in outdoor living spaces and patio design, I can confidently provide you with information related to all the concepts used in the article. Patios are versatile outdoor areas that offer endless possibilities for design, decoration, and structure. They are not only functional but also provide a space for entertaining guests, socializing with friends, and showcasing your landscaping skills.

    Before diving into unique patio designs, it's important to understand the common materials used for patio structures. Let's explore some of them:

    1. Brick: Brick patios are perfect for homeowners who desire a classic look with a wide range of design possibilities. Bricks are durable, low maintenance, and versatile. They can be arranged in different patterns to create a unique appearance. Although they may be pricier than other options, bricks can last over a century with proper maintenance. If any section of a brick patio is damaged or cracked, it can be easily replaced without noticeable differences in color or texture.

    2. Concrete Pavers: Concrete patios are popular and cost-effective options for various backyard spaces. While concrete is durable and affordable, it may not be the best choice for a low-maintenance patio as concrete slabs can crack and weather over time. Instead, consider a concrete paver patio for easier maintenance and long-lasting quality. Paver patios consist of individual concrete stones placed tightly together. They are more expensive than concrete slabs due to the cutting and shaping required, but the advantage is that individual stones can be easily replaced if damage occurs.

    3. Stone: Stone patios offer a low-maintenance and elegant option for outdoor spaces. However, it's important to consider your budget and skill set before deciding on a stone patio. Stone materials can be quite expensive, costing up to $28 per square foot. Additionally, installing a stone patio may require professional assistance due to the heavy and bulky nature of the stones. Flagstone, a popular choice for patios, offers a rich texture and the ability to be cut into unique shapes. Bluestone, a variety of flagstone, is known for its bluish-gray color and lightly textured surface. There are many other stone options available to suit your patio space.

    These are just a few examples of patio materials. To learn more about pavers, bricks, stones, and other options, I recommend referring to our comprehensive patio material guide.

    Now that we have covered the common patio materials, let's move on to the 10 backyard patio design ideas mentioned in the article:

    1. Brick Courtyard: A brick courtyard is a fun and functional addition to your backyard. It involves enclosing an existing patio space with walls made of bricks. Courtyards are open structures that allow you to enjoy the sun or create a gardening area. Brick is a recommended material due to its durability and timeless design.

    2. Fire Pit: A fire pit is a perfect spot for relaxation and warmth. You can either build a fire pit yourself or purchase one from a home improvement store. Surround the fire pit with patio furniture to create a cozy outdoor seating area.

    3. Multi-Level Patio: If you have an uneven backyard, a multi-level patio can be a great solution. Hire a landscape architect to design a patio with multiple levels connected by stairs or ramps. Incorporate a water feature into the slope of the garden to add a tranquil ambiance.

    4. Garden Pond Patio: A garden pond adds a touch of nature to your patio. Incorporate water-loving plants, river stones, and fish into the pond design. Border the pond with materials that match your patio for a seamless look.

    5. Bistro Patio: A bistro patio creates a charming focal point in your backyard. Design a small patio area for chatting, dining, or enjoying a glass of wine. You can build a small patio or section off a nook of your existing patio with custom screens or plant containers.

    6. Poolside Patio: A poolside patio provides a refreshing space to relax and cool off during hot summer days. Surround your pool deck with brick or stone and furnish the space with lounge chairs, outdoor rugs, and tropical plants. Consider adding a hot tub for year-round use.

    7. Covered Patio: Add a cover to your patio for year-round enjoyment, regardless of the weather. An awning is a cost-effective option that can be attached to the side of your house. Alternatively, a pergola built from slats of wood or other materials can provide partial shade. Enhance the covered patio with hanging plant baskets, lanterns, and string lights.

    8. Dining Patio: Create an outdoor dining area on your patio for enjoyable meals. Pair the dining patio with other features like canopies, garden ponds, and grills to enhance the experience. Choose an outdoor dining table and comfortable, weather-resistant seating.

    9. Grill Station: Show off your cooking skills with an outdoor grilling station. Cover the grilling area with an awning for year-round use. Consider adding a sink, mini-refrigerator, and stovetop to your grill station. Built-in cabinets and drawers will provide storage for utensils and cooking equipment.

    10. Secret Garden: Design a secret garden patio for a peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery and blooms. Use foliage, shrubs, and flowers to create a serene atmosphere. Trellises can be used to section off the area without building walls, and they can be covered with creeping vines for added privacy.

    In conclusion, with these patio design ideas in mind, you can create a dream outdoor living space that reflects your aesthetic preferences and meets your functional needs. Remember to prioritize comfort, style, and tranquility when enhancing your patio area. Enjoy the process of creating a beautiful and inviting space just steps from your backdoor.

    10 Backyard Patio Designs For A Stunning Outdoor Space - Today's Homeowner (2024)

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