50 Patio Ideas and Design Tips

A patio is a great way to add extra living space and increase your home’s value. Find patio design inspiration and practical tips from professional builders on how to create the backyard of your dreams.

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By: Jacquelyn McGilvray and Virginia Switzer

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Choosing a Material for Your Patio

Patios can be whatever you dream up, from grand gathering spaces to intimate backyard escapes, and they can be nearly any shape, size, color or pattern you can imagine. There are a variety of materials to choose from when it comes to building patios.

Concrete is often the least expensive and most versatile because it can be dyed and formed into a myriad of colors and shapes. Concrete pavers are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes from large slabs to cobblestone-looking blocks.

Brick is popular for patios because it can also be used for pathways and retaining walls, and it can be an inexpensive DIY option.

Flagstone is basically a generic term for sedimentary stone. The least expensive type of flagstone available to you will likely depend on where you live and what’s mined in your region of the country. Slate and bluestone are primarily found in the Northeast, while travertine, quartzite, limestone and basalt come from the Midwest and Mountain West. And as you might guess, sandstone comes from the desert regions of the Southwest. You can get varieties of flagstone that are not from your region, but the cost will likely be more than the locally sourced material.

If you’re wanting a tile patio, the material you choose will depend on your climate and environment. Tile made from granite and porcelain can withstand temperature extremes from brutally hot summers and below-zero winters. But they are non-porous, meaning they won’t absorb water, so if your yard is prone to flooding these materials may not be right for you. Slate, travertine and limestone are softer than granite and porcelain, so they will probably need to be sealed often to prevent cracking if you live in an area with extreme weather. However, too much sealing can make these tiles very slippery when wet so they are not recommended for pool areas.

Loose material, often just called gravel, can be made of decomposed granite, crushed stone or an aggregate of various stones. Gravel is popular choice around fire pits and for walkways. It is DIY and budget friendly. Gravel is a smart choice for areas that are prone to flooding and heavy rains as it won't prevent the ground from absorbing the water.

Private Patio

This gravel-lined outdoor seating area is small on space but big on style. The high privacy fence and overhead string lights create a sense of seclusion and coziness.

Find More Ideas: 50 Fresh Fence Design Ideas

From: Project Groundwork

Classic Saltilllo Terra Cotta Tile

Earthy terra cotta patio tiles work perfectly with the Mediterranean style of this stucco house. The golden wood trim mixed with cobalt blue accessories and climbing vines also help create the lively Spanish-inspired dining area.

Find More Ideas: 36 Backyard Pergola and Gazebo Design Ideas

From: Park Slope Design

Outdoor Dining + Art

You love art indoors, so why not try it outside? This appealing outdoor scene features flagstones edged in grass, casual wicker-and-wood chairs around the cafe table. A large painting propped up on the console table breaks up the large expanse of fence and adds a charming touch of ambiance.

Find More Ideas: Outdoor Decor You Can Buy for Less Than $25

From: Nest Design Group

Brick Area Rugs

The herringbone-patterned brick sections of the patio help define the dining area and lounge area by the fireplace, sort of like big area rugs. The walls of this yard are also full of several interesting features like a water feature, wood gate, fireplace and espalier plantings.

Builder’s Tip: When choosing lights for your patio, think about purpose. Use path lights for walkways, up-lights to highlight landscaping or architectural features and specialty lights, such as rope lights, torches and lanterns, to add ambiance. Jon Brennhofer, owner of Outdoor Spaces Design & Build Company points out your imagination and budget are the only limits on your outdoor lighting options. "You can spend anywhere from $15 to several hundred on a light fixture. We're finding that a lot of types of light we use indoors, we're using outdoors. It's no longer the black plastic, but the copper lantern with stained glass that's hanging on a shepherd's hook."

From: Pascale Land Design

NYC Hideaway

This idyllic backyard hideaway in Brooklyn utilizes rectilinear mica-schist pavers and an infill of barn red dust with a stabilizing agent to create a natural yet contemporary design.

Modern and Practical

Concrete slabs surrounded by river rock and decomposed granite create landing pads for colorful modern furnishings. The river rock and granite are a smart choice if your yard is prone to flooding because they will not prevent the ground from absorbing the rainwater.

From: Eco Minded Solutions

Stairs Can be the Focal Point

If your patio is more than one level, make the staircase the main feature. Here, the multi-shaped stairs make a grand statement and even provide some extra seating for big parties.

Builder’s Tip: Make sure your patio's surface fits your climate. In the upper Midwest and Northeast, paver and concrete patios are popular because they can endure the area's temperature changes and humidity. In regions with dry heat, other materials such as slate may hold up better. Be sure to choose your patio surface wisely, or what looks attractive today may not age well tomorrow.

Flagstones in the Grass

Even though this is a posh setting, the use of natural stone and grass keep the patio area casual. Plus, the flagstone perfectly matches the cabana in color and style.

Find More Ideas: 40 Stunning Ways to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool

From: Village Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Urban Zen Patio

This urban sanctuary is as lush as most any suburban backyard. Antique doors cover the tiny storage shed and create a gorgeous focal point. Plantings above the shed, along the walls and in the large planters keep the space peaceful and relaxing. Underfoot, patio pavers make a practical surface while wood decking along the structure allows for rainwater drainage.

Find More Ideas: 13 Small Garden Ideas That Yield Bountiful Style

Low Maintenace in the Southwest

Asymmetrical pavers act as a guide, leading the eye out across the patio and pool to the mountains off in the distance. The simple design of concrete framed in gravel requires little maintenance and allows drought-tolerant plants to grow.

Learn More: Xeriscaping Plants

From: Kiesel Design

Tiny Boho Chic

The homeowners made the most of this small yard with smart decorating and landscaping choices. Gravel poured over landscaping fabric ensures that weeds won’t be popping up while the concrete pavers by the dining area make more sense for keeping the table and chairs level. A built-in banquette provides seating as well as storage and string lights hung along the fence illuminate the nook for nighttime dining.

Builder’s Tip: If you are thinking about a built-in fountain or fire pit consider trying out a prefab, mobile version first. Fountains need maintenance; after a while, you may realize that you just don’t have the time to care for them. Often people don’t use their fire pit as much as they think they will when they install it. "The purchased ones are the most flexible because you can move them around your patio to see where they would work best," says Robert Welsch, landscape designer of Westover Landscape Design. And if you decide you don’t want either, you can easily remove it and perhaps sell it.

Find More Ideas: 11 Bohemian Outdoor Rooms That Feel Like a Vacation

NYC Rooftop Patio

To keep the temperature down in summer, light-colored patio pavers were used to line this rooftop oasis. Shade trees, a wisteria-cover pergola and a faux grass play area for the kids also make this place cool and comfortable.

See More of This Space: Rooftop Garden With Manhattan Views

From: Outside Space NYC

Backyard Oasis in Arizona

Rustic stone pavers match the mountains beyond this yard’s privacy wall. Spanish-inspired furnishings and climbing bougainvillea help define a cozy outdoor seating area.

Historic Southern Feel

Weathered brick lines this courtyard while a wrought-iron gate and vine-laden stucco walls frame it in. Even though this garden space is small, laying the brick in different directions with a herringbone pattern makes it feel like it has a myriad of destinations to explore.

Builder’s Tip: Brick comes in a number of varieties. If you tell a contractor you want a brick patio, they may ask, do you want face brick, thin brick veneer, reclaimed brick or a replica old brick? The brick pattern is also up for discussion; do you want herringbone, basketweave, stack (straight grout lines) or running (staggering grout lines). So, it’s best to do some research before you talk to a contractor.

From: Carolina Landscape

Section It Off

String lights over head and varying patio surfaces underfoot help define the different sections of this adorable backyard. Posts can be cemented inside of large flowerpots to hold up the string lights and also serve as planters. The best part: They can be made in an afternoon for not very much money.

Get the How-To: How to Make Planter Posts for String Lights

Tuscan Inspired

Concrete pavers and sod lay the groundwork for this fireside patio. Espalier plantings along the wall separated by large lanterns and the bocce ball court give this yard an Italian-countryside vibe.

Get the How-To: Build a Bocce Ball Court

From: Pascale Land Design

Brick Accents

Brick and flagstone come together beautifully to create this gorgeous walkway and patio. The brick lines the stair risers and tops off the retaining wall then playfully slopes down onto the ground. The raised garden bed is a fun way to draw a subtle line between the patio and swimming pool.

Find More Ideas: 40 Stunning Ways to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool

From: Zeterre Landscape Architecture

Koi Pond Patio

River rock and boulders help this gorgeous flagstone patio gradually transition into a koi pond. The organic, free-form design lends itself beautifully to the wooded setting.

See More of This Home: Rustic Outdoor Retreat With Entertaining Spaces and Koi Pond

From: Paradise Restored Landscaping

Intimate Courtyard Setting

Lush landscaping surrounds the courtyard of this stately brick home while the sandy-colored pavers ground the space. A quaint bistro table and chairs make this the perfect spot for a sophisticated breakfast or an afternoon tea.

Builder's Tip: “Although choices seem endless, concrete is the most common and surprisingly versatile patio flooring option,” according to Dave Garcia, owner of San Francisco-based Paver Pro. “Poured concrete can be shaped into just about any pattern and color. It can be swirled and scored, tinted a subtle or bold color, shaped into patterns or even formed into stone-like shapes. Even a plain cement slab can be dressed up with a stain.”

From: Living Green Design

Siding + Patio Symmetry

This built-in backyard patio was extended onto the lawn with large concrete blocks. The grass lines in between the pavers pair beautifully with the lines in the board-and-batten siding and the pergola-style overhang.

Under the Bistro Lights

The use of multiple substrates underfoot helps define the different sections of this yard. In this Minneapolis backyard, pea gravel sits underneath the dining area while the main seating area is covered in flagstone pavers. The pavers extend around the side of the yard to seamlessly lead to the front of the house.

See More of This Home: Tour HGTV Urban Oasis 2019

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Oasis in the Desert

Enjoy the desert view from this patio oasis located in St. George, Utah. The home and patio blend into the landscape with the use of color and shape. The house’s stucco finish and concrete patio are the same colors as the desert hillside and boulders. The fire pit mimics the home’s roofline and sharp corners.

See More of This Home: Modern Utah Home Offers Dreamy Desert Living

From: Windermere Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Permanent Seating

An L-shaped banquette seat frames the patio as well as provides ample seating for big dinner parties. Stone tile in various colors and sizes add an earthy element to the modern outdoor setting.

Builder’s Tip: Consider adding a built-in seating wall along the edge of your patio. It can increase your home’s value and it can look appealing even in winter. “Having built-in furniture encourages you to walk out and still sit down and enjoy the space," says Greg Stone, landscape architect of Greg Stone Landscape Architect. “The seating wall should be about 24-inches wide and about 20-inches high.”

From: Erica Bryen Design

Destination: Fire Pit

This patio leads to an inviting fire pit surrounded by built-in benches and covered with a wood privacy wall and canopy. A large cherry tree also shades the area while the layers of landscaping provide color and texture. The large concrete patio slabs laid in a staggered pattern are framed by sun-tolerant moss.

See More of This Backyard: Outdoor Oasis: Private Getaway With Pergola

From: Shades of Green Landscape Architecture

Patio + Putting Green

A putting green and fire pit make this mountainside yard a deluxe getaway. The surrounding patio is made of uniform squares and rectangles while the patio under the fire pit is comprised of freeform-shaped tile for a more organic look.

From: Paradise Restored Landscaping

Long on Style

Even a small yard can have a grand patio for relaxing and entertaining. This narrow space provides plenty of function as well as style with its banquet-sized dining table, lounge chairs by the portable heater and a hammock made for napping.

Builder’s Tip: Interlocking stones are far stronger than concrete and are earthquake resistant, plus they are easy to remove and replace should something go wrong underneath the patio. Dave Garcia, owner of San Francisco-based Paver Pro, explains: "If you have a pipe that bursts underneath, you could pull the stones out, fix the pipe and then place everything back the way it was," he says. "It won't look patched. With regular concrete, you'll never match it."

From: Paradise Restored Landscaping

All the Amenties Included

Slate tile anchors this gorgeous patio with its cozy pergola-covered seating area, cooking area, swim spa and large dining table. A small wood deck with slats run on a diagonal creates a nice transition between the patio and pool.

Find More Ideas: The Best Pergolas and Gazebos for Every Backyard

From: CLC Landscape Design

White Pergola

This huge white pergola shields the patio from nearby neighbors plus it provides a place to hang large lanterns. Slate tiles paired with the home’s shingle siding are a classic combo, but the herringbone pattern of the tiles gives it a fresh twist. The white stone fireplace creates a border as well as a focal point. Matching the furniture to the fireplace is a smart way to keep the space bright even on dark days.

Find More Ideas: Dreamy Pergola Lighting Ideas

From: Living Gardens Landscape Design

Mediterranean Kitchen Patio

Everything you need to enjoy life outdoors is evident in this backyard. A grill, pizza oven and large dining table help create a relaxing space perfect for enjoying some alfresco dinner parties. Block pavers underfoot paired with the stucco walls and terra cotta roof tiles complete the Mediterranean-inspired space.

Learn More: The Best Pizza Ovens for Every Budget

Winding Pathways

The view from the home's second floor provides a sense of the geometry and of the different materials used in this backyard. The circular paver pathway connects the driveway and garden to the seating area while the chessboard is connected to the rest of the yard with a gravel walkway.

Builder's Tip: Concrete edging and color-stamped edging, which is concrete with texture and color, are very popular as opposed to the old-school typical black and rubber edging, according to Jon Brennhofer, owner of Minneapolis-based Outdoor Spaces Design & Build Company. "It allows you to keep a clean look and to build up to whatever landscaping you're going to do around the patio, whether it's mulch or rock or grass. Plus, there's the ability to actually keep it clean — and the durability. It adds a lot to the look of a patio."

From: Nilsen Landscape Design

DIY Stenciled Patio

If your patio is a drab concrete slab, turn it into a beautiful Morrocan-inspired “rug” by stenciling a bright pattern on it. Start by cleaning the concrete really well and applying a base of concrete stain, then paint the pattern using stencils and the colors of your choice.

Get the How-To: How to Stain & Stencil a Concrete Patio

Kid Friendly Yet Sophisticated

The mix of flagstone and gravel helps create the cottage garden feel in this verdant backyard. The small dining table is the perfect vantage point for watching kids play on the trampoline off to the right.

Find More Ideas: 30+ Cottage Garden Ideas We Love

From: Ansley Real Estate Christie's International and Luxury Portfolio International®

Mixing the Materials

Brick and concrete are brilliantly paired to make an inviting hillside gathering spot. Built-in ipe wood benches carve out a cozy seating area beside the large fire pit. Hidden bonus: storage beneath the bench seats!

Find More Ideas: 60 Gorgeous Fire Pit Ideas and DIYs

From: Torrey Pines Landscape Company

Destination: Relaxation

This patio is located away from the house, surrounded by colorful landscaping and shaded by trees. A short wall provides a sense of enclosure. The walkway continues onto a potting bench and a secluded arbor swing.

Builder's Tip: Even with a relatively easy patio installation, there are many details to consider. For instance, Dave Garcia, owner of San Francisco-based Paver Pro, says the sand in your base should be sharp-angled (aka masonry sand) because the grains interlock with each other better than slippery rounded sand.

Interlocking Pavers

Concrete pavers have grown in popularity over the years for many reasons. They are easy to install, they're less expensive than many other patio materials, they can be used for curved patios as well as straight-lined, and they're really good-looking. Another big plus to this type of patio is if you need to replace one or two stones due to damage, it is easy to do and won't be noticeable.

Builder's Tip: If you’re concerned about groundwater pollution in your yard, Dave Garcia, owner of San Francisco-based Paver Pro, says many of his customers like permeable pavers, which are made of porous materials. “When it rains, water drains through the pavers, and it filters oil and pollutants before it runs through to the soil and reaches groundwater.”

Seamless Pool House + Patio

The pool house and patio become one with the assistance of the continuous sandstone tile. Terra cotta planters, earthy-colored upholstery and unique lighting complete the luxurious space.

From: Rebecca Johnston

Levels of Style

Building tiers in a variety of materials can make a small yard seem expansive. In this yard, the upper deck leads to a grassy area, then over to a wide wooden staircase that culminates onto a grid-patterned patio. To give the basic concrete patio slabs some personality, black-stained spacers were added in between each slab.

From: Eva Knoppel

Outdoor Living Room

Building the fireplace into the retaining wall makes this cozy space feel more like an outdoor room. Simple concrete pads cover the patio area and a large rug defines the welcoming gathering spot.

Find More Ideas: 30 Cozy Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

From: Village Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

Garden Fireplace

This welcoming gathering space incorporates both functional and fanciful design. The freeform flagstone pavers with their gradual spacing placement look organic, but they do a practical job of laying out the space. Lush hydrangeas and flowering vines accent the pergola with color and beauty.

Learn More: 59 Gorgeous Hydrangea Varieties

From: Barry Block

Tranquil Color Palette

The earth-colored patio pavers in this multi-level backyard blend beautifully with the woodland surroundings. The built-in bench and fire pit are made with similar colored stones to keep the overall look calm and serene.

Find More Ideas: 60 Gorgeous Fire Pit Ideas and DIYs

From: Paradise Restored Landscaping

Staycation Destination

This small suburban patio packs a punch when it comes to amenities and style. Narrow bricks laid in a herringbone pattern easily weave in between the fire pit, hot tub, outdoor kitchen and dining area.

From: Living Gardens Landscape Design

Beautiful Bluestone

A bluestone patio carries the farmhouse style of this home to the outdoors. Recessed planters were added by the windows to soften the space and add some greenery. The roughly cut stone table and rush-back chairs are unique pieces that make this patio a star.

Builder's Tip: If your patio meets the back door, make sure your patio is a least an inch and a half below the bottom of the door. When it rains or there's water on the patio, you'll be glad that water is not seeping into your house whenever you open the door. Also, if flooding is a problem, you may want to opt for porous pavers which can absorb water and prevent puddling.

From: Tim Barber Ltd.

A Courtyard With Character

This courtyard patio brings the indoors out with designated areas to relax. Terra cotta tile and concrete pads on the ground help delineate the various seating areas. The uniquely shaped retaining wall around the tree provides extra seating for a crowd.

Mediterranean Sparkle

Flagstone pavers with quartzite give this patio a little extra sparkle and personality. Terra cotta planters, one with a lemon tree, flowering vines and lots of wrought iron also help set the tone for this Italian countryside yard.

See More of This Home: Early 20th Century Italian Villa on the Shores of Lake Maggiore

From: Stresa Luxury Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

Defined With Flooring

This small yard incorporates two types of patio material. Under the overhang, earth-tone porcelain tiles cover the floor while natural flagstone is used in the open-air section around the pool. Using different types of flooring to delineate areas of your yard can help make a small space feel bigger.

Find More Ideas: 40 Gorgeous Landscaping Ideas for Small Front Yards

From: Debbie Perez

Soften Some Right Angles

When you’ve got a lot of straight lines and sharp corners, adding a few curves and organic shapes can elevate your design and make it stand out. This lower-level patio with its rounded outline and freeform flagstone tiles adds an element of whimsy and casualness to the yard.

Find More Ideas: 20 Best Porch Swings for Every Style and Budget

Terra Cotta Honeycombs

Built-in seating doubles as a retaining wall for this Southwest garden patio. Terra cotta hexagon patio flooring mixed with the Mexican tile on the table and water feature plus the wrought-iron accents make this desert setting elegant and inviting.

Find More Ideas: Southwest Plant and Landscaping Ideas

From: Lori Dennis

Small on Space, Big on Style

This modern patio features cement slabs intermixed with small gravel and grass. Gravel is the better choice for the fire pit area while the grass adds some softness to the dining area. A built-in L-shaped bench provides plenty of seating for entertaining around the fire.

From: Molly Wood

Slate Hues and Pops of Red

Slate-colored pavers define the pathways and seating areas in this elegant backyard. Large umbrellas also help frame each of the yard’s delightful destinations.

Find More Ideas: The 9 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas for Your Backyard

Mediterranean Enclosed Patio

This Mediterranean-style courtyard is shaded with ornamental trees planted right into the patio. On the patio floor, stone stripes lay in between the brick to outline the dining area and the in-ground planters.

Find More Ideas: 30 Cozy Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

50 Patio Ideas and Design Tips

Related To:

Shop This Look

Choosing a Material for Your Patio

Private Patio

Classic Saltilllo Terra Cotta Tile

Outdoor Dining + Art

Brick Area Rugs

NYC Hideaway

Modern and Practical

Stairs Can be the Focal Point

Flagstones in the Grass

Urban Zen Patio

Low Maintenace in the Southwest

Tiny Boho Chic

NYC Rooftop Patio

Backyard Oasis in Arizona

Historic Southern Feel

Section It Off

Tuscan Inspired

Brick Accents

Koi Pond Patio

Intimate Courtyard Setting

Siding + Patio Symmetry

Under the Bistro Lights

Oasis in the Desert

Permanent Seating

Destination: Fire Pit

Patio + Putting Green

Long on Style

All the Amenties Included

White Pergola

Mediterranean Kitchen Patio

Winding Pathways

DIY Stenciled Patio

Kid Friendly Yet Sophisticated

Mixing the Materials

Destination: Relaxation

Interlocking Pavers

Seamless Pool House + Patio

Levels of Style

Outdoor Living Room

Garden Fireplace

Tranquil Color Palette

Staycation Destination

Beautiful Bluestone

A Courtyard With Character

Mediterranean Sparkle

Defined With Flooring

Soften Some Right Angles

Terra Cotta Honeycombs

Small on Space, Big on Style

Slate Hues and Pops of Red

Mediterranean Enclosed Patio

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