18 Breathtaking Patio Designs to Get You Thinking About Summer

Multi-Level Patio with Water Feature

A backyard waterfall and stream will add beauty and peaceful sounds to your patio. In addition to a water feature, this multi-level poured-concrete patio designs from Goodmanson Construction has plenty of low-maintenance landscaping to add splashes of color.

How hard is it to maintain a water feature? Mason and longtime outdoor living contractor Joe Raboine has this advice: “Water features are not hard to maintain, but they do require a proper water treatment schedule and pump care. Typically, weekly or bi-weekly treatments are sufficient to maintain your water feature. In addition, it is key to keep the features free of leaves and debris to keep them functional.”

Poolside Patio with Pergola

Build a pergola to add some shade to your backyard patio. This poolside patio design from Reynolds-Sebastiani Design Services offers plenty of space to relax, along with a separate area for dining.

Patio Kitchen with Pergola

This outdoor kitchen by Design Builders will inspire any home cook to ditch their indoor kitchen when the weather’s nice.

Asian-Inspired Patio Design

Asian-inspired patio designs from Second Chance Design feature a relaxing sitting area with comfortable patio furniture. With simple designs, you can even build your own outdoor furniture.

Multi-Level Patio Design with a Brick Fire Pit

Build a stone or brick patio that you can easily adapt to your yard. This patio from Landscape East & West features a multi-level design with separate areas for eating and relaxing around the fire pit. No room for a permanent fire pit? Opt for a portable fire pit instead.

Patio with Modern Landscaping

For those with small yards, this modern patio design from Austin Outdoor Design features a cooking/dining area and some minimalist landscaping. The ornamental grasses provide texture and define the space.

Raboine has some general advice for giving your patio a modern look to match the landscaping:

• Mix materials to add depth. “Combining materials such as wood, metal, glass, pavers and gravel elevates the space. You can add an organic feel with textured pavers to create a more modern, monochromatic space.”
• Incorporate geometric shapes. “Hexagons, diamonds and parallelograms work well with clean lines that define modern style.
• Create clean lines. “Clean, smooth lines give your patio a linear, modern appearance. Modular concrete panel systems can be used to create seating areas, benches, planters and barbecues — and the concrete finish adds both an industrial and modern flair.”

Paver Patio

Decorative brick or stone is DIY-friendly and results in a classic, tidy-looking patio paver. If you already have a concrete patio, you can cover it with pavers to get a different look.

Large, Open Patio

This large, open, raised patio from Treesdale Landscape Company is built with retaining wall blocks. A raised patio planter makes a great addition to a large, open patio and helps add a splash of color.

Sun-Soaked Patio

Here’s a great alternative to a grass lawn. This small patio from Sacred Space Gardens is surrounded by some ornamental grass and large stepping stones. It’s not too difficult to make your own stepping stones.

Concrete Patio with Fire Pit

A metal fire pit is at the center of this concrete patio from Cedar Creek Landscaping. The curved edges of the patio help it blend right in to the backyard. Experts share top ideas and tips for how to do yard renovations on a budget.

Patio with Grilling Station

This brick patio includes a versatile grilling station, along with an outdoor sink for easy cleanup.

Enclosed Patio

An enclosed patio lets you use the space even on rainy days. Incorporate a screened-in patio to make it just as comfy as your indoor spaces.

Stone Patio with Pond

Consider building a low-maintenance pond next to a small patio. This design from Stone Age Landscaping offers a small sitting area, just big enough for two patio chairs. Here are a few more DIY-able patio design ideas.

Fire Pit Centerpiece

The fire pit is the centerpiece of this stone patio from Ageless Concrete.

Patio with Retaining Wall

This patio, built on a slope, offers an area for entertainment, relaxing or enjoying the fire. It’s surrounded by a strong retaining wall that can double as additional seating.

Pretty Pergola for a Hint of Shade

Build a vine-covered pergola in your backyard to shade a stone patio or wood deck using wood beams and lattice set on precast, classical-style columns. The dappled sunlight created by the overhead latticework creates a cool, relaxing environment perfect for backyard entertaining.

Natural Stone Patio

Add a welcoming feature to your backyard with this attractive, long-lasting brick and stone patio. Our design easily adapts to fit your yard. Choose from a variety of stone types and brick styles. The result will be permanent and maintenance-free.

Patio Pleasure

Patio tile can be an attractive patio design option. As tile has improved, so have the opportunities to use it outside.

FAQs

How can I add privacy to my patio?

You can do this in several ways.

• Plant bushes or grasses that grow tall and thick enough to obstruct the view.
• Deploy privacy screens. You can buy them, fabricate them from found material, such as old shutters or vintage signs, or DIY real ones using these instructions.
• Build a fence.
• Use your house for privacy by building the patio in an alcove created by adjoining walls.

What patio material is the easiest to maintain?

Properly sealed smooth or stamped concrete, as well as concrete pavers, concrete pavers are virtually maintenance free. Natural materials like flagstone and slate are also durable and long-lasting, but the edges tend to chip over time, and without a regular application of sealer, they will probably stain.

About the Expert

• Joe Raboine began his career as a masonry and outdoor living contractor in 1992. In 2008 he founded Harmony Outdoor Living, and he is currently the Vice President of Design at Oldcastle APG.