Patio Ideas Overview
Given the right amenities, a good patio can become a travel-free substitute for a weekend getaway -- the swimming pool supplanting a crowded beach, or the built-in barbecue taking over the picnic in the park.
In this article, you'll find several creative ways to transform your back yard into an attractive addition to the home. Using the photos as a guide, you'll be able to design the patio that's perfect for you, no matter what type of home you live in.
©Bomanite Corporation
The subdued earth colors and stone tile appearance of the imprinted surface
blend smoothly with the brick and wood materials of the traditionally styled house.
A successful patio remains in scale with the house and the surrounding landscape. A small outdoor area usually looks better with a simple, uncluttered design. By contrast, a big yard may call for a large outdoor area to keep things in proportion, but the overall space can be divided or sectioned with a change in levels, contrasting materials, or garden accents.
The following article covers a large variety of patio materials and looks at some of the ways they can be used. It also describes some of the amenities and finishing touches that can make patios more functional, enjoyable outdoor spaces. Whether you're planning an all-new addition to the yard or looking to spruce up the space you've got, you're sure to find something to love in the pages ahead.
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Lasting Impressions in Concrete
Imprinted concrete is one of the newer techniques that can
transform this versatile material into a stone look-alike. With any number of
patterns and seemingly endless color variations, imprinted, or embossed,
concrete can be made to fit a variety of patio ideas in resembling materials such as new and
used brick, formal slate, random-laid flagstone, terracotta tile,
cobblestones, and much more. As a patio paving, imprinted concrete is also an
affordable way to give outdoor living areas a more natural look and bypass the
time-consuming and sometimes costly process of selecting and laying individual
bricks or stones.
©Bomanite Corporation
For a classic look, this imprinted concrete surface suits the formal tone of the
patio and its pavilion.
Since it is a cast-concrete product -- a concrete slab that's been integrally colored and then scored -- this
material can be used in areas that receive heavy traffic, such as driveways.
It's also an ideal choice for pool surrounds and walkways since its textured
surface is slip-resistant when wet.
©Bomanite Corporation
The surface of this concrete patio is made to look like slate, whereas the step
between the levels and the curved patio are imprinted to suggest brick.
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Stylish Concrete Pavers
With a long history of commercial applications, precast concrete pavers have recently made their way into the home landscape as attractive, adaptable alternatives to brick, tile, and natural stone. Although the term "precast concrete" makes the material sound uncomfortably industrial, these pavers are available in colors, shapes, and sizes that can be creatively arranged into any number of designs, complementing virtually any house style and all your patio ideas. ©Portland Cement Association The combination of concrete and wood suits the informal layout of this outdoor area with the light-colored wood benching echoing the shades in the pavers' design. |
Just a sampling from the selection of precast concrete pavers reveals Spanish-style terracotta tiles, "aged" brick for formal or traditional settings, rustic cobblestones for more casual patios, and flagstonelike pavers in naturalistic colors that can enhance both formal and informal designs.
Aside from their flexibility as paving materials, concrete pavers offer the strength and durability of poured concrete in a much simpler form. They can be laid individually or locked together on a level, stable sand base and -- like brick -- lend themselves to interesting patterns.
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Mix and Match Materials
While contrasting materials are often employed to solve problems or create dramatic effects, they can also be mixed and matched just to add a little visual interest to an informal outdoor area. The combinations depend on your patio ideas and can be as straightforward as brick and concrete block laid in sand or wood strips neatly edging a gravel walkway.Materials might contrast in texture but wear colors bearing a close resemblance to each other; or they might differ in color but carry a similar size, shape, and surface. The emphasis might be on blending materials into a pattern. Simple patterns such as a grid or checkerboard lend themselves to casual patio styles and can be easily accomplished with any square or rectangular paving material.
 ©Portland Cement Association This patio combines concrete block with standard brick in a lively pattern. Although the colors set up contrasts, the materials have similar surface textures. |
Whether mixing materials for informal looks or to create a
more striking patio, it's wise to gather a small assortment of the pavings in
advance and lay out a sample section of the area to be certain that they blend
together in functional and visually pleasing ways.
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Concrete Takes a Creative Path
Distinctive in appearance, innovative in design, and completely functional, imprinted cast-in-place concrete is showing up in more and more patios and walkways. Innovative patio ideas and techniques for integrating color and embossing the surface are resulting in more realistic-looking finishes and an expanded selection of patterns. Familiar flagstone and Belgian block designs, for instance, are being joined by a number of other creative finishes: used brick laid in a variety of patterns, Moorish-look tile, granite in a fish scale design, wood planks, and even fancy borders and upbeat graphics with 3-D effects. With so many options, concrete is no longer regarded as a practical-but-plain paving alternative. ©Bomanite Corporation For a perfect custom made patio, choose a pattern to complement the colors and layout of your landscaping design. |
Because of the wealth of decorative finishes to select from,
imprinted concrete can be easily tailored to suit virtually any house style. It
can be combined with other masonry materials to achieve a particular mood and
create visual interest. And, thanks to its molded character, it can be
physically shaped to integrate with the existing landscape or complement a new
design.
©Bomanite Corporation
The versatility of concrete makes it blend in with almost any other building material
-- it is simply a question of mixing and matching with care.
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Invigorating Focal Points
Without a doubt, swimming pools are one of the most popular
and dominant patio ideas. Their presence adds value to the home, gives focus
to the patio and nearby areas, and provides hours of enjoyment for both serious
swimmers and casual bathers. The neat, orderly shape of rectangular pools
usually lends a formality to patio settings that suits both traditional and
contemporary house styles. When contoured into free-form shapes, pools have a
more casual look, especially when surrounded by natural landscaping. 
©Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
Modern forms and materials characterize this home. The pool decking is surfaced
in exposed aggregate, while stairways carry Mexican terracotta tiles
 ©Association of Pool & Spa Professionals In perfect balance with the size and scale of the house and patio, this lap pool carries a crisp elegance that suits the traditional setting. |
Because of their visual dominance, swimming pools and their
patio surrounds should be sized to harmonize with the scale and proportions of
the house, especially if they lie in close proximity. It's also a good idea to
situate the pool where it can get plenty of sun, a little shade, and some
protection from the wind.
©Bomanite Corporation
A sculptural free-form pool serves as the dramatic focal point of this multi-terraced
patio design. The textured concrete floor is colored and imprinted to resemble tile.
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Spa-Soaking on the Patio
When it comes to ideas for patio amenities, spas rank high in bringing pleasure to outdoor living, whether enjoyed as a private spot for relaxing or a gathering place for social events. Though often included as an integral component of a swimming pool design, a spa can also work well as a stand-alone feature that functions beautifully in a small space. In fact, part of a spa's attraction is its ability to tuck into a little corner off the master bedroom or to fit into a narrow side patio alongside the family room. Regardless of its location, though, any spa should have convenient access to the house with some kind of visual screening from the street and close neighbors. ©Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Architectural drama sets this pool and patio area apart as a true showpiece. A waterfall flows from the house to the free-form swimming pool featuring a spa. |
When integrated into a pool design, the top of the spa might
be flush with the pool surround, as is typical in wood decks. Most freestanding
spas, however, rest on a stable sand or soil base -- as does the patio
itself -- and are elevated, hot-tub style. This prominent position above the
floor provides wonderful opportunities to dress up spa walls and the rim with
decorative stonework and fancy tiles to create a dramatic focal point.
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Soothing Sights and Sounds
Flowing or still, a water feature such as a pond or pool
brings a feeling of serenity to a garden or patio. The idea for your patio may be to have a central focus,
positioned so that indoor and outdoor areas can enjoy its sights and sounds, or
it might be nestled in a secluded corner that encourages quiet contemplation.
Without the agitation of a waterfall or fountain, reflecting pools are still
waters of tranquility designed to mirror the natural surroundings -- branching
tree limbs, for example, or even clouds sailing across the sky.
Many pools,
however, incorporate waterfalls for the simple beauty that moving water can
bring to a setting. Most ponds are planned with aquatic plants in mind and
should be placed where there is sun for at least some of the day. When fish are
to be included, care must be taken to provide a healthy and balanced
environment for both plants and animals.
©Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
A rock garden lends color and texture to this pool's naturalistic design.
The waterfall adds a soothing, refreshing note to the area.
Water features can take on formal or informal looks. A
rectangular pool edged with flagstone or brick has a formal appearance, but it
can be softened with the colors and textures of items such as water lilies, a
border of natural stones, or low plantings. Curving pools seem less formal and
are especially attractive when integrated with a rock garden.
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Water in Motion
As decorative accents, fountains and waterfalls can make any
water feature more vibrant and alive, and when they are lit by night, they can
bring spectacular looks to a patio or garden. Whether they arc out, spray up,
or spill over, fountains are nearly always a great idea for your patio focal point. Their splashing
sounds attract attention, too, and serve to muffle unwanted noises.
Fountains
and waterfalls tend to bring a bit of formality to an outdoor area since they
are so distinct from the natural landscape. A pool with a fountain is an
especially pleasant addition to an entry patio or courtyard, giving visitors an elegant greeting. Even a tiny patio, too small
for a pool of any size, can enjoy water in motion with a low-profile fountain mounted on the wall.
Waterfalls in a patio setting typically have a gentler presence than fountains,
flowing over rocks or masonry in a meandering, informal path.
©Bomanite Corporation
This swimming pool features a triple fountain enclosed by a glass block wall.
The sculptural surround ringing the area is paved in embossed, colored concrete.
Incorporating a water feature into a patio requires
thoughtful planning. Fountains and waterfalls, for instance, require pumps and
controls, which may be one reason they are often integrated with swimming pool
systems.
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Stairs Rise to the Occasion
Stairs are essential ingredients in many patio ideas, but
they can also rise to the occasion as decorative features that tie various
elements together. Stairs can be fashioned out of the same paving material as
the patio floor but take on added interest with a different texture or pattern,
such as a poured concrete surface changing to rougher concrete block or brick
laid in a herringbone pattern changing to a straight run. Stairs often look
their best when their design combines the primary patio material with a
contrasting one, such as exposed aggregate teamed with wood or brick accents or
large formal flagstones softened with a random arrangement of small
smooth-surface rocks.
©Portland Cement Association
The rough-cut concrete blocks edging these patio steps provide a texturally
interesting contrast to the uniform, bricklike shape of the pavers on the floor.
Changing the width and depth of stairs can create
interesting effects, too. Vertical risers should remain a uniform height for
safety when climbing or descending, but the proportions of horizontal
treads -- the walking surface -- can be varied with great flexibility. Stairs might
broaden as they lead from the patio adjoining the house down to another area of
the yard. Or a short flight of standard-depth stairs might open to a series of
platformlike levels for a terraced appearance.
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Living Outdoors With Brick
Of the many choices available in the world of brick, the two types recommended for patio construction are common, or building, brick and paving brick. Common brick can be used for basically any outdoor project, and the slight variations in color and texture from one brick to another can give a patio or walkway character and add to its appeal. Common brick may be new, used, or newly made and treated to look old or used. Paving brick, formed from a special clay and fired for a long period, is very hard and makes a good selection for patios or driveways that will endure heavy traffic.
 This brick walkway has sturdy mortared joints to offset the informally laid walk. |
Brick's design flexibility and lasting good looks as a paving material are joined by another positive feature: ease of installation. Most brick patios can be laid on a bed of sand as long as the soil base is stable, the bricks are butted tightly together, and some kind of solid edging is employed to keep the bricks from creeping or spreading apart. Of course, some site conditions require a stronger base for safety and stability. In these situations, the brick is usually laid on a concrete slab with mortared joints.
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Great Possibilities With Pavers
There was a time when the only concrete pavers available were rectangular blocks, which are sturdy but often uninteresting solutions for walkways and patios. Today, precast concrete pavers can be found in dozens of shapes, sizes, and colors and serve as surprisingly realistic substitutes for brick, cobblestone, tile, and even granite. In addition to the familiar squares and circles, pavers come in a variety of more interesting shapes such as hexagons, diamonds, and free-form designs that can be creatively arranged to bring a patio to life.
 The synthetic rock edging the area is more economical to buy and install than natural stone. |
 These bricklike pavers provide a stable surface that supports all kinds of outdoor activities. |
Informal Terra Cotta Tile
Of the vast numbers of ceramic tile available for house and garden, terra cotta tiles are perhaps the most widely selected for outdoor use. The term terra cotta, meaning baked earth in Italian, typically refers to rather rustic-looking tiles that are colored in warm, earthy, and natural tones. Within the terra cotta family, however, there are several types of tile -- some glazed, some unglazed, and all with slightly different characteristics.
 Brick-look quarry tiles laid in a herringbone pattern add dimension and visual interest to terrace edging. |
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Unique Character of Flagstone
With its understated palette of browns and grays and an exceptional ability to blend comfortably into so many settings, flagstone remains one of the most desirable patio pavings. It seems especially suited to traditional homes and gardens -- perhaps because of its natural rather than man-made origins -- but it can also help soften the appearance of more contemporary houses and newly installed landscaping. Flagstone's slightly irregular surface displays a texture and warmth that complements virtually all plants, from mossy coverings between pavers to potted flowers to large-scale shrubs. For that reason, flagstone adapts easily to both formal and informal patios and walkways.
 The simple teak furnishings suit the patio's small scale and harmonize with the soft gray shades. |
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Brick of a Different Color
Suited to a host of house styles and patio configurations, brick has long been high on the list of favorite patio materials. And though the familiar image of this versatile paver brings to mind the color family of reds and yellows, brick is available in a wide range of dark, earthy tones, including black. These darker shades are usually formed during the firing process; the finished color is influenced by the type of clay and the amount of iron within the clay. Brick that's been streaked, or flashed, with dark lines also makes for an interesting patio surface.
 Laid in a neat herringbone pattern, this patio floor carries the orange color of new bricks. |
 The dressy effect of white on black brings formality outdoors to this enclosed patio. |
Elegant Tile, Italian Style
Among the choices for a patio surfacing, there's nothing more elegant than dressy Italian ceramic tile. The polished, high-style appearance of so many Italian imports is a perfect complement to formal indoor-outdoor settings. And although these tiles can integrate smoothly with a number of house styles in a variety of locations, they seem especially suited to homes and patios found in warmer regions or those designed around a Mediterranean theme.
Their light, bright finishes and decorative motifs make an attractive backdrop for garden accents with a southern European flair: wrought iron furnishings, hand-painted clay pots, and stone fountains and benches. And they are one of the few pavings that can travel seamlessly from indoor spaces to outside living areas without visual interruption.
 The delicate pattern of the Italian-made tile floor belies a hard-working surface that's durable and stain-resistant. |
Ceramic tile today benefits from sophisticated glazing and finishing techniques that make them extremely durable and easy to maintain. Like several other paving materials, however, tile can be slippery when wet. A number of tiles are available with textured and matte surfaces that provide better traction yet still offer sophisticated looks.
Tile With Substance and Style
Fashioned by hand or shaped by machine, informal terra cotta tiles bring warm, earthy colors and textures to outdoor rooms. Perhaps because of their natural tones, these fired clay tiles seem at home with a wide range of house styles. Hand-made terra cotta tiles have a rustic beauty that suits traditional patios and courtyards, but their rather soft, porous composition makes them unsuitable for cold- or wet-weather applications.
 A new surface of terra cotta tile transformed this once concrete patio into an inviting poolside surround. |
 Wide grout lines that mask uneven edges and mottled colors give the tiles a hand-crafted look. |
One of the oldest building and paving materials known to man, ceramic tile proves to be a substantial, practical, and beautiful choice by today's standards as well.
 The ceramic tile floor carries warm colors that blend with the cool blues of the wicker furnishings. |
Contrasts for Special Effects
Sometimes the most visually satisfying patios result from the juxtaposition of contrasting materials or from unexpected combinations of similar ones. The effects can be subtle or stimulating, depending on the mixture and the medium. A patio laid primarily in rectangular-cut flagstones can seem a little less formal with smaller pieces of contrasting stone placed here and there or grouped in a border. A dark brick patio edged with white crushed stone appears crisp and tailored. A light concrete surface accented with bright tile stripes takes on visual punch. Contrasting colors and textures are especially effective in bringing plain masonry to life and drawing the eye away from potentially monotonous surfaces.
 This enclosed patio pairs flagstone with contrasting colored glass, specially coated to reflect light. |
Special effects can be achieved through pattern, too. And although brick is the material most often associated with pattern, concrete pavers, cut stone, tile, and small smooth rocks all lend themselves to unusual -- even elaborate -- designs.
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Versatile Poured Concrete
Strong, serviceable poured concrete is a surprisingly versatile paving material. One of its most respected qualities is the ability to take to nearly any shape or style -- large or small, formal or casual. And because it is a molded material -- placed into a prepared form of some type and allowed to harden -- concrete can conform to a wide spectrum of landscape and patio designs and suit a number of architectural styles.
Concrete can be made to flow freely around the perimeter of a house, following its contours closely and serving as a continuous surface that might incorporate steps, planters, and walls into the patio plan. Or it can be molded into a series of separate but related patio elements, each cast in individual forms that can be different in size and shape or all the same.
 This basic concrete floor serves as a cool, understated backdrop for the warm-climate mood. |
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Disguising Basic Concrete
As a reliable, practical, and economical paving for patios and walkways, concrete performs admirably on its own. But it can gain dramatically in its overall appeal when given a decorative finish that banishes any visual sensation of cold, drab, or bland.
 This rear patio carries a stamped concrete finish with a rustic appearance suggesting traditional pavers. |
 Bordered by a band of white concrete, the imprinted areas of the walkway and terrace resemble cut flagstone. |
Basic concrete can also benefit from a variety of textured effects, from simple broomed and salt-pocked finishes to imprinted surfaces that disguise a slab as brick, tile, or natural stone. Although small areas of concrete take to imprinting, or stamping, with tools that can be rented from a home improvement center, large expanses usually require the skills and equipment of a professional contractor to ensure realistic-looking results.
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Seating as a Garden Accent
Few patios can function well or host outdoor activities without some kind of seating. Sometimes seating serves as a dominant feature or even the focal point, as might a large grouping of furnishings. It often acts as an accent to draw attention to a particular area such as a fragrant flower garden or a lovely view. Freestanding or built-in, accent seating can offer a place to rest after a brisk walk, take a break from yard work, or settle down with a good book.
 This weathered wood bench rests atop a permanent masonry base nestled into a corner of the patio. |
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