Finding and taking advantage of great ideas for backyard patio design does not mean you need a large space to work with. In fact, whether you have a large and expansive garden, or perhaps only a small space, or a balcony/veranda, you can work with many of the ideas we highlight here to create a brilliant and luxurious outdoor space for your enjoyment. The patio design ideas we present here offer great inspiration, whether you are looking to create a spectacular space for entertaining, or a more subdued and relaxed space to find ultimate solace – there are sure to be some great ideas here to help you in your creative endeavors.
Where to Start with Backyard Patio Design
Having some clear ideas and expectations of the ‘feeling’ and style you want for your patio is important in your patio design journey. Making a clear list of the features, and the ‘feeling’ or style that you want to present, will help in making good design choices and ensure your new patio meets all the criteria you require and want. For example, if you want to create a garden with specific aesthetic, such as perhaps a Spanish Colonial styling, or more modern ‘Zen’ styling, or any other of the variety design styles available – making note of this ahead of time, and during the design phase, will ensure the selection of products, plants, tables, pergolas or other patio design elements will match your desired style. Making these notes are the first step of the backyard patio design process, and will provide you with the necessary foundations you need when styling your patio.
How Will You Use Your Backyard Patio
As noted, knowing the aesthetic you want for your new patio is integral to ensuring your final design matches the ‘look and fell’ you want. Taking this a step further, it will be helpful to outline the exact functional 
requirements you have for your backyard patio. To assist with this process, it is helpful to note that a patio has four basic use cases:
1. Dining
2. Sundeck
3. Living Room
4. Bistro/Grilling
In the design process, you can select one, or multiple of these functional elements. This functional outline will assist in the patio design process and ensure your patio design incorporates all of the features, functions and components you want for your new patio design.
The extent to which you incorporate these concepts will depend on the amount of space you have available, but even in smaller patio areas, you can incorporate elements of these to varying degrees – imagination and ingenuity are the key to developing a patio design that meets your feature and aesthetic requirements.
Paving – Starting Your Patio Design from the Ground Up
If your intention is to completely redesign your patio, then starting from the ground up will help you to get the desired look and feel. Doing so means you have the opportunity to create the flooring that suits your design preference. There are numerous options in this regard, and include a variety of styles and textures to perfect the look for your patio. Some of the primary options available to complete the flooring of your backyard patio are:
1. Gravel
2. Decorative Concrete
3. Decking
4. Paving Stones
5. Flagstone
6. Cobblestone
7. Pebble Stone Epoxy
8. Tiles
-Gravel
Gravel is a great low cost option for your patio flooring. In deference to many of the other solutions, using gravel is a great idea for patio design, as it is also relatively easy to complete as a DIY installation. Pea Gravel is often used for this purpose, as it is easy to work with, and provides a number of additional benefits – from
erosion control, to keeping water from puddling on surfaces. Additionally, gravel can be used on surfaces that are flat, and don’t require major drainage slopes to ensure there is sufficient run-off of water, as would be the case for other hard surface patio flooring solutions. Installation is relatively straightforward, and can be placed quickly without a great deal of assistance or expertise. Pea Gravel comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your requirements, and is an excellent way to spice up your patio design.
-Decorative Concrete
There are a variety of different forms and formats you can use when considering Decorative Concrete as the flooring for your patio design. Some of the different styles that are worth considering are listed below, and can even be used in combination for an incredible and inspiring patio design.
-Stamped concrete
This format of concrete, is much like standard concrete, and is poured and placed in the same way. The 
difference is, that before the concrete has completed drying, it is stamped to create a variety of different effects. As an example, concrete can be stamped to appear life flagstone, cobblestone or other paving methods, without the cost, labour and expertise associated with them. Using a concrete stencil, the concrete is ‘stamped’ to create desired effect, and this stencil is then moved, aligned and repeated until the desired space is completed. It looks great, and is a very effective and innovative use of concrete in your patio designs.
-Textured, Float and Broom Finished concrete
Another great technique that is often used to enhance the look of concrete, is to use some form of textured concrete finishing once the concrete is poured. There are a variety of different types of texturing that can be done, many of which involve the use of a broom to lightly brush the concrete prior to final drying, which provides a great effect that can add additional design flair to your backyard patio design.
-Exposed aggregate concrete
As the name implies, this form of concrete finishing allows for the use of larger aggregate stones within the
concrete, which are left slightly exposed. It creates a great effect, and when combined or used with various finishing colors can look truly brilliant.
-Coloured concrete
One of the great ideas for backyard patios is the use of colored concrete. This can be done with any of the previously noted concrete styles, and doing so can add great flair and vibrance to your designs. Rather than just the standard grey of concrete, consider using some color to at a truly dramatic design flair, and provide great impact to your patio design.
-Decking
When planning and coming up with ideas for backyard patio design, decking is a fantastic option to consider, and one of the most common and popular. It does take some skill and expertise as a DIY project, however, and can be more costly than other options. That said, the options for putting a deck into your backyard patio design are limited only by your imagination. Consider using multi-level decking as an option to add some real flair and vibrance to your designs. When considering a deck as an option, it is a great idea to consult with a contractor, or a skilled craftsman to give you a hand. Additionally, there are some great new products available to make deck building a great deal easier, from deck tile planks to complete kits that permit you to snap your deck into place. This means you can create a deck that is longer lasting, and that can be done more quickly and more easily than traditional deck designs.
-Paving Stones
There are a variety of different types of patio paving stones that you can use when designing your backyard patio. Generally speaking, paving stones are a more expensive and labour intensive option that some of the 
other options, but they also produce amazing and stunning results. You can consider precast pavers, paving stones, flagstone or even cobblestone for as an idea for your backyard patio, and will surely be pleased with results. Each of the different choices have unique aesthetic appeal, and depending on the style and feel you are seeking, can add to the authenticity of your designs. There are also synthetic stone choices available, which may ease the labour required for placement of these types of stones, and worth considering if your budget requires a less expensive alternative to genuine stone.
-Tiles
Tiles are a slightly more complicated option for your backyard patio, and can also be somewhat delicate, depending on the materials used to make the tiles. That said, they can also look amazing, and provide you with a powerful and exciting finish to your design, and are definitely worth considering. The placement of tiles can be somewhat more laborious than other techniques, but definitely worth the effort as the results can be genuinely spectacular. Consider using tiles in only certain areas, perhaps surrounding your grilling or cooking space, to add some contrast, or use varying patterns or colors to create some inspiring design features.
Pergolas and Gazebos
Creating an enclosed space in your backyard patio design is another great way to not only protect from the elements and insects, but also to add some great design flair and character to your environment. Whether completely enclosed, or used only to provide shade, character and charm, these spaces are like independent refuge within your design, and can be used to dazzling effect.
-Pergolas
These fantastic garden features are usually arched framed structures with wooden beams used to create shade and add flair. Often, pergolas will be festooned with hanging, or climbing plants and flowers that help to create subtle charm to these structures. If your ideas for backyard patio design include a pergola, you have 
a variety of styles, colors and materials to choose from. These structures have been around for ages, but in recent times manufacturers have begun to provide kits that make your life easier, and of course, decrease the cost of their installation. Whether you are looking for traditional thick wood framed archways, or prefer more delicate steal or aluminum options, there is most definitely a design and style that will suit your design ideas.
-Gazebos
These garden structures conjure up images of elegance and charm, and have been used in patios and gardens for centuries. Usually open structures, they provide a relaxing shades space to sit and enjoy the solace of your surroundings. Some more modern designs include fully screened in features that provide similar solace, while also ensuring insects and other creatures do not invade the sanctity of your relaxation. There are as many different styles and designs of gazebos as there are ideas – so let your imagination run free. Depending on the style and feel you are looking to create, you can design a gazebo to fit your vision. That said, if you are looking for pre-made options, there are a multitude of gazebo kits and prebuilt options available to make your life easier.
Patio Kitchen/Grilling Station
One of the most common and exciting uses for a backyard patio is as a place to relax, cook, or BBQ with 
friends and family. In fact, for most, a backyard patio is a space to use on warm summer nights to entertain, cook and even party until the late hours of the night. Depending on the style of patio you are looking for, the selection of options for a cooking space are numerous. Whether you want to have a full patio kitchen, or a more subdued backyard grilling space or BBQ, the options are numerous. Choosing a look that matches with the design and decor aesthetic you are looking for requires only some research to find the right products and materials that meet your requirements, and then work them into your designs. A patio kitchen is normally a covered space, and generally includes most of the amenities you would want in a normal kitchen, from a sink and running water, to preparation space. Of course, your cooking appliances may include outdoor baking ovens, pizza ovens or BBQ’s/grills as well, though in most cases a Patio Kitchen is a substantial undertaking when compared to just a grilling area or BBQ station.
Aficionados of the BBQ will prefer a large space for preparing, grilling and serving their favorite foods of the BBQ. Any patio is likely to include some place for a BBQ, and whether it is simple, or more advanced and luxurious, it is a brilliant idea to include one into your patio design.
As the saying goes – most parties gravitate to the kitchen, and the same goes for garden and patio parties – a lot of enjoyment and activity takes place around the grill! So, definitely consider these options when you are working through your ideas for backyard patios.
Multi-Level Patio
One great design idea is to consider dividing your backyard patio design into multiple levels. Space permitting, you might consider adding a step down to a second level to add some variation to the environment – such an design concept could be done with elevated decking, or even with concrete patios, though some digging and landscaping may be required to achieve this. Obviously, while this design idea is one that will add spectacular visual impact, it does require a substantial amount of work and skill to complete.
Fire Pits
Night time sitting around a fire is a traditional part of many evenings in the backyard. Including a fire pit into your design is a great way to ensure your ideas incorporate all the activities you will enjoy on your patio. Choices of fire pit are varied, from concrete or brick constructions that can be used for cooking and general enjoyment, to portable fire pits with great designs. Additionally, you may consider whether you want your fire pit to be wood burning, or using gas cylinders. Consider even using a combination, with a primary wood burning fire pit, and other smaller gas burning fire pit around the perimeter of your patio – the effect is stunning, and is one idea to help create a truly remarkable backyard patio.
Plants & Planters
It is one of the most exciting parts of a backyard patio design – adding the flowers, plants and greenery to highlight your design, and give life to the space.
-Large Plant Pots
Larger planting pots means it is possible to have larger plants, or even small trees that you can use to great effect in your backyard patio design. The opportunity to move the pots around means you are also able to
alter some elements of your design as you need, and provides great flexibility to your design, and to achieving the style you are looking for with your backyard patio.
-Raised Beds
Raised beds can either be permanent installations built into your decking, or made of concrete. Alternatively, there are options for raised planting beds that are built into movable boxes or stands, which provide you with great flexibility.
Ponds & Fountains
The sound of flowing water is well known to have a soothing and calming effect. Including some form of flowing water is a great idea for backyard patios, whether as a pond or fountain, and can encourage natural and wildlife as well as offer soothing effects. The option of installing and building a permanent feature is always available, though does take a great deal of effort, skill and planning – for such an undertaking, it may be worth working with a contractor, or someone familiar with designing and building water features, as they require special attention to pumping and filtering. Alternatively, there are numerous products available that will provide water features at a relatively low price. These fountains can attract birds, and add vitality to your backyard patio, and definitely add great solace to your environment.
Furnishing & Accents
For many, the process of furnishing their backyard patio, or adding design accents, is one of the most exciting and fulfilling aspects of the design journey. It can be both fun and satisfying to choose the chairs, 
lounges, patio sofas, tables and other elements to highlight and shape the design and style desired. Many people enjoy to have padded whicker sofas and chairs, with glass tables and accents. Others may be interested in a more rustic design style, and choose wooden furnishings. Yet others may prefer iron or metal features. The point here is that you are only limited by your imagination – choose styles that enhance and highlight the style and feeling you are looking for, and use furnishing to accentuate your designs. Using bright colored cushions, or selecting unique and textures of fabric can also add vibrance and excitement to your backyard patio design. Experiment with contrasts in your choices – it will help to create variation and are some great ideas for backyard patio design!
Lighting
It is very common to spend time during the evening in your backyard, and choosing the lighting for your backyard patio design is an important choice in your planning. Lighting is so often overlooked, but should be considered a very important part of your design journey, and an important element of your final design. Sometimes referred to as “furnishing with light”, the selection of the lighting you will use to complete your design will help you to create the perfect touches to your design. There are so many great lighting features to choose from – consider using vintage led bulbs, or wall lighting to add great effects and night time shadows to add great lighting effect in your backyard patio.
Final thoughts
There are so many different ideas for backyard patio design, and it is a great and satisfying process to create a new space for you and your family. Ensuring you have a clear sense of what functions you want to include in your patio is a great first step in the process, and following up with making clear choices regarding the style and feel you want to achieve will ensure great results! The selection of flooring, lighting furnishing and other accents helps to round out your design, and ensure you achieve the most enjoyable and effective results possible – have fun with the process, and let your imagination go wild – your family and friends will enjoy those long summer nights, and you will be sure to soak so much enjoyment out of your hard word and effort!
For some other great articles on patios, or gardening and growing activities, check out some of our other articles on Lifestyle, Gardening and Growing, and learn more about some great solutions and inspirations. Also be sure to check out all of our articles on Backyard Bunkies, Garden Houses and Sheds, and all the various inspirations that we’ve highlighted at TAG Level.
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