Backyard Patio Ideas: 100+ Tricks That Take Your Yard From Drab to Fab (2024)

An inviting alfresco living space can add major appeal to your home, especially if you tap into backyard patio ideas to truly transform your outdoor mojo. “The outdoor living rooms and dining rooms carry the interior style to the exterior spaces,” says Susan Skornicka, founding principalofSkornicka Designs in Ross, California.

Adding a firepit, zhuzhing up your pergola with some string lights, and swapping in a new patio furniture are just a few examples of how homeowners can update an existing patio area without breaking the bank. You can likely tackle these patio design projects in an afternoon or over a long weekend. No matter what your taste or design prowess, we’ve got more than one hundred patio design ideas from landscape architects and designers to take your backyard from drab to fab.

How do you plan a backyard patio?

Planning a backyard patio can be a simple update or a serious makeover. Before your outdoor living dreaming takes root, think of how you plan to use the space in the long run. A pergola, water feature, hot tub, or an outdoor kitchen are all big-ticket items that have the ability to really upgrade your outdoor living space. Yes, these focal points can transform your space into an area you will want to be in, but so do smaller design touches like an outdoor rug, hanging plants, and a hammock. The key to planning a backyard patio is setting realistic expectations for your budget and the time it will take you to make the updates.

What type of patio is easiest to maintain?

The more bells and whistles your patio has, the harder it will be to maintain. Something that looks like it’s out of The Secret Garden will require pruning and maintenance. But embracing the minimalist—or even brutalist design trends—creates less clutter, so the only thing you might need to do is weatherproof with outdoor furniture covers. A concrete patio, as opposed to a small patio with gravel, is also easier to maintain in all types of weather. Paver and concrete sealants will keep your favorite hang out mold- and mildew-free for a longer time.

Concrete patio ideas for design sensibility and durability

The affordability and availability of concrete materials make it a top choice for backyard patios. Gone are the days of a boring concrete slab that turns blindingly bright when the sun hits it midday. Today, the popular building material comes in a variety of textures, colors, and patterns that cater to your style and needs. Treat it as a blank slate that is equally compatible poolside as it is beneath an outdoor fireplace or a chic pergola.

If you’re after reasonably priced and low-maintenance landscaping ideas, concrete is also a winner. For one, concrete slabs cost about 15% less than laying pavers. Likewise, stamped concrete—which is a tad pricier, but can be made to look like limestone, slate, and flagstone—is an attractive stand-in for a stone patio. What’s more, a stamped concreted patio is not only more durable, but it typically requires less maintenance than natural stone options.

Concrete tiles call out to DIY-loving homeowners thanks to their versatility with color and design options. For a minimalist feel that doesn’t make your concrete patio look too sparse or cold, add varying textures and colors, perhaps through furniture and greenery, to make the space appear lush and inviting. The warm natural tones of wicker and wood can help soften a space, so they’re smart choices to consider when selecting outdoor furniture and outdoor dining pieces. Likewise, weatherproof rugs, throw pillows, and chic landscape design can all add dimension and visual breaks for the eye, which add to the overall experience.

Thoughtful lighting on concrete patios creates a cozy ambiance. In-floor lighting or large lanterns soften the glow as the sun fades into twilight, transitioning seamlessly from magic hour to a party that lingers late into the night.

Hempcrete, a fairly new material that is a biocomposite mixture of hemp plant parts with a lime binder and other natural materials such as sand and plaster, is a popular choice for designers and homeowners who are looking for a sustainable upgrade to their outdoor patio. Whatever your goal, AD has dozens of chic concrete patio ideas from homeowners, architects, and designers to elevate your space.

Small patio ideas to optimize space without sacrificing style

Bigger isn’t always better, and that’s especially true when it comes to designing attractive exterior areas. A property with a small backyard usually means you’ll have to have a small patio, but that’s not always a bad thing. A tiny footprint can often feel more intimate and may allow for unique landscaping ideas or bold design features. The trick is making the most of your outdoor living space through thoughtful choices and additions.

Designing a small patio often means you’ll need fewer materials, so you might be able to splurge on pricier pavers, outdoor floor tiles, or unusual plants. Your leftover budget might even allow for privacy fencing or screens, a coffee table for a sitting area, and enhanced outdoor lighting—all elements to make an outdoor space feel like an extension of indoor living.

Make the most of your small patio space by designing with your senses in mind. Use fragrant plants, natural stone, a trellis, or a colorful sectional to crate a focal point that draws guests in. Help drown out noise from nearby roads and neighbors with a water feature that promotes feelings of peace and relaxation. Add a firepit to tempt your sense of smell with burning wood and tease your taste buds with the promise of s’mores. Invest in comfortable and weather-resistant furniture, vibrant throw pillows, and a concrete coffee table to make your space feel more like an outdoor living room than an afterthought. Think of your patio design as a whole body experience that will have you and your guests craving more outdoors.

For those with truly tiny spaces, such as a small balcony or a tiny patch of yard in an urban landscape, decorating ideas are your best bet. You can choose bold and impactful pieces that will make a statement, or go with a minimalist approach of neutral colors for furniture and building materials that allow the surrounding plants and the view to stand out. For a luxurious touch, you can add a dual sided fireplace to a terrace wall and highlight transitional living at its best. Interior designers encourage drawing inspiration from your living or bedroom spaces and infusing the outdoor space for a continuous thread. Carry the aesthetic throughout the entire indoor-outdoor concept when choosing flooring, outdoor furniture, and greenery.

Whether your goal is to create a unique space you want to utilize and enjoy day in and day out, or you just want a backyard patio that looks nice and clean, and needs little to no maintenance, read on for expert tips from top designers and architects to help you start the design process to transform your patio from tiny to terrific.

Covered patios for all types of weather

A beautiful space is wasted if you can’t enjoy it. Adding an attractive cover to your backyard patio can be a smart investment to ensure you, your family, and your guests can enjoy the space no matter what the elements have in store. No one wants to sit in the scorching sun, so anything that creates shades is a win when it comes to patio design. What’s more, a shady spot is what makes relaxing truly possible. Just like you have a reading nook indoors, why not create a little alfresco nook. Constructing or adding a structure that boosts the shade factor will also protect furniture as the sun’s rays often bleach out wood and disintegrate plastics. Plus, no one wants to sit in a hot tub under the hot sun.

Designers know this, of course, and have shade solutions for any budget and space—from expansive overhangs to shade sails to whimsical outdoor umbrellas that would make Slim Aarons jealous. Adding a gazebo, domed ceiling, wood timbers, or prefab cover are other ideas that stretch the imagination. For a more Old World feel, choose a pergola, a lattice, or a trellis to create a structure for cascading plants—like Wisteria, grape vines, or climbing roses—to take hold.

Covered patios afford homeowners the opportunity to play around with materials and textures. Bamboo structures give your space a tropical vibe, but if you add touches of black paint, then you’ve got a modern spin. Affixing outdoor fabric and draperies can help an area feel more enclosed and secluded, thus creating an outdoor extension of your indoor living space. Some designers even use outdoor fabric on the ceiling to create an almost palatial aesthetic. This design can also provide protection from natural elements like rain and wind, which means you won’t have to rush inside when a few drops fall upon your soiree.

A covered patio can often provide a surface on which to affix creature comforts like a ceiling fan. Fans are also a great way to keep pesky bugs, like mosquitos and flies, away. The hum of the fan’s white noise can drown out disturbances like traffic, lawn mowers, and loud neighbors. A covered patio often allows for a greater variety of lighting options. Most designers agree that good lighting is essential for any space. Opting for lighting that doesn’t require wiring makes it renter-friendly, and it’s not something that should be overlooked outdoors. Use the patio cover as an opportunity to try something dramatic like a chandelier or a series of pendant lamps that can act as a focal point. Simple string lights add a bit of whimsy and a touch of festivities.

Covered areas help protect outdoor furniture like couches, chairs, coffee tables, and other pieces in your siting area from rain and other natural elements—and in turn, mold and mildew. This allows you to add nicer seating options, and gives you the opportunity to scout out the best outdoor furniture stores and shop for accessories that complement the backyard landscaping.

For those looking to save on makeover expenses, look no further than large outdoor umbrellas. They are a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t require a big investment, and actually give you more flexibility since these patio covers are portable. From a design perspective, you’ve got plenty of outdoor umbrella options that fit every style—fringe, tassels, canvas, even outdoor-proof lace—to dress up your patio space. Plus, unlike interior design, when you’re brainstorming for covered patio design ideas, the sky is literally the limit. So dream big.