{"id":19816,"date":"2020-10-30T15:58:42","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T22:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=19816"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:57:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T17:57:15","slug":"backyard-patio-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis"},"content":{"rendered":"

A backyard patio area has never been more desirable as we seek ways to find entertainment and relaxation at home. In HomeLight\u2019s Top Agent Insight Report for Q3 2020, top agents stated \u201ca desire to make their home a sanctuary and retreat from the world\u201d as their clients\u2019 top motivation to remodel this summer<\/a>, predicting a rising trend in patios, balconies, and other alfresco seating areas post-coronavirus.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re seeing a large increase in this project this year for a couple of reasons. One certainly is COVID\u2014that’s changed a lot of people’s way of living. I think the other thing too is that homeowners want more space but they often can’t afford a larger home,\u201d comments top real estate Julie Warzecka<\/a>, noting a spike in demand for finished backyard patios in her market in Springfield, MA, where she sells 79% more single-family homes than the average agent.<\/p>\n

\u201cDecks and patios have a steady 75% return on investment. So it’s something that, not only are you going to be able to have that value of your own quality of life and enjoyment, but when you go to sell, you’re gonna be getting a huge chunk of that money back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find inspiration for your backyard paradise with these 8 patio ideas for every budget. Whether you\u2019re planning a vibrant entertaining space or a relaxing oasis, we\u2019ll walk you through how to design a patio that brings you joy today and a higher home sale tomorrow.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Seamus Payne \/ Pamela Harvey Interiors)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Extended outdoor entertainment space<\/h2>\n

This backyard patio directly adjacent to the indoor living space is perfect for entertaining. As a host, you can carry food and libations between the kitchen and backyard with ease. When larger gatherings resume, guests can flow through the ground floor for a unified experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoordinate your color palette and overall design from inside to out. If your family room and kitchen areas are all neutral, keep your outdoor main furniture pieces neutral and add pops of color with fun accent pillows or a fun area rug,\u201d advises award-winning interior designer Pamela Harvey<\/a>, whose work is featured in House Beautiful, Southern Home, and Home & Design.<\/p>\n

For even greater indoor-outdoor flow, install retractable glass walls or large double glass doors on the wall between your patio and interior. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a sliding glass wall ranges between $1,070 and $2,900<\/a>, while folding glass walls cost between $800 and $1,200 per linear square foot before installation. A grand entrance to the patio improves functionality and creates a more luxurious atmosphere for your guests and future buyers when it\u2019s time to sell.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Seamus Payne \/ Pamela Harvey Interiors)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All-out exterior kitchen<\/h2>\n

Grillmasters and amateur chefs alike appreciate a fully functional outdoor kitchen, decked out with stainless steel appliances and a pizza oven<\/a>. In a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), architects reported<\/a> that outdoor kitchens were a top requested feature<\/a> among clients, with more than half of those surveyed<\/a> reporting a noticeable increase in requests over the past two years. In addition to summer memories, homeowners who add an outdoor cooking space can expect a 71% return on investment<\/a>, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).<\/p>\n

\u201cI always recommend planning your outdoor kitchen just like the kitchen in your home. Consider the flow through the space and allow for plenty of storage and workspace,\u201d shares Tracy Morris<\/a>, a high-end interior designer with 10 years of experience creating custom exterior spaces in Washington, D.C., and South Florida.<\/p>\n

For full functionality, include essential features like a covered stainless steel sink<\/a>, trash compactor<\/a>, mini-fridge<\/a>, and most importantly, a top-notch built-in BBQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing I always incorporate is a beverage fridge drawer and an ice maker,\u201d Morris adds. \u201cIt\u2019s a perfect area for entertaining as well as for daily use when kids are outdoors playing so you can easily grab a cold drink and some ice anytime without having to go into the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Landscaping<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Orly Olivier \/ FormLA Landscaping)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dreamy pergola in a garden sanctuary<\/h2>\n

Positioned farther from the house, this whimsical outdoor living space by FormLA Landscaping<\/a> serves as an intimate retreat for reading and relaxation. A white pergola overhead with surrounding brick retaining walls defines the space, while the hedge behind adds greenery and privacy.<\/p>\n

For homeowners looking for an affordable way to achieve this look, lead designer Isara Ongwiseth<\/a> of FormLA Landscaping recommends using gravel as your patio material:<\/p>\n

\u201cGravel is an incredibly affordable material. While decomposed granite takes more skill to install, its cost is also low. The return on investment of both choices goes beyond low upfront costs. In Los Angeles\u2019 Mediterranean climate where it is essential to save water, infiltrate stormwater, and prevent heat islands, they perform much better than concrete. Also, aesthetically, it is softer on the eye and more inviting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tie your garden oasis back to the house with a curved pathway with natural stone or concrete pavers<\/a> embedded in gravel or moss. Border the pathway with ornamental grasses<\/a> for added dimension, along with solar lanterns<\/a> to light the way at night.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Greg Powers \/ Tracy Morris Design)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Luxurious outdoor living room ensconced in stone<\/h2>\n

A mostly enclosed outdoor living room allows for generous three-season use in colder climates. Thick stone covered walls on three sides help trap the heat emitted by the elegant wood-burning fireplace, while an overhead fan<\/a> provides airflow on hot summer days.<\/p>\n

To get this luxurious look, expect to shell out $3,900 to $15,000 for a 300-square-foot<\/a> natural stone patio, with the total cost including materials and labor as estimated by HomeAdvisor. For the walls, solid stone siding costs an average of $42 per square foot<\/a>, though the sky\u2019s the limit when you venture into rarer materials.<\/p>\n

When evaluating your backyard patio budget, Warzecka tells homeowners to stay cognizant of their neighborhood norms to avoid pricing your home out of the neighborhood:<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there are other houses in the neighborhood that have similar upscale, upgraded backyards, go ahead. You’re okay putting that money in and expecting a good return on it. If you’re in a neighborhood of very small, simple homes without those kinds of luxury backyards, just know that you may still want to do it because you’ll get that enjoyment out of it and that quality of life, but you may not see as much of a return on your money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (FormLA Landscaping)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Petite patio on a budget<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t need a massive budget or extensive backyard to design a sophisticated patio for entertaining family and friends. Start with a cost-effective flooring material such as gravel (averaging $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot<\/a>) or concrete (averaging $3 to $15 per square foot<\/a>). For a more natural look, stamped concrete<\/a> mimics stone and brick at a lower price.<\/p>\n

Build a counter wide enough to accommodate a built-in grill and small prep area. Fixr pins the average cost of outdoor cabinets between $3,360 and $5,070<\/a>, plus an added $1,000 and $15,000 depending on the grill.<\/p>\n

Style your new outdoor living space with a couple of cushioned chairs and a side table, an outdoor area rug<\/a>, and ceramic pots<\/a> brimming with plants.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Emily Gilbert \/ Daun Curry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Poolside lounge with firepit<\/h2>\n

For this poolside lounge, top NYC interior designer Daun Curry<\/a> paired a pillow-strewn sectional with a contemporary cement firepit<\/a>, perfect for enjoying fireside beverage or roasting s\u2019mores.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirepits are pretty popular because of the ambiance, and of course the warmth as we go into the fall months. They always bring up this nostalgic sense of community and shared time together,\u201d shares Curry, who has designed backyards across the country from the Hamptons to Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

In NAR\u2019s Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, surveyed realtors estimated that adding a natural stone gas fire pit recoups an average 67% return on investment<\/a>. Gas firepits and wood-burning firepits each come with unique pros and cons; for instance, gas firepits are easier to clean and lower maintenance, while wood-burning firepits emit more heat along with the satisfying crackling sound.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (PowerShades)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spacious, shaded gazebo<\/h2>\n

When designing a backyard patio, consider how climate and orientation will impact comfort. This large gazebo with remote-controlled PowerShades<\/a> provides customizable shade throughout the day.<\/p>\n

A custom screened gazebo costs between $4,000 to $12,500<\/a> according to Fixr. Homeowners on a budget can purchase a prefab gazebo for about $300<\/a> to $3,999<\/a>\u00a0from retailers like Target, Wayfair, and HomeDepot.<\/p>\n

Beyond shade, you can keep your gazebo extra cool with a stylish ceiling fan<\/a> and overhead misters<\/a>. To enjoy this space in colder months, install built-in heaters<\/a> or roll in a portable heater<\/a> when needed.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
<\/a> Source: (Emily Gilbert \/ Daun Curry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Glamorous outdoor dining area<\/h2>\n

A stylish outdoor dining room provides a refreshing alternative to indoor seating for social gatherings and everyday family meals. For a lasting design, Curry recommends that homeowners invest in the best quality outdoor furniture they can afford, especially for key pieces such as the dining table<\/a>. Once you establish key pieces, bring life to the space with a mix of accessories:<\/p>\n

\u201cStyling can really add, especially when you\u2019re doing something on a budget and you want to keep everything clean and streamlined and not a lot of details,\u201d shares Curry. \u201cMaybe you have a beautiful table runner that you put out for guests. Maybe you have some beautiful baskets that go around that have rolled towels or some vases you put out with fresh flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

And, of course, no outdoor dining area is complete without a beautiful table setting. Set out colorful melamine plates<\/a> and acrylic glassware<\/a> around a candle centerpiece<\/a> to tie the space together.<\/p>\n

Mix and match these backyard patio ideas for a truly custom design<\/h2>\n

Take your time planning your backyard patio to best meet your needs and personal taste. A little investment into this space goes a long way, bringing you new memories with family and friends and a solid return on investment when you go to sell.<\/p>\n

Header Image Source: (tabitha turner \/ Unsplash)<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Looking to spruce up your outdoors? These 8 backyard patio ideas are all the inspiration you need to transform your property into its own destination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":19837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[320,234],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-add-value","category-home-improvement"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking to spruce up your outdoors? These 8 backyard patio ideas are all the inspiration you need to transform your property into its own destination.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking to spruce up your outdoors? These 8 backyard patio ideas are all the inspiration you need to transform your property into its own destination.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"HomeLight Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gohomelight\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-10-30T22:58:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-31T17:57:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/backyard-patio-ideas.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"546\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Presley Attardo\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gohomelight\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gohomelight\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Presley Attardo\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis","description":"Looking to spruce up your outdoors? These 8 backyard patio ideas are all the inspiration you need to transform your property into its own destination.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis","og_description":"Looking to spruce up your outdoors? These 8 backyard patio ideas are all the inspiration you need to transform your property into its own destination.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/","og_site_name":"HomeLight Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gohomelight\/","article_published_time":"2020-10-30T22:58:42+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-31T17:57:15+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/backyard-patio-ideas.png","width":1024,"height":546,"type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Presley Attardo","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gohomelight","twitter_site":"@gohomelight","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Presley Attardo","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/"},"author":{"name":"Presley Attardo","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e1c6e3084c08451fa13a5a2b4ae5000c"},"headline":"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis","datePublished":"2020-10-30T22:58:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-31T17:57:15+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/"},"wordCount":1717,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/backyard-patio-ideas.png","articleSection":["Add Value","What upgrades increase home value?"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/","name":"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/backyard-patio-ideas.png","datePublished":"2020-10-30T22:58:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-31T17:57:15+00:00","description":"Looking to spruce up your outdoors? These 8 backyard patio ideas are all the inspiration you need to transform your property into its own destination.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/backyard-patio-ideas.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/backyard-patio-ideas.png","width":1500,"height":800,"caption":"Source: (tabitha turner \/ Unsplash)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/backyard-patio-ideas\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"8 Backyard Patio Ideas for Creating Your Own Personal Oasis"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/","name":"HomeLight Blog","description":"Real Estate Advice from America's Top Agents","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"HomeLight","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/logo-hr-color.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/logo-hr-color.png","width":1348,"height":262,"caption":"HomeLight"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gohomelight\/","https:\/\/x.com\/gohomelight","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/homelight\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCimugR9XF17-OZ7B9fNnxWw","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/HomeLight"],"description":"Everything you need to know to sell your house faster and for more money. Articles, guides, and advice from top agents all over the U.S.","email":"support@homelight.com","telephone":"(888) 688-0350","legalName":"HomeLight","foundingDate":"2012-01-01","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"201","maxValue":"500"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e1c6e3084c08451fa13a5a2b4ae5000c","name":"Presley Attardo","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fdd8fb4251a823111d7ea749c836040b5fe081ea9fea7f63e5bcb618bb513dee?s=96&d=blank&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fdd8fb4251a823111d7ea749c836040b5fe081ea9fea7f63e5bcb618bb513dee?s=96&d=blank&r=g","caption":"Presley Attardo"},"description":"Presley is a Seattle based writer covering interior design trends, home improvement, and market updates. She has lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., giving her a unique perspective on the diversity of U.S. real estate.","url":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/author\/presley-attardo\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/111"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19816"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19816\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}