Considering a patio renovation to extend your outdoor living area and make the most of your space? A well-designed and functional backyard patio will not only improve the overall appeal of your home but can also transform how you live in, use and experience your outdoor area. Whether it’s designing a space that promotes relaxation, entertainment, social connection, or the enjoyment of being surrounded by nature, having a patio that is large enough to accommodate your needs is key. That’s where a quality backyard patio extension comes in. Below are seven creative ideas for a backyard patio extension that can ultimately expand your outdoor living space and whole way of life.
But first, the benefits of a backyard patio extension
Before we jump into the ideas that are sure to make it to your own wishlist. Here are a few reasons why extending your patio is a good idea:
- Maximizes your outdoor space for more seating, recreational room, and comfort
- Increases the value of your property
- Enhances your lifestyle and allows you to comfortably enjoy more of the outdoors
- Provides a place to gather socially
- Can provide an additional cooking or grilling area that means less mess in the house
- Year-round enjoyment – allows you to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons
- Allows you to showcase your garden
- More privacy – you can build a patio to create privacy screens or partitions
The best backyard patio ideas we’ve turned into a reality
1. Traditional patio pavers in stone
Image: Traditional pavers from the Proctor project
Pavers are the most traditional materials we get asked to use when extending a patio or outdoor entertainment space. Durable and long-lasting, the paver can also come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, meaning you can customize your patio with unique patterns to suit your taste. The custom stone selected for our Proctor project pictured above added some warmth to the area with hints of sandy tones that picked up on the color combination of the stacked stone in the retaining wall.
Need help with selecting your patio pavers, or want to section off your patio with a stunning retaining wall made with impeccable stonework? The Patio Company can help you with all things Patio Design and Installation.
2. Backyard patio ideas using a combination of pavers and bricks
Image: Nashua project patio design
Need to extend your current patio? Just as durable and weather resistant for a patio extension is the use of bricks. In our Nashua project pictured above, we show how the combination of traditional pavers with bricks can add some extra design appeal, sectioning off separate areas and even creating a unique focal point for the backyard. For patio extensions that are being added to existing patio areas, this kind of design can help hide any subtle shades of difference between the old and new pavers, making it all tie together more seamlessly.
Looking for a more modern touch? Create a mesmerizing, eco-friendly patio extension by leaving spaces between the bricks and pavers, filling these spaces with grass or groundcover plants. Not only does this help with water drainage, but it also adds a green touch to your patio.
3. Lounge areas with a fire pit
Image: Built-in fire pit for our Proctor project
Create a warming lounge area by adding a built-in fire pit into your patio extension. The perfect way to make empty paved space functional. Just picture it now, cold evenings gathered around the fire pit roasting marshmallows. Create an extra luxe vibe with the addition of plush seating, cozy cushions, and some aesthetic side tables. Our Proctor project is a great example of how we paved a patio area and built a fire pit for a stunning Hamptons-style home.
4. Timber decking patio extensions
Image: Adobe Stock
Want a warm, ambient patio that feels softer underfoot? You can’t go past timber decking. Although timber in general will always be less water-resistant than other patio extension materials, we tend to advise going for a cedar or redwood if timber is the material of choice.
So what makes timber a top choice for patio extensions? A renewable and sustainable material, this natural material can be more eco-friendly than other options. Also, less absorbent of heat, it is great for areas where you plan to go barefoot in the summer. Of course, a few things to be mindful of, timber patios are certainly not a set-and-forget kind of choice. Needing ongoing maintenance, and regular upkeep of staining, sealing, and painting, they can also be more susceptible to pest damage, warping, splintering, and fading over time. A fire risk in certain climates, it can also be a more slippery surface when wet. For these reasons, it’s important to hire a professional team like ours for the installation of your timber decking to ensure the right treatment has been applied to keep your decking lasting longer.
5. Composite decking materials to maximize patio space and storage
Image: Adobe Stock
Wanting the look of wood but feeling a little deflated about the list of cons involved? Composite decking could be for you. Resembling a natural wood but made from recycled wood fibers and plastics, this lower maintenance material requires no staining or sealing. Sturdy, splinter-free, and extra weather-resistant, you can even feel good about this more sustainable choice that uses recycled materials in production.
What do we love most about composite decking for patio extensions? It’s the ultimate solution for optimizing a small outdoor area. With a composite decking material, you can create built-in benches with hidden storage to maximize seating and keep the space clutter-free.
6. Gravel patios for practicality and style
Image: Adobe Stock
Want to create a patio renovation that feels more like a garden extension than the patio itself? The gravel patio has to be one of the top patio ideas for a backyard that honors the natural surroundings and doesn’t feel overly built up.
Just look at how our project integrates the use of a gravel patio next to the garden bed, making the more natural elements of the backyard stand out. Believe it or not, for those on a tighter budget, a gravel patio extension is a more budget choice for creating an elegant yet relaxed patio space. Simple to install and offering excellent drainage, we often find locals in the area love this choice.
7. Pergolas to create fully-covered patios and half-covered patios
Need ideas for a backyard patio that take all seasons into consideration? Whether it’s to create shelter from rainfall, shade from the sun, or a patio that remains uncovered, a pergola may be what you’re looking for. As a clever design choice that allows the fresh breeze to pass through and the gentle sun rays to light up the space, here are just a few exciting options for totally personalizing your pergola to suit your needs.
The fully covered pergola
Image: Adobe Stock
A patio that’s fully covered by a pergola can provide some relief from the weather without filtering out too much sun. This more shady space is great for creating a cozy, undercover area and can have some great built-in features like an outdoor kitchen, breakfast bar, or even an entertaining space with lounges.
The freestanding pergola
Image: The pergola we built for our seaside Gloucester project.
On the other hand, a pergola can also be freestanding like the pergola we built for our Gloucester project, which really helps to create another feature point at the end of the pool where friends and family can gather at the table after going for a dip. Infatuated with our design? Using a lighter fabric material for the roof of this pergola certainly creates a more life-by-the-coast feel. Feel free to steal this idea if you’re trying to go for a look that’s a little more relaxed and less structured.
The half-covered pergola
Want something a little more reminiscent of resort-style living with tropical getaway vibes? A half-covered pergola or pergola framing with no roof can create a unique summer feel. Ideal for covering areas where open sky access is key for watering plants and foliage or for allowing a dedicated space for soaking in the sun, there are no rules when it comes to a half-covered pergola.
Factors to consider before investing in a backyard makeover
Before you jump headfirst into a patio extension, there are a few things worth considering. First off, take a good look at your backyard’s size and layout to figure out how much space you have to work with. You want to make sure there’s enough room for the extension you have in mind.
Next, think about how the extended patio will fit in with the rest of your backyard’s look and feel. It should seamlessly blend with your existing landscaping and complement the overall aesthetic of your home.
Another important thing to consider is what you want to use the extended patio for. Are you planning to throw a party and entertain guests, or do you prefer a cozy nook to kick back and relax? Knowing the purpose will help you design a space that truly suits your needs.
And finally, budget. How much are you willing to invest in the patio extension? Knowing this figure will give you a better idea of the materials and design options available to you.
Of course, this is where we can help. Let us help you plan out your patio extension and get clarity on which ideas will suit your vision and your budget. Contact the Patio Company today to get one step closer to your dream backyard.
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