Patio Options

On both sides of the yard against the fence, three custom ipe wood benches made of 3-by-5-foot finished planks double as storage for outdoor toys and scooters. The lumber is from Dykes Lumber in Weehawken, New Jersey

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railing

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Screened in

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Rooftop meadow. Container gardens can conjure visions of delicate flowering annuals, often seen flanking a front door or patio. This rooftop deck in Chicago takes a different approach, with planted containers featuring masses of oversize perennial grasses. The grasses frame the outdoor kitchen, creating a natural sense of enclosure that’s sure to provide some privacy in this urban space — not to mention the beautiful rustling sound the grasses make in the breeze.

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5. Conversation Under the Pergola This is the upper portion of a multi-tiered deck in San Francisco. A pergola provides shade and definition for the inviting conversation spot, while a fire pit keeps things toasty on cool nights. Notable detail: Lighting built into the pergola and posts.See more of this deck

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19. Cooking, Eating, Toasting and Soaking The designers fit a lot into this 1,000-square-foot yard in San Francisco, including a dining platform, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit and a sunken hot tub with an ipe deck surround that matches the main deck.Notable detail: The steps on the deck double as stadium-style seating.Learn more about this backyard design

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Offset pavers meander along the edge of this Colorado side yard, leading to a covered seating area that overlooks a stunning natural vista. While part of the seating area sits right off the house, the pergola and secondary seating nook are sunken and offset from the door, providing more privacy from the house while also maintaining easy access.

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Nice table set

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