Patio with Gravel and Natural Stone Paving Ideas and Designs

Existing mature pine trees canopy this outdoor living space. The homeowners had envisioned a space to relax with their large family and entertain by cooking and dining, cocktails or just a quiet time alone around the firepit. The large outdoor kitchen island and bar has more than ample storage space, cooking and prep areas, and dimmable pendant task lighting. The island, the dining area and the casual firepit lounge are all within conversation areas of each other. The overhead pergola creates just enough of a canopy to define the main focal point; the natural stone and Dekton finished outdoor island.

Palm Springs 18

digs inside & out

extension of pool area with a fire pit and comfortable , colorful seating. great outdoor lighting.
Design ideas for a large retro back patio with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Home in the Trees on Forest Trail

New Leaf Custom Homes

This is an example of a contemporary back patio in Dallas with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Residential Ideas

Coyle & Associates

Inspiration for a medium sized traditional back patio in Houston with natural stone paving and a pergola.

Midcentury Patio

Design ideas for a midcentury back patio in San Diego with a fire feature, gravel and no cover.

Hilltop

Roberta Wilson

Outdoor Kitchen and Entertaining Patio Mark Pinkerton - Vi360 Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary back patio in San Francisco with an outdoor kitchen, natural stone paving and a roof extension.

Gallery

Acclaim Home Services

Photo of a traditional back patio in DC Metro with gravel and no cover.

Weekend In The Country

Louis Fusco Landscape Architects

Out door Entertainment Area
Photo of a medium sized farmhouse back patio in New York with natural stone paving and no cover.

Walkways and Patios

Fireplace Re-Fitter

Design ideas for a medium sized classic back patio in Boston with natural stone paving and no cover.

Fairbanks Highlands

Torrey Pines Landscape Co., Inc

Inspiration for a large mediterranean front patio in San Diego with a water feature, natural stone paving and no cover.

Lakefront Glimmer

AOME Architects

Mike Jensen Photography
Photo of a large classic back patio in Seattle with natural stone paving and a pergola.

Stone Fire Ring and Seating Wall

Anderson Landscape

Inspiration for a medium sized classic back patio in Portland Maine with a fire feature, natural stone paving and no cover.

Greene Residence

New West Partners

Design ideas for a large rustic back patio in Denver with a fire feature, natural stone paving and a roof extension.

Modern Courtyard Garden

Unique Landscapes Ltd

Small modern courtyard patio in West Midlands with a water feature and natural stone paving.

Classic Outdoor Furniture

Black Swan Hearth & Home

New Summer Classic Furniture collection
Inspiration for a classic patio in New York with natural stone paving and a roof extension.

Patio Covers

Arizona Hardscape Creations LLC

Lattice cover made from aluminum.
Inspiration for a small back patio in Phoenix with natural stone paving and a pergola.

Lakeside Patio

Landscapes by Tom LLC

A level area for the picnic table was made next to the beach.
Design ideas for a medium sized classic back patio in Boston with a water feature, natural stone paving and no cover.

SL Jensen New Construction

SL Jensen Construction Inc.

Inspiration for a large back patio in Omaha with natural stone paving and no cover.

DC Residence

Traut Landscape Studio

Designed while at Graham Landscape Architecture.
Photo of a small contemporary back patio in DC Metro with a water feature, natural stone paving and no cover.

In-Ground Spa with Pergola

Creative Design Space, Inc.

Inspiration for a medium sized traditional back patio in Jacksonville with natural stone paving and a pergola.

Patio with Gravel and Natural Stone Paving Ideas and Designs

Patios are the go-to solution for turning your garden, or part of it, into an outdoor living area. A well-laid patio will integrate your home seamlessly into your garden, providing a solid and level surface for garden furniture and potted plants. Well designed patios are about more than just paving slabs – its positioning and layout are crucial to how much you enjoy this space. Before you start picking out patio ideas for materials and laying your patio, ask yourself important questions such as what will you use it for? How many people should it accommodate? Which part of your garden has the best aspect and sunlight? Will the patio have enough privacy?

How should I position my patio?

If you are designing your patio as a space for entertaining then make sure it’s wide enough for the garden furniture you want so you haven’t got guests tipping over into the flowerbeds. Don’t be wedded to the idea of having your patio attached to the house; think about positioning yours elsewhere in the garden if that space doesn’t offer the best aspect or lighting position. Consider the position of the sun through the course of the day and depending on whether you are most likely to want to dine outside at breakfast, have lunch on your patio or host dinner outside, you may want to position your patio differently. You can connect patios to your house with a footpath or stepping stones to allow easy transportation of food and drink.

How should I design and lay my patio?

Rectangles are the classic shape for patios, not least because they make the most efficient use of space and can be softened with garden edging. However, a rounded patio or a paving circle can perfectly complement a garden which isn’t linear in design. Paving slabs come in an extensive range of materials and are the most practical surface for patios. Yorkstone has the most traditional appeal, whereas concrete blocks, granite and slate patio slabs have a great texture and colour for modern gardens. Natural stones such as limestone, travertine and Indian sandstone vary in colour and finish and are a great way to add shade and texture to your patio. For some patio ideas that offer an alternative to block paving, loose material such as crushed stone and wood chippings have a rustic and more casual feel; if there are specific materials that re-occur elsewhere in the garden, you could repeat this in your choice of patio materials for consistency. Finally, it’s not a British summer without the great British barbeque, so look at patio ideas that incorporate barbeques and think about how you could accommodate one on your patio.

What garden furniture does my patio need?

Rattan garden furniture is a patio favourite, offering a durable, attractive finish that blends well into natural surroundings. Metal garden furniture and wooden garden furniture are sturdy alternatives available in many styles. Weight is a good feature in garden furniture to stop it from being blown away, but if you want to be able to move your furniture around the patio and garden to follow the sun you won’t want to go too heavy. Browse the various patio ideas that include garden furniture to see what styles of furniture go with different types of patios. If you find a particular patio set you like, you may be able to ask the designer where the furniture is from so you can look at buying the same set for your patio. Good, outdoor patio furniture crafted in high-quality materials should withstand bad weather, but cold, wet British winters followed by strong sun in the summer will be enough to weather even the best furniture, so it’s important to have somewhere, such as a shed, to store it when not in use for long periods of time. If you don’t have the space to store patio furniture, make sure that at least the cushions and umbrellas are stowed away out of the elements, and consider investing in a waterproof cover. One piece of furniture that might be able to stay out for a bit longer is a patio heater; it will warm any brave patio users and most modern designs are built to survive the cold weather. If you prefer something a bit more rustic than a patio heater, look at fire pits instead which will add warmth and an attractive centrepiece to your patio. If privacy or shade is an issue, then covering patio furniture with a parasol or sheltering patios with a gazebo or pergola are both smart patio ideas – these can be covered in climbing flowers or even wound with outdoor fairy lights for romantic evening lighting.

United Kingdom

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