Gutter installation with downspout piping and gravel bed drainage in Niskayuna, NY. White PVC pipes and drainage gravel installed along the property perimeter to manage roof runoff and foundation water drainage.

Custom granite seat walls and firepit with Pennsylvania bluestone cap. Random pattern square cut PA bluestone patio surface. Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple enframes the view. Alan & Linda Detrick Photography

Side view of Houston outdoor sitting area shows Western Austin limestone, stucco chimney column, 10-foot-high pinewood outdoor ceiling, Rosa flagstone patio and Restoration Hardware outdoor furniture Full project description: Check out this great outdoor sitting area with a stucco and stone fireplace and the largest outdoor ceiling fan we've ever seen! Outdoor living space designs typically match the house exactly - but this one couldn't. The homeowners' association restrictions ended up shrinking the outdoor sitting area from 20-foot-square to 15-foot-square, so the arches couldn't be the same size as they were on the house. After a bit of math and an adjustment in the thickness of the arches, however, Outdoor Homescapes of Houston preserved the proper scale and proportion. Especially problematic was the half arch connecting the free-standing structure to the back of the house - since a gutter had to be added for sufficient drainage. "The wood-burning fireplace will provide heat and definitely cozy up this patio addition as we head into fall and winter - especially with vents that push the heated air directly out into the sitting area," says Franks. "But since this outdoor living space was built for all seasons, the large outdoor ceiling fan will also help keep it cool in summer. In addition to the gas fireplace featuring bench seating, this detached, covered patio also had two outdoor sofas and a coffee table from Restoration Hardware. Built at an angle that faces the back of the house at the far end of the pool and hot tub, this outdoor living space design definitely fulfills its mission to blend in with the existing house. Its light-colored stucco and Western Austin Limestone with bluish-grey accents, for instance, echoes the contemporary home's stone and stucco exterior. The 10-foot-high ceiling under the hipped roof, meanwhile, features a dark stain matching that of the existing covered patio ceiling along the back of the house. The addition's Rosa flagstone patio is also an extension of the existing patio, and the Oklahoma wister flagstone bench seating is a perfect match to the coping on the existing pool. Similarly, the black lantern light fixtures on the support columns of this outdoor sitting area are the same style as those on the house. The client wanted gas light fixtures, like they have on the house. Outdoor Homescapes could only find electric fixtures that matched, but wqw able to convert them into gas fixtures with a conversion kit from Cunningham Gas. The Restoration Hardware seating and coffee table, meanwhile, suit the client's desire to entertain guests in style after dinner while enjoying a cigar. "The project was a challenge, but it turned out beautiful," says company owner Wayne Franks. "And it really does look like it was built with the house."

Photography by Rebecca Lehde
Example of a large classic backyard patio design in Charleston with a fire pit and no cover

Cool & Contemporary is the vibe our clients were seeking out. Phase 1 complete for this El Paso Westside project. Consistent with the homes architecture and lifestyle creates a space to handle all occasions. Early morning coffee on the patio or around the firepit, smores, drinks, relaxing, reading & maybe a little dancing. Cedar planks set on raw steel post create a cozy atmosphere. Sitting or laying down on cushions and pillows atop the smooth buff leuders limestone bench with your feet popped up on the custom gas firepit. Raw steel veneer, limestone cap and stainless steel fire fixtures complete the sleek contemporary feels. Concrete steps & path lights beam up and accentuates the focal setting. To prep for phase 2, ground cover pathways and areas are ready for the new outdoor movie projector, more privacy, picnic area, permanent seating, landscape and lighting to come.

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating!

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun courtyard concrete paver landscaping in Dallas.

Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating!

The free-formed shape of this patio adds visual interest to this homeowner's backyard. The fire pit is accented by the circular paver design. This patio also features a built-in outdoor kitchen.

The free-formed shape of this patio adds visual interest to this homeowner's backyard. The fire pit is accented by the circular paver design. This patio also features a built-in outdoor kitchen.

Downspout Drainage Installation Guilderland, NY Foundation - professional installation in Guilderland Center by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.

French Drain Installation Delmar, NY Yard Drainage - professional installation in Slingerlands by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.

French Drain Installation Guilderland, NY Yard Drainage - professional installation in Guilderland Center by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.

Window Well Drainage Installation Slingerlands, NY Foundation - professional installation in Guilderland by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.

Window Well Drain Installation Slingerlands, NY Basement Drainage - professional installation in Guilderland by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.

Z.O. Landscaping Location: Morristown, NJ, USA This was a backyard renovation. The original deck was removed and we expanded the usable patio area over 1000 sq feet.. The existing stone wall was rebuilt and drainage install into area. We create a patio area using irregular blue stone. The patio included hot tub, pergola in dining area and plenty of room for fire pit table for entertaining. A pathway was create using pea gravel and bordered with Belgium block that was on site. The final touch was the plantings and lighting to complete the renovation. The final result was a beautiful area.

Large residential paver patio in gray tones, laid in a herringbone pattern, with multiple seating zones. Fire pit, dining table, and lounge furniture arranged on permeable pavers. Stepping stones lead from lawn to main patio.

Z.O. Landscaping Location: Morristown, NJ, USA This was a backyard renovation. The original deck was removed and we expanded the usable patio area over 1000 sq feet.. The existing stone wall was rebuilt and drainage install into area. We create a patio area using irregular blue stone. The patio included hot tub, pergola in dining area and plenty of room for fire pit table for entertaining. A pathway was create using pea gravel and bordered with Belgium block that was on site. The final touch was the plantings and lighting to complete the renovation. The final result was a beautiful area.

Yard Drainage Installation Guilderland, NY Stone Trench - professional installation in Guilderland Center by A&S Enterprises. Quality craftsmanship in landscaping, hardscaping and drainage for Capital Region homeowners.