Patio - mediterranean patio idea in San Diego

Large transitional concrete floor and brown floor sunroom photo in Indianapolis with a concrete fireplace, no fireplace and a standard ceiling

Fire torches made from cored stone illuminate this yard, as well as a large granite fire pit; all fueled by propane.
Inspiration for a large traditional partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Portland Maine with a fire pit for spring.

A stunning mountain retreat, this custom legacy home was designed by MossCreek to feature antique, reclaimed, and historic materials while also providing the family a lodge and gathering place for years to come. Natural stone, antique timbers, bark siding, rusty metal roofing, twig stair rails, antique hardwood floors, and custom metal work are all design elements that work together to create an elegant, yet rustic mountain luxury home.

Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard custom-shaped and concrete paver patio fountain design in Orange County with no cover

A fire pit can be built to almost any size. This large natural gas fire pit is built of natural boulders. The natural stone seating insures plenty of room for entertaining.

Most failed paver patios in the Charlotte area don't fail because of the pavers. They fail because of what was skipped underneath. When you see a finished patio, you're looking at the final 2 inches of a 10-inch build. Here's the work that decides how long it lasts: Excavation. 8 to 12 inches below the final surface, down to stable soil. A patio built on topsoil sinks. A patio built on compacted ground doesn't. Base layer. 4 to 6 inches of crushed stone, compacted in lifts. This is the structural backbone — the deeper and denser it is, the straighter the surface stays. Bedding sand. A 1-inch precisely screeded layer of sharp sand. Not decorative — it locks the pavers in place and allows micro-adjustments without disturbing the base. Edge restraint + polymeric sand. The perimeter restraint keeps pavers from spreading sideways. Polymeric sand swept into the joints seals against weeds, insects, and water migration. What you pay for is the 2 inches on top. What makes it last is the 10 inches underneath. That's the difference between a patio that holds up for two decades and one that sinks near the downspout in year three.

Beautiful landscaping leading down a steep rocky site to the ocean. Natural stone stairways curve around both sides of the house. Landscaping by Pacifica Landscape Works Inc. All photographs © 2007 Derek Lepper, All Rights Reserved.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard patio remodel in Philadelphia with a fire pit

Example of a classic patio design in Portland with a fire pit

Photo by Casey Dunn
Patio - contemporary patio idea in Houston with a fire pit and no cover

Eden flagstone patio with cutom fire pit. Character chunks are used for seating.
Mountain style backyard stone patio photo in Milwaukee with a fire pit and no cover

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean full sun backyard stone formal garden in Denver.

Raised bluestone patio with granite sitting walls and custom granite fireplace.
Mountain style patio photo in Boston with a fire pit

Outdoor Gas log fire pit with custom stone surround and flagstone top by Fine's Gas
Patio - large rustic courtyard stone patio idea with a fire pit

Photo by: Linda Oyama Bryan
Patio - traditional backyard stone patio idea in Chicago with a fire pit and no cover

Gas fire pit and surround, constructed with Bluestone stack stone with Thermal Bluestone capstones.
Mid-sized backyard stone patio photo in New York with a fire pit

Outdoor firepit with natural gas. Calstone pavers and Roman Stone custom built with 24" gas ring in 36" pit.
Example of a huge transitional backyard stone full sun patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit and no cover