Once upon a time, there were not many options to choose from when one wanted to create a patio or deck; nowadays, this is not the case at all. Now, the choice of your backyard patio design is dictated by your tastes, imagination and available backyard space. Even with just a small space, you can enjoy stylish outdoor living.

Patios used to be mainly made of concrete. Nowadays, your choice of materials depends on the feel you’re going for and your budget. Brick is a classical look that many people opt for. This material is relatively easy to install and durable; brick patio designs can include a smooth surface or a rugged look.

Patio pavers are an inexpensive, durable and easy to install option offering a wide selection in design. A paver for the patio can offer you many shapes, sizes, and colors. Flagstone is also an option, though it is more expensive than pavers. Stone patio designs can incorporate stones that are pre-cut and standard sized or random sized; patio stone designs can also include both.

Concrete itself has been transformed; you can spice up concrete patio designs with colors, designs, dyes, staining and texturing methods. You can even imprint it with your own personal objects, like a family crest. Patio designs can actually include many different types of surface; mix and match for an interesting effect. Think about adding pebbles, gravel, bricks and tile for a more artistic feel.

If you are planning to take your meals or have dinner parties on your patio, make sure you allow for an area that will accommodate a table and chairs. If space is limited, think about using planters with wide borders that can double as make-shift benches. Think about adding a storage shed for gardening tools, outside cooking materials, bikes or toys, or a deck box that can be used both for storage and as make-shift seating.

Before you start building your patio or deck, make sure you have patio or deck designs. They don’t have to be too complex, but you should have an idea of what the patio or deck will be used for, how big you’d like it, what kind of feel you’d like it to have, and what kind of accessories you’d like to add to it. Are you going to add an outdoor fireplace? Do you want to add a patio cover? What kind of patio cover design are you looking for? What about the doors? Traditionally, sliding doors were the popular choice for patio designs; nowadays, however, more people are choosing French doors for a more elegant touch. Before physically doing anything, you should really experiment with as many patio design ideas as possible in your head and on paper and talk to members of your family as well to understand what they want from the patio.

There are many different types of outdoor patio designs. Homeowners who like basking in the sun can opt for open patios; these designs are free from trees, overhangs and have very few obstructions or structures that can block the sun and cause shade. You will be assured maximum exposure to sun and air in this way. You can also opt or a patio room, or sunroom. These are enclosed patios and will allow you to enjoy the outdoors year round without actually having to be outside.

If a completely enclosed patio is not your thing, then you can choose a covered patio. This type of patio allows you to enjoy the outdoors without being fully exposed to the elements. You don’t have to give up on the sun completely, though; part of your patio design can extend beyond the shaded area. Unlike the enclosed patio, this design will not allow you to enjoy your patio year round, but offers some more flexibility than an open patio.

So-called “retreat” patios are ideal if you are looking for some privacy. These patios are found away from the house and are most often built among trees or thick shrubbery. There is always the option of building a small path that leads either from the house or some main patio to this hidden sanctuary.

Landscaping is also important in both garden and patio design. Plants can lend color, fragrance and feel to a patio; there actually a number of software packages available that can help you with your landscape patio design. Paying attention to your backyard patio landscaping design can greatly enhance the feel of your patio. Also consider adding some lighting; you can have the lights built into your patio, free-standing, overhead or low to the ground. Adding a water feature, like a small fountain or water fall can add an exotic yet tranquil air to your patio.