But one of the most important elements, in fact, one of the key elements to a great backyard is a great patio. And there are a wide variety of ideas that people incorporate in creating a great patio.

It is extremely important to know that there are a large variety of ideas and solutions available for patio design. I would even say that it can represent the most creative and versatile aspect of your house. 

If you're looking for a patio that is connected to your house, consider adding a balcony to an upstairs room. This will create a shaded area below which you can create a beautiful patio around. Flagstone pavers, ceramic tiles, concrete are the best bet for these kinds of patios, because of it's natural earth-tones and look, but also for it's practicality as you do not want areas near your home to be open dirt unless they are planters. Although somewhat more costly, the bonus to these kind of patio designs is that you also get a balcony to which you can add a second relaxing area to.

If a balcony seems a bit too much, consider interlocking patio roof. This is perfect for those people that want a bit more natural light, but without the direct heat from the sun. These are also great for those with a green thumb and wish to plant some vines to create an even more natural roof. Although, if you go this direction, please consider getting aluminum or vinyl patio materials, because wood wears out easily from the stress of weather and the plants. Interlocking patio cover roofs can also be paired up with a retractable cover that would provide even more shelter from the sun or rain.

But what if you want a great patio that is a little bit away from your home? Or on the other side of the backyard? 

In cases like this you have even more options of what you can do. If you have a large lawn, for example, consider using natural stones that are separated an inch or two from one another, allowing the green grass to grow in between and contrast with the gray or brown tones of the rock.

Outdoor fire pits are a great way to have a summer evening by the fire. It is strongly recommended to build these on top of solid stone, cement, or vinyl material, and a few feet away from anything flammable. Keep in mind that during the hot summer months, a lot of your vegetation may become prone to fires, so be wary of keeping grass or trees near by. Outdoor fire pits can serve as an excellent center for an outdoor back yard patio.

Consider also a small gazebo near a corner of your backyard. There is a large variety of choices you can go with, and I recommend taking advantage of the sunny days and creating a interlocking patio roof to go with the gazebo. If you plan to install any outdoor electronic equipment, like a television or audio set, do consider installing a solid roof or at the very least retractable covers.

A beautiful patio can easily become the centerpiece of your backyard. And in fact, in some cases can become the inviting centerpiece of your entire home. It's also one of the areas of home remodeling with such a large variety of options and ideas, that almost anything can be done. There are far less restrictions and limitations when it comes to great patio design. But it also requires someone with an eye for design, and someone with a lot of creativity to create that kind of a patio! We at US Home Developers employ agents with years of experience and a flare for backyard design and remodeling to tackle a wide variety of these issues. Make sure your contractor also staffs the most qualified designers so you can truly make your backyard shine!