Backyard, Patio

75 Small Patio Design Ideas for a Small Space or Backyard Makeover

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covered patio firepit lights

One interesting fact about doing a small patio design is that there’s no shortage of great ideas. You are spoilt for choice on the incredible ideas to make your smaller space look better. Some ideas are easy DIY, while others might require an expert hand.

There are countless ways to make a dull-appearing small patio look better. If you work your magic well, you’ll give them a new and exhilarating appearance. You can paint over them, lay a deck or even add curves with pavers. You have numerous inspirational ideas available that you can try out.

Before your search, let’s share our collection of the best small patio ideas with you. Whatever the case, we’ll dive into these ideas and help you make your concrete patio look better!

Backyard Makeover and Smaller Patio Design Ideas

Honestly, a small space is bland and unattractive in its raw form. One of the reasons people use it is because it’s durable. Over time as your patio ages, you may feel the need to remove it and get it hauled away. The removal process will also cost you money.

So instead of removing the concrete patio, you can try out the following to make your patio more attractive:

patio garden

1. Small Backyard Stone Paver Patio with Dining Set

If you have a small backyard, you may think you can’t do much with it. But with the right design ideas, you can turn your small space into a cozy oasis. A small patio is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or relax with a glass of wine in the evening.

small patio movie night

2. Small Backyard Patio with Movie Screen

One great way to entertain guests outdoors is to set up a movie screen and projector. This way, you can host outdoor movie nights for your friends and family. Just invite some neighbors too, so they don’t call the police on you for being too loud!

small patio deck bbq grill

3. Small Backyard Deck with Grill Cooking Station

One great way to use a small backyard is to build a deck. This will give you extra space for entertaining and relaxing. You can even add a grill cooking station to your deck if you want to get creative. This will make it the perfect place for summer cookouts.

small patio cooking dining space

4. Small Backyard Concrete Tile Patio with Cooking Station

One way to make the most of a small backyard is to create a multi-purpose space. For example, this backyard patio features a cooking station, seating area, and garden. By using concrete tiles, the space feels open and airy while still being low-maintenance.

gravel patio firepit

5. Small Outdoor Space with Gravel Patio and Firepit

Working with a small outdoor space, you can still make it cozy and inviting. Add a gravel patio and firepit for a warm, intimate gathering spot.

small patio deck off master bedroom

6. Budget Patio Furniture and Small Round Table on Private Deck

There’s no need to break the bank when it comes to patio furniture. Choose pieces that are easy to care for, like budget-friendly wicker or plastic. These can even be repurposed pieces from a local salvage or antique shop.

covered small patio grill

7. Adirondack Chairs and Grill on Covered Stained Concrete Patio

Adirondack chairs are the perfect seating option for a small patio. They are comfortable and stylish. Add a grill to your patio, and you can cook out all summer long.

small patio deck hammock

8. Small Terrace Patio with Hammock and DIY Furniture

One great way to make the most of a small patio is to choose functional and stylish furniture. For example, a hammock is a great place to relax, but it also takes up very little space.

rustic patio pallet furniture

9. Small Paver Patio with Pallet Side Table and Chairs

Another excellent option for small patio furniture is DIY projects. You can save money and get exactly the look you want by making your furniture. There are plenty of great tutorials online on making your outdoor furniture from pallets.

small patio dining

10. Small Flagstone Patio with Umbrella Dining Table

One of the best ways to use a small patio is to create a flagstone patio. Flagstone patios are beautiful, but they’re also very durable and easy to care for. You can find flagstone pavers at most home improvement stores, and they’re relatively inexpensive.

covered dining gazebo grill

11. Covered Tile Patio with Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Set

One great way to make your small patio look bigger is to use a covered tile patio. This will make it appear to have more space than you do. You can also add an outdoor kitchen and dining set to your covered tile patio. This will allow you to entertain guests on your patio without worrying about the weather.

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12. Rustic Pallet DIY Furniture on Small Covered Patio

If you’re looking for small patio ideas that won’t cost a fortune, why not try making some rustic pallet furniture? This is the perfect project for those handy with a few tools, and it’s a great way to add some extra seating or storage to your outdoor space.

All you’ll need is some basic woodworking skills and a few tools to get started. You can find pallets for free at many hardware stores or online, and they’re easy to disassemble and work with. Once you have your materials, simply sand down the pallets, stain or paint them to your desired finish, and then assemble them into chairs, benches, or other pieces.

small patio with pallet furniture

13. Nordic Inspired Pallet Furniture with Rusty Firepit

Patio created this beautiful, small patio design with Nordic-inspired pallet furniture. The centerpiece of this patio is the stunning rusty firepit that makes it perfect for chilly evenings. This design also features a small dining area and a cozy seating area. This is the perfect patio for a small space or backyard makeover.

small front patio swing

14. Small Front Patio with Swing Bed

If you have a small front patio, you can still make it inviting and comfortable by adding a swing bed. This will give you a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors without too much space. You can also add some potted plants to create a more inviting space.

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15. Adirondack Swing on Small Pergola

If you have a small backyard or patio, you can still enjoy the outdoors by adding a swing. This Adirondack swing is perfect for a small space. The swing seats two people, so you can enjoy the outdoors with a friend or family member.

small patio comfortable seating

16. Small Patio with Furniture Stained Concrete

If you’re looking for small patio ideas on a budget, one of the best things you can do is opt for stained concrete. Stained concrete is very affordable, and it can give your patio a unique look. You can also add accents to the concrete by using stencils or stamps.

small patio dining railing

17. Small Townhouse Patio with Dining Area

If you have a small townhouse or condo, you can still make the most of your outdoor space with a small patio. This one has a dining area and plenty of seating to invite friends over for dinner or drinks. There’s even room for a potted plant or two to add some greenery.

patio herb garden

18. Small Apartment Patio Herb Garden

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your small space, why not try growing some herbs? They will add beauty to your balcony or porch, but they’ll also help keep the air in your home clean and fresh.

small patio wood wall

19. Small Apartment Balcony with Wood Wall and Plants

One way to make the most of a small patio is to choose multi-functional furniture. For example, a coffee table with a built-in cooler is perfect for entertaining. With a few key pieces of furniture and some well-chosen decor, you can maximize a small patio with shelves or hanging plants.

small terrace patio black railing

20. Small Balcony Patio with Budget-Friendly Design

If you have a small balcony or patio, you may think that your design options are limited. But with a bit of creativity, you can transform your small outdoor space into a stylish and functional retreat even on a budget.

small round patio

21. Small Round Patio Staggered Wall Planks

While this is not an out-of-the-box kind of idea, it is excellent. The variety of materials used will add life to your bland concrete. You can add low walls that create a contained outdoor room. For instance, if you choose to make a decorated border, let’s say with veneer, it is more visually appealing.

You can design the walls using other materials as well. Furthermore, you can build a higher wall if the environment allows. For example, if you live on a hilly side, adding a wall fits the design.

To top it off, you can add matching furniture, landscape designs, and flower pots to accentuate the look further.

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22. Fenced Backyard Paver Patio Design with Gate Entry

If you have a small backyard or patio, you may think that your design options are limited. But with a bit of creativity, you can transform even the smallest outdoor space into a stylish and functional retreat.

One of the easiest ways to make a small patio more functional is to add a fence. A fence can provide privacy and protection from the elements, and it can also help define the space.

Consider using decorative panels or latticework if you’re looking for a more stylish way to add a fence. You can also use potted plants or trellises to create an attractive border.

small patio fish pond

23. Wood Patio Garden with Fishpond and Flowers

A small patio can be a great addition to any yard or home. It can provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors while also adding value to your property. If you’re looking for small patio design ideas, keep a few things in mind.

Consider adding some personal touches to your patio with decorations or unique furniture. These small details can make a big difference in your space’s overall look and feel.

small patio chairs

24. Small Patio with Wild Flower Garden

A small patio is a perfect solution if you’re tight on space. This intimate garden features a variety of colorful wildflowers, creating a beautiful and inviting space to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

bench brick paver small patio

25. Brick Moss Covered Patio with Rustic Wood Bench

This small patio design is perfect for a cozy backyard or space-saving porch. The brick flooring and mossy covering give it a rustic charm, while the built-in bench and simple furniture keep it feeling clean and modern. Add some potted plants or hanging greenery to bring the outdoors in.

small brick patio chairs garden

26. Small Brick Patio with Landscaping and Blue Wicker Furniture

If you have a small backyard or patio, you can still make it feel like an oasis with some thoughtful design choices. A small brick patio with well-placed landscaping and blue wicker furniture is the perfect spot to relax on a summer day.

front patio colorful

27. Colorful Front Entry Patio with Stained Wood Front Door

This small patio design is situated in the front of a home and features a stained wood front door. The space is decorated with colorful red-painted decking, black metal railing against an earthy green siding.

front entry color patio

28. Summer Inspired Small Front Patio with Bench

If you have a small patio, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make it beautiful and inviting. This summer-inspired small front patio features bench seating and bright, colorful pillows. Add some string lights to create a warm and inviting space to enjoy the summer evenings.

light blue front patio

29. Small Front Patio with White Rocking Chairs

You can still make it inviting and cozy if you have a small front patio. All you need are some white rocking chairs and a few potted plants. Add a small table between the chairs so you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.

coastal front patio

30. Coastal Inspired Front Entry with Potted Plants

A small patio can be the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your small patio, check out this coastal-inspired front entry idea with potted plants. Adding some greenery to your deck will create a relaxing oasis, and you can quickly move the potted plants around to find the perfect spot.

farmhouse front patio

31. Farmhouse Inspired Small Front Patio Entrance

If you have a small space, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful and inviting patio. This farmhouse-inspired small front patio is the perfect example. The key to making this work is to keep it simple. A few potted plants, a small table and chairs, and some string lights are all you need to create a cozy and inviting space.

front patio entry color

32. Small Front Entrance with Red Entry Door

If you have a small front entrance, make it with a bright red entry door. It will add curb appeal and make your space feel more inviting. Consider adding some greenery or flowers to make it pop.

front entrance patio red door

33. Traditional Inspired Small Front Patio Entrance

If you have a small space for your patio, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make it look great! This traditionally inspired patio entranceway with a bright red door is the perfect example. A small table and chairs set up on the patio provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

rustic design patio

34. Rustic Old House Inspired Front Entrance Patio

One of the best ways is to design a rustic old house-inspired front entrance patio. You can do this by using old tables, washtubs, and barrels to line the path to the front door. You can also use plants and flowers native to your area to add some color and life to the space.

Mexican Front Patio

35. Mexican Inspired Small Front Patio Entrance

If you have a small patio, courtyard, or balcony, there’s no reason why you can’t make it into a stylish and inviting space. You can transform even the tiniest outdoor area into a beautiful alfresco retreat with a bit of creativity.

One of the easiest ways to add style to a small patio is with color. Painted walls, patterned tiles, and colorful flower pots help inject personality and life into the area.

Plants are also a great way to add interest to a small space. Potted plants, hanging baskets, and climbers can all be used to create a green oasis, even in the smallest of patios.

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36. Small Paver Patio with Stone Outdoor Fireplace

A small paver patio with an outdoor stone fireplace is the perfect spot for entertaining in your backyard. This design features a built-in bench and low-maintenance plantings.

enclosed brick patio rustic

37. Small Screened Brick Floor Patio

You can still have a beautiful patio if you have a small space. This screened brick floor patio is the perfect example. The brick flooring and white furniture give it a classic look that will never go out of style. This is the ideal spot to relax with a coffee or a glass of wine.

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38. Rustic Inspired Covered Patio with Outdoor Kitchen

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard with some trees, this covered patio design is perfect. The rustic wood beams and stone columns give it a cozy cabin feel, while the outdoor kitchen and dining area make it ideal for entertaining.

covered small terrace patio coastal

39. Small Coastal Covered Patio with Tile Floor

If you have a small patio, you may think that your design options are limited. But with the correct elements, you can turn even the smallest outdoor space into a stylish and inviting retreat. A small coastal covered patio with tile flooring is one such example.

The furniture is also kept to a minimum, which helps to open up the space even further. And finally, the addition of an area rug completes the look and gives the space a real sense of life.

small screened patio dining

40. Small Screened Patio with Rustic Table and Chairs

If you have a small space for your patio, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make it lovely and inviting. This small screened patio features a rustic table and chairs, perfect for enjoying a coffee in the morning or a card game with family in the evening.

pergola patio bowl firepit flowers

41. Small Wood Patio with Shed Roof and Bowl Firepit

Look for small patio ideas that make the most of a small space or backyard makeover; look no further than this beautiful wood patio. This small patio has a shed roof and a bowl fire pit, perfect for cozy gatherings. The best part? It can be built in just one weekend!

cover patio black tan furniture

42. Small Covered Patio with Outdoor Carpet

You can still make it cozy and inviting if you have a small patio. One way to do this is by adding a covered patio. This will give you a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the weather. Another way to make your small patio more inviting is by adding outdoor carpeting. This will help create a warm and inviting space that you can enjoy spending time in.

cover patio shed roof swing

43. Small Patio with Painted Floor and Shed Roof

A small patio doesn’t have to be boring! This one has a painted floor and shed roof for added interest. If you’re working with a small space, you’ll need to get creative with your patio design.

A little bit of planning can go a long way, and it’s essential to choose the right furniture and accessories to make the most of your small patio.

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44. Small Contemporary Patio with Stone Outdoor Grill Station

This small patio is perfect for entertaining! The built-in stone grill station is the space’s focal point, and the raised beds add a touch of greenery. The concrete pavers provide a durable and easy-to-maintain surface.

pergola gravel firepit

45. Small Pergola over Gravel Patio with Rectangular Fire Pit

If you have a small patio or backyard, you may think that your design options are limited. But with a bit of creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional retreat.

pergola lights 2

46. Small Concrete Tile Patio with Pergola and Lighting

A small concrete tile patio is an excellent option if tight on space. You can easily add personality to your patio by choosing a unique tile pattern or color. And, if you want to get creative, you can even create your tile design!

To make your patio feel more like an outdoor room, consider adding a pergola and some lighting. You can turn your small patio into a cozy oasis with a few well-placed lights.

pergola patio backyard

47. Stamped Concrete Patio with Pergola and Summer Kitchen

A stamped concrete patio is a great way to add style and elegance to your small space. This design features a pergola and summer kitchen, making it the perfect spot to entertain guests or relax in the shade. The dark stain on the concrete gives it a rich look that is perfect for any backyard.

small patio gazebo cover

48. Small Patio with Metal Pergola Wicker Furniture

One of the best ways to make the most of a small patio is to choose furniture and accessories proportionate to the size of the space. A metal pergola is a great way to provide some shade, while wicker furniture and string lights create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

cabanna concrete patio

49. Small Cabana on Concrete Patio

Consider adding a cabana if you have a small concrete patio that you want to update. A small cabana can provide shade and privacy without too much space. You can find small cabanas at most home improvement stores or online.

round pergola fireplace seating concrete pavers

50. Small Paver Patio with Custom Fireplace and Wood Pergola

This small paver patio features a custom fireplace and wood pergola. The pavers used for the patio are a light color, which helps to brighten up the small space. The fireplace and pergola provide some shade and privacy, making this an ideal spot for relaxing or entertaining.

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51. Slate Patio at Townhouse with Lounge Chairs

Laying slate tiles is what I did to our concrete patio. I can confirm that it helped improve my concrete patio’s appearance. Concrete is well adapted as a tile base, which will fit seamlessly. In a sense, this is a complete makeover since laying slate tiles gives a new transformation.

First, you have to examine the concrete base to ensure it is primed well for laying the tiles. Check out cracks and broken ends to repair them.

Remember that it’s easier to hire a professional tiler to do the job. They’ll ensure you get the best finishes. The process of laying tiles is more technical than, let’s say, building a high wooden death.

Plus, the final tiled patio measurements must not go higher than the recommended rise.

townhouse courtyard garden patio

52. Small Brick Patio with Garden on Townhouse

This brick patio was built as an addition to a townhouse. It is an excellent design for small patios because it uses the space well and includes a garden.

The garden borders a brick patio and has a variety of plants, including some that are climbing up the side of the house. This is a great way to add some greenery to a small patio space.

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53. Private Concrete Tile Townhouse Patio with Masonry Walls

Delivering an intimate outdoor experience, this small patio in a townhouse complex features concrete tiles and masonry walls. A small table and chairs create a perfect spot for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or tea. The potted plants add a splash of color and life to the space.

small patio wood privacy wall

54. Small Townhouse Patio with Wood Privacy Wall

If you’re working with a small space, one of the best ways to make the most of it is by adding a privacy wall. This small townhouse patio features a wood privacy wall that provides privacy and hanging baskets for plants.

small backyard pool

55. Small Backyard Pool and Patio

Here are some small backyard pool and patio design ideas that will help you create a functional and beautiful space.

Consider the shape of your patio. If you have a square or rectangular patio, you may want to consider a more traditional pool design. If you have a circular or kidney-shaped patio, you may want to consider a more free-form pool design.

small backyard pool paver deck

56. Small Paver Patio with Inground Swimming Pool

One of the easiest ways to add a bit of style to your small patio is with pavers. Pavers come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to create a unique look for your patio. A small pool is a great way to cool off in the summer and can be used for entertaining guests. If you don’t have the space for a pool, consider adding a small fountain or water feature and this paver patio pool deck.

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57. Stain Your Concrete Patio

This is the most common way of bringing an old concrete patio to life. Staining gives your old concrete patio a tile appearance. The process is pretty simple; you may use tapes to create grout lines all over the patio and then stain the entire surface.

Once you take out the tapes, they will leave your patio looking like tiles. The best thing is to contact a professional to ensure the finish is pristine and in order. However, if you are confident enough, you can dig in and make it an enjoyable DIY.

To avoid degrading the paving, you need to add a sealant because staining weakens the patio surface. Generally, staining chirps into the surface and alters the color and texture. 

As a requirement, you need to clean the patio surface before starting the staining process.

painted patio black privacy wall

58. Small Concrete Patio with Creative Painting

Painting is easy, but you can get a total concrete makeover if you get creative—painting ideas, including drawing patterns or playing around with gradients. If you engage a professional, they can do wonders with paint.

First, you need to power wash your concrete before painting. For creative patterns, you can get a designer to do stencils. Or you can work with gradients or shades. For example, you can have a pattern created in two different shades of grey.

Other cool ideas include painting diamonds or even circular patterns. Also, you may get creative by using contrasting colors. 

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59. Small Patio with Colorful Painted Pavers

If you have a small patio, you might think you can’t do much with it. But with a bit of creativity, you can turn your small patio into a stylish and functional space.

One way to make your small patio stand out is to add color. You can do this by painting the pavers or using colorful outdoor furniture and accessories.

deck over concrete

60. Wood Decking Floor over Concrete Patio

While laying a decking floor is not the cheapest method out there, it improves the appearance of your concrete patio. Most people are surprised when they learn that it’s possible to lay a decking floor on concrete.

A decking floor helps to warm up your patio in an exciting way. When laying decking floors, you can do it yourself or hire a professional company. For fine finishes, you can add fascia boards of contrasting colors on the side of the decking floor.

The decking floor adds a beautiful appeal because of the overall change in appearance while at the same time remaining unique. Laying a decking floor is a fantastic way of creating an inviting, comforting and cozy environment in the outdoors.

cinder block landscape timber furniture

61. Small Concrete Patio with DIY Cinder Block Bench

If you’re looking for small patio ideas, check out this one. It features a small concrete patio with a DIY cinder block bench. The bench provides both seating and storage, and the bright colors add a fun pop of color to the space. The cinder block bench is easy to build and can be completed in just a few hours.

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62. Small Paver Patio with Metal Firepit

If you’re working with a small space, you can still significantly impact your patio design. This small paver patio features a metal fire pit as the focal point, surrounded by gravel and landscaping stones. The use of dark pavers helps to anchor the space and give it a more polished look.

small deck patio fireplace

63. Small Patio Deck with Stone Fireplace

If you have a small patio or deck, you might think that your design options are limited. But with a bit of creativity, you can turn even the smallest outdoor space into a stylish and functional retreat.

One of the best ways to use a small patio is to create a multi-purpose space. For example, you can have a seating area for relaxing and entertaining around a stone fireplace and a cooking area for grilling.

small concrete patio firepit chairs

64. Small Stamped Concrete Patio and Border with Firepit

One great way to make the most of a small patio is to use stamped concrete for the flooring. Stamped concrete can give your patio the look of stone or brick pavers at a fraction of the cost. And it’s easy to maintain and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

patio firepit string lights

65. Small Backyard Concrete Patio with Firepit and Paver Walkway

If you have a small backyard, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a stylish and functional patio. There is a concrete patio with a paver walkway and a gas firepit in this backyard. This is an excellent example of making the most of a small backyard space.

small patio chair

66. Small Front Entrance Patio with Uplighting

If you have a small front entrance patio, uplighting can help to make it look more inviting and add some extra curb appeal. Uplighting can also be used to highlight features like potted plants or sculptures.

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67. Small Deck Patio with String Lighting Backdrop

A small deck or patio can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with a lot of maintenance. String lights are a great way to add ambiance and make the space feel more inviting.

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68. Small Concrete Tile Patio with String Lights

When it comes to small patio ideas, sometimes less is more. This small concrete tile patio features simple, clean lines and furniture. The string lights add a touch of whimsy and romance. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.

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69. Small Patio with Seating Area and Overhead Net Lighting

One way to make the most of a small patio is to create a seating area. A small table and chairs are all you need to create a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can also add a small bench or loveseat to your seating area if you have the space.

Another way to maximize a small patio is to add overhead net lighting. This type of lighting is perfect for small spaces because it doesn’t take up any floor space.

covered patio lights

70. Small Covered Patio with Seating and Hanging Lights

This small patio design is perfect for a cozy backyard or outdoor space. The covered patio keeps the area shaded and protected from the elements, while the hanging lights add a touch of ambiance. The seating area is inviting and comfortable, making it the perfect place to relax with friends or family.

Other Small Patio Space Ideas

71. Add an Outdoor Rug

Now here is an inexpensive way to liven up your concrete patio. Some makeovers can cost an arm and leg, but rugs are affordable compared to other methods. You can add a large area rug, love seat, pillows, and cushions with contrasting colors.

Rugs and pillows look great with some outdoor furniture. You can add a coffee table while the pillows and cushions sit comfortably on the rugs. This combo is both stylish and adds an inexpensive aesthetic appeal.

72. Build a Structure Over It

There are two ideas you can try out to get mind-boggling results. One idea is to build a gazebo, while the other is to add a pergola. The gazebo is great for outdoor relaxation and comfort.

With each of these two designs, you need to add furniture because this awesomeness needs it. If you add a pergola, the sunlight hits different on the surface. You get to enjoy the coziness they offer.

Moreso, the pergola or any overhead structure helps to enclose the space. Gazebos and pergolas make the outdoor feel more private, thus comforting. All you have to do is check your patio and see which overhead structure is best suited.

An overhead trellis will play around with natural sunlight creating beautiful patterns, and you can add just about anything, such as speakers, vines, or even ceiling fans.

A wooden gazebo will work wonders! Just like a pergola, a wooden gazebo doesn’t come cheap. They help concentrate the appeal on a single point over your concrete patio. You can place matching furniture in the middle and trellis frames on the sides to add to the highlights.

There are a dozen ideas on the gazebo painting you can try out. Similarly, you can select different gazebo designs.

73. Fake Stone Appearance

You may have seen the fake stone look somewhere, even if you do not know how to do it. How was it? Did you like it? If so, you can use it to make your concrete patio look better. One of the ways you can achieve this look is by using a patterned rubber roller.

On the other hand, you can hire a company to do that. The patterned rubber roller comes in stone, bricks, or graphic patterns. However, if you wish to purchase one, the cheapest goes $900.

A roller will help craft stamped walkways and a popping patio. Alternatively, in the place of rubber patterned rollers, you may use concrete stamping. It contains an embossed pattern that you can apply on wet concrete. You place the mat on the wet concrete and then apply pressure. Then repeat the process to create the fake stone look.

74. Change The Concrete Patio Edges

Some concrete patios have precast concrete pavers. In most cases, the concrete slabs or pavers come in square form. To improve the appearance and landscape design, you can make yours curvy.

If your concrete slabs are in good shape without major blemishes, cut using a circular saw to redesign the edges. The idea is to reshape the slabs by removing portions in the edges. Then you may add some landscaping designs such as flowering or grass around the new edges.

This will make the design feel like something new, improving your dull concrete patio. In addition, you may tweak the appearance by adding furniture if you have it already. After redesigning, you can even have a party on the patio.

75. Add Concrete Pavers

You can get varied designed pavers with different colors, shapes, textures, and sizes. The good thing about pavers is that they add depth to your concrete design. The most iconic pavers are the curved ones. You can add the curves using pavers rather than remain with a typical square slab.

Butt pavers together to create a continuous surface and avoid plant overgrowing. Otherwise, if you decide to leave spaces between them, you can add gravel or pebbles in between them. With distances between them, it means you’ll buy fewer pavers.

The other option is to use clay pavers, which are bricks in the real sense. You can make a fire brick using the extra bricks. In comparison with natural stones, clay pavers are less expensive.

How to Improve an Old Concrete Patio

Unlike the new concrete patio, where you can play around with different designs, older ones have limitations. However,  there are several designs you can implement on a more aged concrete patio to make it look better.

Here are some of the creative ideas you can try out.

Creative Concrete Patio Ideas

Modern designs call for upgrades or, instead, the usage of creative designs for your home. Nevertheless, your home design could borrow from gothic, roman, or early 20th century designs. Wherever you are, you can get inspiration to brighten your concrete patio.

The Seamless Transition

Your concrete patio rhymes perfectly with your house flooring design with this type of design. So there is no break between the two flooring spaces. This type of design is from the 20th century when you barely notice that you’ve moved from the indoors to the outdoors.

Because of its appeal, this design always feels current. With a beautiful French or sliding door, you quickly move from the house into the patio with much ease. Both spaces are on the same level and sometimes use similar materials.

Moreover, they share colors or closely related colors that you do not know when moving from one to another. Ideally, you can try out this design if you have a one-story home with a wide-open spacious backyard.

Dress Up The Concrete Patio

There is no shortage of dressing ideas! One key factor in dressing up your concrete patio is the ambiance. With numerous ideas on how to dress up, you can add the missing spark to your concrete patio.

Play around with the following elements to dress up your concrete patio:

  • Play around with lighting to add romance and comfort
  • Fire to add mood and the right atmosphere
  • Screens to add privacy in the outdoors
  • Flora and fauna for the pleasant aromas and feeling

Get more inspirational ideas on how to dress up your patio from the internet. For instance, you’ll see some of the best ways to play around with various lighting, including candles, chandeliers, etc.

Refinish The Surface

Concrete experts can refinish your patio through scoring and paving. And just like staining, these types of concrete cement work well on cured concrete.

  • You do scoring by cutting about a quarter into the concrete. In the process, the cuttings will leave patterns that add to the visuals of the entire patio. The most common patterns are diamonds, repetitive lines, and grids.
  • Paving veneers; you can add pavers over an old concrete patio for beautification. You have to check that the paving height is not dangerous while walking or the drainage. The concrete set the foundation for the pavers. If done incorrectly, some imbalance might affect walkways or stairways.

Remember to select a sealant or stain that creates a nonslip flooring for safety purposes. In that case, you should avoid indoor concrete finishes because they may not augur well with outdoor landscapes. Typically, they become slippery when it rains.

Play Around With Natural Light

Shades are excellent, especially in the summer. Usually, if you get creative with your design, you can have perfect lighting hitting your concrete patio. Depending on the surrounding, you can be amazed by the dappled shades.

The idea is to play around with natural light or downcast outdoor lighting to ensure beautiful shades drop on your patio. Add shades that will blind the natural or artificial lighting to make it more appealing.

If your patio feels gloomy and dark, you can brighten it by adding natural lighting during the day or low glow lights at night.

What Can I Cover My Concrete Patio With?

So far, we’ve seen several ways you can improve your concrete patio appearances—some of the ideas fit in with this topic. For instance, staining is one way you can cover a concrete patio.

 Here is a highlight of some of the materials you may use to cover a concrete patio.

  • Painting a solid color or pattern is a great way to cover a patio
  • You can also use a rug to cover the patio
  • Again, staining is an excellent way to change the appearance of a dull concrete patio
  • Paving ideas make an excellent concrete patio cover
  • Laying tiles
  • Lack decking floor

You can try some of these ideas as fun DIY or hire a professional.

Final Thoughts

There is no shortage of ideas to make a concrete patio look better. We have included 14 excellent ideas you can try out at home. Some of these ideas are inexpensive, while others will require the help of professionals to execute flawlessly.

One more straightforward way of changing the appearance of your concrete is by covering it with a rug. It is easy to execute even without extra help. You have to add some cushions and play around with the colors.

Painting is also easy, especially if you are good at it. Make the painting better by doing various patterns using stencils. Of course, you must be excellent at it to achieve the best results.

It is essential to select a cover-up or makeover solution that suits your overall design perfectly. Even if the cost implications are a consideration, pick a solution that will add to your overall home design. The bottom line is that your concrete patio shouldn’t be boring; spice it up with any of these ideas.

Pick one and try executing it or hire a company to do it for you.

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Hubert Miles

I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance.
DISCLAIMER: The content published on HomeInspectionInsider.com is not professional advice. You should consult with a licensed professional and check local permit requirements before starting any project.
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