Patios & Courtyards
Patios and courtyards are expressions of your lifestyle. Decide how the space will be used to determine its size. Enclosures may influence and restrict the shape, however, paving designs, with their rhythmic repetitive patterns, can serve a more important function such as directing your guests or visually dividing space. Dynamic and swirling paving patterns may blend spaces together and convey an artistic sense.
We consider all the surfacing materials at our disposal (natural, man-made, hard or soft,) and how they affect the surrounding garden. To hydrate deep root systems, you may want water permeable paving so stately nearby trees won’t be starved of water and nutrition. If the legs of your furniture can penetrate a surface, make sure you pick a durable solid paving and not an unstable material like gravel. Make sure your choices will withstand your lifestyle usage and weather conditions. These are decisions a Terrascapes designer can help you make.
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- Random Flagstone Enclosed PatioA small urban patio in Jamaica Plain is ringed with a capped flat stone seating wall housing an entrance to the nearby garden.
Random Flagstone Enclosed PatioA small urban patio in Jamaica Plain is ringed with a capped flat stone seating wall housing an entrance to the nearby garden. - Cozy Corner PatioAlthough there is no furniture gracing this patio yet, it is meant to harbor a chiminea and reading chairs for a cozy view from the second story condominium it belongs to. It is made from random flagstone.
Cozy Corner PatioAlthough there is no furniture gracing this patio yet, it is meant to harbor a chiminea and reading chairs for a cozy view from the second story condominium it belongs to. It is made from random flagstone. - Large Entertaining Blue Stone Patio (Opposite View)
Large Entertaining Blue Stone Patio (Opposite View) - Small Random Fieldstone Reading Patio <br /> (Spring View)This patio was originally designed to sit and read while enjoying the nearby woodland birds.
Small Random Fieldstone Reading Patio
(Spring View)This patio was originally designed to sit and read while enjoying the nearby woodland birds. - Small Random Fieldstone Reading Patio <br />(Winter View)
Small Random Fieldstone Reading Patio
(Winter View) - Raised Kitchen Patio (Rose Garden View)
Raised Kitchen Patio (Rose Garden View) - Raised Kitchen Patio (Wrought Iron Bench)The rounded corner of the patio is designed to accommodate a small breakfast ensemble (or other furniture as shown) and to allow family members a direct path to the mudroom door.
Raised Kitchen Patio (Wrought Iron Bench)The rounded corner of the patio is designed to accommodate a small breakfast ensemble (or other furniture as shown) and to allow family members a direct path to the mudroom door. - Raised Kitchen Patio (Corner Detail)
Raised Kitchen Patio (Corner Detail) - Raised Kitchen Patio (Brick Trim Detail)Trimming out the body of a patio with a decorative contrasting material or color adds interest and finish to any fixed or plain surface.
Raised Kitchen Patio (Brick Trim Detail)Trimming out the body of a patio with a decorative contrasting material or color adds interest and finish to any fixed or plain surface. - Sustainable Water Permeable Patio (Opposite View)The cobble-ringed patio is bonded gravel (Gravel-Lok) which allows the water to seep into the ground and be absorbed by the nearby shade trees. A custom blue stone circle was embedded in the gravel for furniture stability. The gravel is resin hardened making it easy to sweep and leaf blow.
Sustainable Water Permeable Patio (Opposite View)The cobble-ringed patio is bonded gravel (Gravel-Lok) which allows the water to seep into the ground and be absorbed by the nearby shade trees. A custom blue stone circle was embedded in the gravel for furniture stability. The gravel is resin hardened making it easy to sweep and leaf blow. - Patio in the WoodsA gentle path eases the walker down to the hidden circle patio. For cost containment fabricated pavers were used, however, to keep the woodland feel, natural stone slabs rim the patio and are used as steps.
Patio in the WoodsA gentle path eases the walker down to the hidden circle patio. For cost containment fabricated pavers were used, however, to keep the woodland feel, natural stone slabs rim the patio and are used as steps. - Patio in the Woods (Close-Up View)The patio is raised on a bed of gravel to avoid possible erosion from the upper levels and surrounded by andromeda, beautyberry, ferns, hydrangeas, and other shade loving perennials.
Patio in the Woods (Close-Up View)The patio is raised on a bed of gravel to avoid possible erosion from the upper levels and surrounded by andromeda, beautyberry, ferns, hydrangeas, and other shade loving perennials. - Paver PatioSome people just want a nice surface to stand, sit and cook. This paver patio does just that. In fact, the day after it was built there was a summer cook out for 100 in the back yard!
Paver PatioSome people just want a nice surface to stand, sit and cook. This paver patio does just that. In fact, the day after it was built there was a summer cook out for 100 in the back yard! - Patio TerracePatio or deck? The homeowners decided patio, for low maintenance and permanence. A grand multi-directional staircase was designed to sit on and watch family soccer games and to gracefully descend guests into the two acre back lawn. It is flanked by two large pillars with built-in planters is made from American Granite and can hold at least 25-50 guests.
Patio TerracePatio or deck? The homeowners decided patio, for low maintenance and permanence. A grand multi-directional staircase was designed to sit on and watch family soccer games and to gracefully descend guests into the two acre back lawn. It is flanked by two large pillars with built-in planters is made from American Granite and can hold at least 25-50 guests. - Courtyard PatioA tiny barren dirt plot was transformed into this outdoor courtyard used for casual cocktails and family dining. Natural stone slab steps add a more leisurely sense to the space with a small fountain and container garden giving the space a European flavor.
Courtyard PatioA tiny barren dirt plot was transformed into this outdoor courtyard used for casual cocktails and family dining. Natural stone slab steps add a more leisurely sense to the space with a small fountain and container garden giving the space a European flavor. - Tiny Court PatioThis tiny space adjoins two staircases, one to the front door and one to the mudroom. The court patio was designed for a bistro ensemble with multi-directional stairs for added seating to watch driveway basketball games and driveway roller sports.
Tiny Court PatioThis tiny space adjoins two staircases, one to the front door and one to the mudroom. The court patio was designed for a bistro ensemble with multi-directional stairs for added seating to watch driveway basketball games and driveway roller sports. - Cocktail PatioThis patio is smaller than it looks. It is not designed for dining furniture but small conversation spaces. There is a small fire pit and cocktail table. The walls are 18" high with custom sized bluestone caps to accommodate comfortable seating.
Cocktail PatioThis patio is smaller than it looks. It is not designed for dining furniture but small conversation spaces. There is a small fire pit and cocktail table. The walls are 18" high with custom sized bluestone caps to accommodate comfortable seating. - Cocktail Patio (Interior View)
Cocktail Patio (Interior View) - Cocktail Patio( Fire Pit Seating)
Cocktail Patio( Fire Pit Seating) - Cocktail Patio (Corner Seating)
Cocktail Patio (Corner Seating) - Cocktail Patio (Seating Wall Detail)Pebbles are used to trim the patio for visual interest.
Cocktail Patio (Seating Wall Detail)Pebbles are used to trim the patio for visual interest. - Cocktail Patio (Paving Trim Detail)Design details are used to enlarge and provide a clean finish between the bluestone and the lawn area.
Cocktail Patio (Paving Trim Detail)Design details are used to enlarge and provide a clean finish between the bluestone and the lawn area. - Random Flagstone Woodland Circle Patio (Close-Up)The circlular patio is nestled among Virginia sweetspires and sweet gale under-planted with astilbes, and shade loving ground covers to soften its edges. All four family members play the violin making this a great outdoor venue for their family violin concert!!
Random Flagstone Woodland Circle Patio (Close-Up)The circlular patio is nestled among Virginia sweetspires and sweet gale under-planted with astilbes, and shade loving ground covers to soften its edges. All four family members play the violin making this a great outdoor venue for their family violin concert!! - Random Flagstone Woodland Circle Patio <br /> (Bench for Two)This bench for two is constructed from composite wood for no-maintenance worries.
Random Flagstone Woodland Circle Patio
(Bench for Two)This bench for two is constructed from composite wood for no-maintenance worries.
- Random Flagstone Woodland Circle Patio <br />(Bench for Two)
Random Flagstone Woodland Circle Patio
(Bench for Two) - Large Entertaining Blue Stone PatioThis blue stone patio is backed by a steep slope allowing for beautiful stone walls to edge one side. It is designed to connect on both sides to the surrounding gardens. It can easily entertain 50 guests.
Large Entertaining Blue Stone PatioThis blue stone patio is backed by a steep slope allowing for beautiful stone walls to edge one side. It is designed to connect on both sides to the surrounding gardens. It can easily entertain 50 guests. - Small Random Fieldstone Reading Patio <br />(Summer View)
Small Random Fieldstone Reading Patio
(Summer View) - Raised Kitchen Patio (Holiday View)This property rests on a hillside allowing us to add visual interest to the design by varying elevations throughout the property. The kitchen patio is raised to separate the space from the main walkway directing guests away from the private mudroom entrance to the formal guest entrance.
Raised Kitchen Patio (Holiday View)This property rests on a hillside allowing us to add visual interest to the design by varying elevations throughout the property. The kitchen patio is raised to separate the space from the main walkway directing guests away from the private mudroom entrance to the formal guest entrance. - Raised Kitchen PatioOriginally designed to be a breakfast patio, now resting upon it is an antique wrought iron bench surrounded by a container garden and used for watching the dog and enjoying the adjacent English rose garden (rose garden view next photo.)
Raised Kitchen PatioOriginally designed to be a breakfast patio, now resting upon it is an antique wrought iron bench surrounded by a container garden and used for watching the dog and enjoying the adjacent English rose garden (rose garden view next photo.) - Raised Kitchen Patio (Container Garden & Bench)
Raised Kitchen Patio (Container Garden & Bench) - Sustainable Water Permeable Patio
Sustainable Water Permeable Patio - Entry Patio CourtA very small urban back yard entrance is paved with two types of blue stone. The two-by-two blue stone squares are easy to shovel for the residents' easy access to the garage in winter. The remainder of the court is paved with tumbled blue stone which adds a less formal feel to the backyard room they have created for dining and sustainable gardening.
Entry Patio CourtA very small urban back yard entrance is paved with two types of blue stone. The two-by-two blue stone squares are easy to shovel for the residents' easy access to the garage in winter. The remainder of the court is paved with tumbled blue stone which adds a less formal feel to the backyard room they have created for dining and sustainable gardening. - Random Flagstone Woodland Circle PatioNo-mow considerations include patios. A circle patio was designed to fit under the large oak tree. A bench for two is surrounded by lush shade loving plants.
Random Flagstone Woodland Circle PatioNo-mow considerations include patios. A circle patio was designed to fit under the large oak tree. A bench for two is surrounded by lush shade loving plants.
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Come to us with your questions, concerns, and ideas for your yard. Together we can create your perfect outdoor space. Coordinate an initial consultation for residential landscape design or fine gardening.