From our friends at Better Home and Garden:

Patio Designs

If patio plans are on your agenda, you've come to the right place. Whether you're building a new patio or renovating an existing one, we have dreamy design ideas and practical tips to help you create the perfect deck or patio. Start with inspiring tips on ways to transform the patio you already have. If you want to add more seclusion to your patio space, turn to our garden tour of a peaceful retreat that offers plants, accents, and more. To make your yard the perfect family-gathering spot, we have design tips and ideas so you can create the patio of your dreams. If you're starting from scratch, make sure your patio is the most successful it can be. Let us help you figure out what you want from your space, as well as how big it should be. We show you the best ways to create and build a deck or patio and provide garden plans for beautiful planted accents. Once you're done with the building and planting, it's time to finish the space with furniture, lighting, accessories, and accents; figure out what you need and how to take care of it with our guide.