Summary

  • Design a herringbone pattern for a visually stunning brick patio with an interlocking pattern.
  • Combine brick and stone to create an interesting and elegant patio design with contrasting materials.
  • Consider extending your patio with a lawn to create the illusion of added space and bring nature to the design.

A brick patio offers an inviting and timeless appeal to outdoor spaces. The classic design and versatility of bricks make them ideal for creating a stylish and functional, relaxing area. Whether you are looking for a cozy nook to rest or a grand entertaining space, countless design ideas are possible when you put your DIY skills to use.

Discover some of the best patterns and design ideas that will fit your budget and style, and create the outdoor space of your dreams.

1 Round It Up: Going Circular

Build a patio in the round

circular brick patio with gazebo and fireplace
Circular brick patio with gazebo and fireplace.
Image credits: shippee via Shutterstock

A circular patio is a classic and elegant choice that creates a welcoming atmosphere for entertaining guests or enjoying evenings. Build this patio design in various sizes, making it ideal for small and large backyards. It also allows for easy integration of features, like a fire pit or a fountain, to enhance the overall ambiance.

Before placing a patio, make sure the spot where you want to build has good drainage, enough space for all the DIY ideas you're planning, and will not make any underground pipes or electrical lines inaccessible.

2 Design a Herringbone Pattern

Use a brick patio pattern to give the space distinction

Add texture with a herringbone brick design to create something visually stunning. The interlocking pattern of the bricks stands out in any outdoor space. The pattern looks timeless, so this is a great option when you want to add an eye-catching feature to your property.

Herringbone patterns look intricate and complex, but to create this pattern you only need to line bricks up at 90-degree angles.

Begin your patio project by framing out the borders of the patio using brick or wood to start with an outline that you can build upon.

3 Blend With Stone to Combine Materials

Mix it up by adding in different materials

Brick and stone patio with fireplace
Outdoor Fireplace
Image credits: Allison J. Hahn via Shutterstock

Combine brick and stone to design something that brings together two classic options. The contrasting materials create a patio design that's interesting and elegant. The different textures and colors of the bricks and stones blend to make a natural and organic look that’s timeless yet contemporary. You may need to look for ways to incorporate different materials when you're not building something new, but updating an existing area with old brick patio ideas.

  • Excavate the area to remove rocks and roots and begin with a nice, flat space.
  • Cover the patio area with at least 4 inches of crushed gravel to provide a well-draining base for the bricks.
  • Place a layer of sand on top of the gravel. The bricks and stone (if used) will be placed here once everything is tamped down well.

Place landscape fabric on top of the dirt before you lay any gravel to prevent weeds.

4 Add Some Gravel to Cut the Costs

Reduce costs by using gravel for budget patio design ideas

Pavers and gravel patio area close up
Permeable pavers with joints to allow water infiltration.
Image credits: 9Air via Shutterstock

A brick and gravel patio is a great solution that can be easier and more affordable than covering an entire area with bricks. The combination is simple and elegant and highly affordable. The gravel also allows for excellent drainage, making it an ideal choice for rainy areas.

Gravel is a great way to bring budget patio design ideas to life, as this material is inexpensive. Mixing gravel in with brick gives the bricks more impact, allowing them to stand out, and greatly reduces the overall project's cost. Play around with spacing to create different brick patio patterns.

5 Create a Square to Define Space

Start with a square and build an amazing patio from there

A square patio is a classic and simple design. A simple square is symmetrical and visually pleasing and creates a nice space to work with for you to add extra elements, like a grill or seating.

Add white outdoor furniture to contrast with the red brick for an especially chic look!

6 Mix With Wood for a Rustic Look

Add new levels and dimensions with wood

Combining bricks and wood creates an inviting and warm atmosphere. This mix is cozy and adds a touch of a rustic aesthetic. Wood can be used to create different levels or sections, adding depth and dimension to outdoor spaces.

Wood has to be treated regularly to maintain its weather resistance. Treating wood is as simple as painting on sealant, or shellac, in thin, even layers.

7 Extend With a Lawn

Save some room for green in brick patio designs

Brick patio with landscaping
Pavers used for patio landscaping.
Image credits: Vladimir Trynkalo via Shutterstock

Extending your patio with a lawn brings nature to your patio design. The contrast of red and green will create the illusion of added space by optically enlarging your backyard. The combination of materials also creates a natural look and allows you to add flowers and plants of all kinds to your patio area. Adding green space is a good way to save on your outdoor project, as it's an easy solution for budget patio design ideas. Green spaces are a good solution for old brick patio ideas, when you're working with a space that has broken and damaged areas.

  • Experiment with different landscaping and garden edging techniques to give the patio an even more distinct look and play with different patio pattern options.
  • Ornamental trees can provide some shade in patio areas.
  • Think about mowing needs while planning out your patio design idea and remember you will need to maneuver lawn tools and equipment to use in these areas.

8 Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Create an outside gathering space

Outdoor kitchen on brick patio
An outdoor kitchen with a sink area for washing utensils and food
Image credits: Ozgur Coskun via Shutterstock

Building a patio with an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get more use out of your backyard spaces. The bricks provide a sturdy foundation for the outdoor kitchen, while defining the area well and adding a touch of elegance. The kitchen might include various features like a grill, sink, refrigerator, and even a pizza oven.

Outdoor kitchens extend your living space and create lots of opportunities for people to gather.

9 Place It Under a Pergola

Cover patio areas to add style

Patio furniture under a pergola
Patio furniture under a pergola
Image credits: Artazum via Shutterstock

The combination of beautiful bricks and the elegance of a pergola creates a comfortable and stylish outdoor living area. The pergola provides shade and protection from the elements, making it an excellent spot for relaxation. Decorate the pergola with vines or hanging plants to add greenery and bring more life and color to outdoor spaces.

Building a pergola is not an impossible DIY, and allows you to design something that will perfectly fit a custom patio area.

If you're looking for a unique and eye-catching patio design, lay the bricks in a zigzag pattern and incorporate unusual plants around the edges. To make this outdoor area stand out even more, include an eye-catching focal point, such as a giant ceramic kettle or a fountain.

10 Surround It With Shrubs

Plant shrubs to add privacy, color, and beauty to brick patio areas

Brick patio surrounded by shrubs
Landscaped patio with seating area and shrubs.
Image credits: Joy Brown via Shutterstock

A brick patio surrounded by shrubs creates a cozy, private outdoor living space. Choose varieties that suit your climate and personal style. Evergreen shrubs, like boxwood or holly, are great for year-round color. Tall, dense shrubs or trees will create a natural privacy fence. Flowering shrubs and trees will bring a lot of color into the space.

Consider insects and other pests when planting around your patio area. Planting flowers that attract bees, for example, will bring bees to this area!

Build a Patio as Solid as Brick

Brick patios offer a range of options to suit a variety of outdoor spaces. When you build your own patio, your options are unlimited. When choosing, consider the size of your yard, the intended use, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Whether you select a classic design or a more modern look, a custom patio brings an inviting and functional touch to any outdoor space.

Play around with different ideas and create a space that will really be your own.