Backyard & Patio

Small backyards, townhouse patios, and builder-grade concrete slabs get the same treatment as a full renovation: real budgets, renter-friendly options, and ideas that hold up through a US summer.

Guides

A small backyard patio with a wooden trellis, potted flowers, and a simple bistro table and chairs

Small Backyard Patio Ideas on a Budget

11 small backyard patio ideas on a budget — gravel, pavers, a rug, and small-scale furniture — plus the honest math on what a full patio actually costs.

A modern gray paver patio with minimalist wood-and-metal outdoor furniture

13 Patio Ideas With Pavers for Every Budget and Yard

13 patio ideas with pavers for every budget — herringbone, gravel combos, and the real DIY-vs-contractor math, not just pretty patio photos.

A freestanding aluminum patio cover with a louvered roof over an outdoor dining and lounge area

Free Standing Patio Covers: DIY Ideas, Kits, and Real Costs

Free standing patio cover ideas for real budgets: aluminum kits, wood builds, louvered roofs, honest costs, and the permit check most people skip.

A small furnished apartment balcony with a rattan chair, hanging plants, and a patterned rug on a wood tile floor

Apartment Balcony Makeover Ideas Under $500

9 small apartment balcony makeover ideas under $500 — a cozy floor, privacy screen, lighting, and container garden, plus the honest math on total cost.

A backyard covered patio with a sectional sofa, string lights, and a ceiling fan

Covered Patio Ideas for Every Budget and Yard

13 covered patio ideas for every budget — pergolas, retractable awnings, and freestanding covers that don't require a permit or a contractor.