Patio

A patio is a paved outdoor area directly adjoining a residence, designed for dining, entertaining, and relaxation. The word comes from the Spanish "patio," meaning an inner courtyard, and the concept has been central to residential architecture across cultures for centuries. In Mediterranean and Latin American traditions, the enclosed patio courtyard served as the heart of the home. In contemporary American usage, the term typically refers to a ground-level, paved outdoor living area at the back or side of a house. Modern patio design has evolved into a sophisticated discipline that considers materials, grading, drainage, furniture layout, and integration with the home's indoor living spaces. Patios can be constructed from a wide variety of materials including natural stone, concrete pavers, brick, stamped concrete, porcelain tile, and gravel. The trend toward indoor-outdoor living has elevated patio design to include features once reserved for interior spaces, such as outdoor rugs, weatherproof upholstered furniture, fire features, and fully equipped outdoor kitchens. A well-designed patio effectively multiplies a home's usable living space at a fraction of the cost of an interior addition.