Amazing Tiny Square Patio Ideas
Need small, square patio idea? We have a simple and customizable patio design for your tiny “basic” patio that is DIY-friendly

Tiny and square patios can have all the features that make for a stunning outdoor living space.
You want a lovely outdoor living space, but you aren’t exactly sure what you want. You are the kind of person who knows what they want when you see it. For many people, our pre-planned design ideas fill the bill. We know what makes a great patio. Moreover, we know how to get the most bang for your buck when installing patios. Save time and money by choosing our designer patio ideas made to fit an array of backyard sizes and use requirements.
People think a small square patio is boring and couldn’t be made into a stunning outdoor space.
Many people think they need a large expansive pad to create a fully functional patio space for entertaining. Nothing could be further from the truth. Using our “pod” design theory coupled with efficient traffic flow, you can create an amazing patio that will add function and value to your home. Our pre-designed layout shows you how easy it can be. You can achieve the same results with similarly shaped “square-ish” patios. Check out our articles on how to design an outdoor patio to find out more.
You can create a great patio Design on a tiny patio and a small Lot.

Homes of all sizes can be found with small uninspired square concrete pads for a patio. Don’t think that your small concrete pad can’t be turned into a stunning outdoor living space. Indeed, square patio spaces- even small ones- can produce a big “wow factor.” The key is to embrace your space and try to make it feel as large as possible. The key to doing this is to give it larger-than-life outdoor features like a fireplace and grill island. Read more as this patio features all the premium features you want to relax after a long day or entertain family and friends for memorable occasions.
This square patio features the outdoor equivalent of a kitchen, dining room, and living room with a fireplace.
These features are placed in areas that make sense functionally. The grill island “kitchen” is close to the door for an unobstructed path for hosts to go to and from the house/central kitchen when cooking and serving. This easy access is carried out to the open-concept “dining area adjacent to the grill area. A semi-formal fireplace anchors the outdoor ling area with dual firewood storage boxes. The seat walls add a nice finish to the hardscape pad while adding needed storage. The boxes also add much-needed impromptu seating and table surfaces for larger gatherings. The attached firewood storage boxes are a favorite as they also function as tables for decorations. Guests will find them helpful in holding plates and drinks while mingling with other guests.
This small, square patio idea has all the premium features that add function and value to your home.
We included everything you need for an outdoor living space for entertaining.



By using our DIY kits and these layouts based on our proven design criteria, you can have an amazing backyard patio that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
This tiny “basic” patio follows our simple design principles for a failsafe outdoor living space.
People in large gatherings break into smaller fluid pods of two to five people. We use this pod approach to build patios conducive to forming and moving between these smaller social settings. Instead of getting a massive and expensive open patio that resembles a dancefloor, you get something much more helpful (and natural) at a fraction of the cost. Moreover, you can more easily design and decorate your outdoor space by breaking the entire layout into smaller bite-sized chunks. Using this approach, you can stretch and modify this plan as needed. But you should find these pre-designed patios are an effective and efficient use of space.
Think of Your Outdoor Living Area as you would an Indoor Living Area
Many people are familiar with how to make a room in their house functional. Yet, they become overwhelmed when it comes to their patio or outdoor living area. Perhaps it is because homes have many rooms and we are more familiar with them. Perhaps the boundaries of the walls and ceiling help us define the space in our minds. But people often want the same things in “outdoor living” as in “indoor living.” We dispel many areas of frustration in our articles about how to design outdoor living spaces and patios. This pre-designed plan will show you an effective way to get the essential building blocks of highly functional outdoor living space for a small, square patio idea that you can customize and make your own.
Our Patio designs incorporate the outdoor version of the “Big Three” areas/rooms where people gather together in a home.
These rooms are the Living room, the dining room, and the kitchen. The requirements of these rooms are simple. But we will give them some added flair to make a lovely patio will be proud to own at a price you can afford. Since most (if not all) can be done yourself, you can save money and instantly create usability and added value to your home. Done correctly, you will likely add greater value to your home than the money you invested in making your outdoor space.

The “Big Three” of Outdoor Living
Welcome to the heart of our design philosophy, where we mirror a home’s three most essential gathering areas: the Living Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen. These spaces are simple but allow for personal flair to create a stunning patio without breaking the bank. Best of all, with a DIY approach, you can add usability and value to your home far exceeding your investment.
The thought of designing and decorating might feel overwhelming when it comes to outdoor living. That’s where our approach to the “big three” comes into play: The Living Room, The Kitchen, and The Dining Room. Breaking the outdoor space into these familiar indoor room categories makes the process more accessible and less intimidating. Just like the rooms inside your home, these outdoor spaces can be tackled individually, allowing you to focus on creating the perfect ambiance and functionality for each area. Imagine your outdoor living room, a cozy space for family and friends to gather around a fireplace, or your outdoor kitchen, where culinary masterpieces come to life under the open sky. And let’s not forget the dining area, where meals become memorable occasions in the embrace of nature. The “big three” concept doesn’t just simplify design; it brings the comfort and elegance of indoor living into the fresh, vibrant world outside. It demystifies the process, allowing you to create stunning outdoor rooms that align with your home’s taste and style.

Create an envy-inducing square outdoor living space for your small, square patio ideas under $10,000
Quite possibly the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to upgrade a concrete slab into a full-blown “Outdoor Living Area.” This Combo package is also a great set to design and build a patio around. These kits were designed for homes in urban and suburban areas where you don’t want limited space keeping you from having a great outdoor extension to your home.


Choose Your Grill Type

This patio is designed with the following features:
- Metro Patio Set includes Ashford Compact Fireplace and Freestanding Grill Island
- Freestanding Grill Island Featuring a Summerset Sizzler Grill or Grill Dome Kamado
- Patio Dining Set (Be sure to buy a set that fits your space- avoid large chairs with big cushions)
- Patio Seating with Coffee Table (look for seating with built-in storage for small patios)
Your small patio idea has an outdoor “living room” with a fireplace.
You can’t discuss “outdoor living” without considering the living room. It’s the core of your outdoor space and sets the tone for everything else. Think about it: a living room is where you relax, entertain, and spend quality time with family and friends. By translating that to your outdoor area, you attain more than just a patio; you maintain a living space.
To create this living space outdoors, you’ll need a strong centerpiece. No outdoor feature does that quite like a fireplace. It’s not just for looks; it provides warmth, ambiance, and a natural gathering spot. Pair it with a well-chosen patio living room set, and you have a functional and stylish area that truly signifies outdoor living. It’s about taking the comfort and functionality of your indoor living room and adapting it to your outdoor space, creating a seamless transition between the two.

Our envy-inducing square outdoor living space incorporates a DIY fireplace to add a centerpiece and privacy for your outdoor living area.
Experience Grandeur in Compact Spaces with Ashford Small Fireplace Kit
Witness the perfect blend of compactness and luxury with our Ashford Small Fireplace Kit. A marvel designed for small yards and petite gardens, it offers the elegance and warmth of a high-end outdoor fireplace in a size that’s ideal for urban dwellers. With this fireplace, you’re not compromising on comfort; you’re simply tailoring luxury to fit your space.
Fully-Loaded Small Garden Fireplace with Integrated Features
Our Ashford Small Fireplace Kit comes fully loaded with integrated features that make it a standout in its category. From firewood storage boxes to a large firebrick-lined firebox, every detail has been meticulously designed to deliver an unrivaled outdoor fireplace experience. Enjoy the ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace, even in the smallest of spaces.
Impress Your Guests with the Ashford Fireplace as the Centerpiece of Your Outdoor Entertaining
Introducing our new Ashford Compact Fireplace, expertly crafted to deliver exceptional quality and design at an affordable price. It’s the perfect addition to your outdoor living space, providing warmth and ambiance for those cooler evenings. Our Ashford Compact Fireplace is designed to fit in smaller spaces and budgets without compromising on style or function.
Fully LOADED and luxurious, our Ashford small outdoor fireplace kit is a complete high-end package at a low price. This wood-burning fireplace kit is smaller than our other DIY kits. It still includes everything you need to enjoy relaxing around the fire. Though the wood storage boxes are included, you can upgrade your Ashford fireplace with wing walls.
This tiny “basic” patio has a great built-in grill island “kitchen” a Master Chef would envy.

Large Grill island with Gas Grill or Kamado keeps your small, square patio idea from feeling small.
Cornerstone’s Metro Series Outdoor BBQ Grill Islands are a great choice when choosing the top value in stone outdoor grilling stations. We start with our easy-to-assemble solid masonry stones for a stylish and durable base. These are the same blocks used to create all our kits, so you know that your outdoor living features will match. Then we add thoughtful features like a spice and sauce shelf and a recessed area to hang your grilling tools. We keep everything low maintenance and high performance. Then, we top your BBQ grill islands with almost eight square feet of countertop stones. This allows you ample room to prep and serve your meals without the maintenance of lesser materials.
Get Your Grill On: Choose the Perfect Grill Island to Pair with Your Ashford Fireplace
For quick use and low maintenance
Experience Ultimate Convenience with Our Metro-G Grill Island and 26″ Summerset Sizzler Gas Grill Combo
Metro-G Features:
- Summerset Sizzler 26″ grill included
- Full Masonry Construction
- Natural Stone Countertops
- Large Premium Grill Cooking Surface
- Lifetime warranty on grill construction and manufacturer defects
- Lifetime warranty on Summerset frame and housing
- Lifetime warranty on cooking grates, burners, and valves
For unparalleled cooking versatility
Get the Best Cooking Versatility with Our Metro-D Grill Island and Grill Dome Kamado Smoker Grill Combo
Metro-D Features:
- Grill Dome Large Infinity X2 kamado grill included (silver)
- DIY friendly non-combustible masonry build
- Small footprint for small yards and patios
- Up to 760 Square Inch Grill Cooking Surface
- Rust Free Design
- Grill stack and other accessories included
- Build in a half day

Our small patio idea includes a “dining room” for entertaining guests.
This tiny “basic” patio design includes ample room for a dining table featuring a privacy hedge.
Adjacent to your grill island is an entertaining and dining space. This space allows ample room for a small or a large dining set. You can have several people for dinner or a card game. Depending on your home’s height and orientation to the sun, you may opt for a sun umbrella for your table. The key is to buy the properly sized table and chairs for your space. Avoid overly large chairs for tiny spaces. Even if you find a great buy on a large set, you will be better served buying a set that fits- even if you have to spend a bit more. Be sure you know your size constraints before you go shopping. You may see it as limiting your options, but in reality, this will help you eliminate poor choices for your space. You will be able to focus on the furniture that will enhance your patio.
Choosing patio furniture can be overwhelming. There are almost too many choices. It is likely you already have some pieces that can be incorporated into your new outdoor living room. If budget is a concern, you can always find sales during major holidays as well as markdowns toward the end of the season. There are quality plastic offerings that will save money and be low maintenance. If you need more help, we have an entire article on choosing patio furniture.
This patio design can be further enhanced and personalized with simple yet impactful landscaping.
We usually recommend adding upright shrubs or bushes for added privacy during dinner. You will also appreciate the natural screening when you enjoy your morning coffee on your new patio. You can enjoy the morning sun in your most comfortable robe without worrying about prying neighbors.
We recommend adding columnar evergreens by the dining area for privacy. You may also want to incorporate decorative trees, large grasses, or specimen planting just beyond the seat walls for more privacy or natural impact. Once your trees and shrubs have been placed, you can always embellish them with smaller grasses, annuals, and perennials to your taste and maintenance level. We recommend sourcing plants from a local greenhouse or nursery for the best advice, selection, and quality of materials for your softscapes.
For help with planting your outdoor living space, click here.

Our simple yet customizable tiny patio plan creates a stunning small patio idea that is perfect for entertaining
Through the smart use of space, you can achieve a patio your friends and family will want to visit- and your neighbors will envy it. The key is efficient sharing of space for movement along and between pods. By freeing our need to move around the pods- along with moving as many features off of the main pad as possible- you can create an enchanting backyard patio that includes the three main components of a stunning outdoor living space. You get a living room, dining room, and kitchen. These “rooms” come with the most sought-after features that will add function while increasing your property value: a grill island with a built-in grill, an outdoor fireplace, and privacy from your neighbors. You get all this with the benefits of outdoor living and room to add flowers and shrubs for a stunning green space.
Have a different problem you need to solve? Is this pre-designed patio not the idea you were looking for? We have several other DIY-friendly patio designs for you to customize. Or, you can follow our guide to designing an effective patio layout for more insights on getting exactly what you want. Be sure to download our Design Guide for more information and actionable steps for creating your dream outdoor living space.