Square Patio Ideas
Have a square patio? We have simple and customizable patio ideas for your standard square patio that is fast and easy to build.
Our basic square patio ideas have all the desired features to transform your patio into the envy of the neighborhood.
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 can’t be made into a fabulous outdoor living space.
Many people think they need a second mortgage to create a fully functional patio space for entertaining. Nothing could be further from the truth. Using our “pod” design approach you can design and build your patio for a fraction of the cost. You can create an amazing patio that will add function and value to your home by following our basic patio ideas. 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 designing an outdoor patio to find out more.
This design brings entertaining outdoor living to small concrete patios
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 standard square patio design has all the premium features that add function and value to create an outdoor living patio
This layout features all you need for an outdoor living space for entertaining and relaxing.
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 standard square patio layout follows our proven design criteria for a showstopping 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. Of course, these designs can be stretched and modified as needed. But you should find these pre-designed patios as an effective and efficient use of space. Moreover, we try to balance and harmonize the indoors with your outdoors.
Outdoor living is a reflection of indoor living
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 square patio 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.
Easily upgrade your patio using the “Big Three” method
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.
Regarding the art of outdoor living, the idea can seem complex and bewildering. That’s why we introduce the “big three” as individual “pods”: The Living Room, The Kitchen, and The Dining Room. Think of these “pods” as segmented areas within your outdoor space, each offering its unique ambiance and functionality. By dividing the outdoor environment into these familiar indoor compartments or “pods,” the design and decorating process becomes more navigable and relatable. Just like planning the rooms inside your home, you can handle these outdoor “pods” separately, allowing you to craft each one to suit your needs and preferences. Imagine your friends and family moving between these inviting “pods,” from the warmth of the outdoor living room by the fireplace to the culinary delights of the open-air kitchen and finally to the elegant outdoor dining area. The concept of the “big three” as individual “pods” doesn’t just simplify the design process; it helps translate indoor elegance and comfort to your outdoor space. It’s a method that takes away the mystery, enabling you to create eye-catching outdoor rooms that mirror your personal taste and lifestyle while encouraging a smooth flow of movement and interaction.
You can arrange the big three pods for simple, effective patio layouts.
Arranged and appointed properly, this patio idea will never feel small or incapable. The size of the patio gives us plenty of room to place a super sweet grill island. We chose the Masterson-D. This grill island features America’s best Kamado grill: the X2 by Grill Dome. This will announce that this patio is world-class and that you demand the admiration of acclaimed professional chefs. (Of course, you can choose any grill island that suits your fancy.) The size of the grill island will correspond with the sizable dining table close by. The combination of these two features makes an excellent cooking and serving area. We place the grill near the door for minimal disturbances in your short trips to and from the main indoor kitchen when needed. When the food is ready, it will be easy to serve the guests or have them serve themselves from the ample counter space of the grill island.
Walk just a short path to the stunning living area. This stunning living space is anchored with a large “Barrington” fireplace with double wood storage boxes. Once again, we want the space to feel large and premium by using full-sized features. The premium outdoor fireplace adds a backdrop for your patio while providing a much-needed visual anchor in a compact footprint. Of course, you can always upgrade to a Bremley TV fireplace if you want to add a TV to your outdoor living space.
Create your ultimate square patio for around $10,000 – $14,000
This upgraded patio is shown with the following features:
- Barrington Fireplace kit with double firewood storage boxes and wing walls
- Masterson-D Grill Island with Grill Dome Kamado Grill
- Patio Dining Set
- Patio Seating (look for seating with built-in storage for small patios)
- Coffee Table
Get the same features for less with a Metro Patio Set:
This patio idea features a large fireplace to anchor your “living room.”
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 top-of-the-line square outdoor patio space incorporates a DIY fireplace to add a centerpiece and privacy for your outdoor living area.
Our Barrington model outdoor fireplace is a full-masonry stone look kit that you can easily build on a weekend. With our fully customizable outdoor wood-burning fireplace kit, you get the look of a custom stone fireplace at a fraction of the price. Our easy-to-build DIY kits save you time and money. You do not cut or mortar stones. You stack and glue our kits together. A few basic tools and a weekend are all you need to build a custom outdoor fireplace that will increase the value and function of your home. Your neighbors will be jealous, but you don’t have to share how cheap and easy it was to build your dream patio!
Experience the Grandeur of Tradition with Barrington Outdoor Fireplace Kit
Embrace the blend of tradition and elegance with our Barrington Outdoor Fireplace Kit, a premium kit with a classic design that captures the timeless appeal of a wood-burning stone-look fireplace. This larger-than-average DIY kit includes everything you need to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your backyard.
Barrington Outdoor Fireplace Kit: Customizable Luxury at Your Fingertips
The Barrington Fireplace Kit is more than just a fireplace—it’s a gateway to luxury outdoor living. The kit’s customizable options let you elevate your outdoor experience with additional features such as a grill station or pizza oven. Transform your backyard into a space your neighbors will envy with Barrington’s versatile, expandable design.
Effortless Installation for Maximum Impact with Barrington Outdoor Fireplace Kit
With our Barrington Outdoor Fireplace Kit, luxury is within your reach—and it’s easier than you think to achieve. Our Easy-to-build DIY kit is designed for beginners and can be completed in a weekend, making it an accessible project that delivers high-end results. Create a custom outdoor fireplace that enhances your home’s value and aesthetic appeal without needing professional installation.
This standard square patio has a great built-in grill island “kitchen” any Master Griller will envy.
Our Large Grill island with Grill Dome Kamado is the sweetest set-up you could wish for.
Check out our premium “Dome Home”- the Masterson-D outdoor BBQ grill island with a smoker. This popular stone grill island has all the premium features you expect from our Masterson line. We chose a large Grill Dome silver X2 Kamado grill. We believe this kamado to be the best on the market at any price. This meticulously crafted kamado comes with all the bells and whistles to step up your grill game right out of the box. Add the premium materials, build quality, and finish to the equation, and you have a stone BBQ grill island you will love and your neighbors will envy. Just don’t call it an egg (blasphemy)! To add to the premium nature of this stone grill station, we include natural stone slabs for a killer look while adding durability while staying low maintenance.
The Masterson-D BBQ Kamado Grill Island is a professional grilling station with an amazing smoker grill. Our grill stations are designed for decades of use and have top-quality materials and thoughtful design. This upscale grill island includes a silver Grill Dome premium Kamado to math stainless grills and ovens. This Kamado grill is the best you will find. All the surfaces are machined and finished to perfection. Plus, the ceramic is thicker than competitors, and all parts are 304 stainless steel, not powder-coated steel like other brands. The Masterson “Dome Home” will impress the most demanding grillers. Use alone, or mate it with our outdoor fireplaces and other outdoor living features.
This square patio has a “dining room” for entertaining guests.
This standard square 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. You may opt for a sun umbrella in your table depending on your home’s height and orientation to the sun. 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.
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 patio plan creates a head-turning square patio design.
Through the smart use of pods to recreate living spaces, you can achieve a patio you can afford and be proud to show off. 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.
