You look out of the window into your backyard and wish for something better. It’s small, but you want to make it into a livable space. Maybe you could turn the patio into an outdoor lounge. Or you could have an outdoor kitchen.

A small patio can still serve you well despite the lack of square footage. You just need to scale down your furniture and be strategic with your design. So why not check these small backyard patio ideas out and do something about your depressing backyard patio?

1. Low Cost Small Backyard Patio Ideas

You don’t have to hire a contractor to come in and transform your small patio. You can DIY the project and have a low-cost backyard makeover. With minimal investment, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space.

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If you have a concrete patio, try covering it in Astroturf. The fake grass will look lush green year-round, hide the ugly concrete, and create a comfortable base for your outdoor living space. Other popular small patio ideas are to paint, tile, or stain your concrete. Then you can lay an outdoor rug down and give the space a living room feel.

If you don’t have concrete, then consider using pea gravel. You can tear out the bits of grass, level the ground, lay down landscape fabric, and then spread out the gravel. It’s simple, modern, and easy to care for.

2. Gazebo or Pergola Small Backyard Patio Ideas

Just because you have a small outdoor patio doesn’t mean the sun doesn’t make it unbearable to be out there. If you avoid using your backyard because there’s no shade or coverage, then why not construct a gazebo or pergola? Then you’ll have a covered patio that you can enjoy throughout the year.