Here we share our gallery of raised patio designs including cost and popular types such as stone, brick, paver, concrete and tile.
What Are Raised Patio Designs?
Some might confuse it with raised decks, but in order to differentiate the two, a deck will have a space underneath it, while a raised patio will not.
If you like an elevated patio, without the worry of having to clean underneath the patio, a raised patio is the best option for you.
Types of Raised Patios
Due to its solid structure you are able to use a variety of finishing materials for the flooring and outer walls of your patio. The versatility of raised patios makes them a very attractive option. Here are some of the most popular types of patios and their material options.
Brick Patios
Brick patios are one of the most popular materials for raised patios, the brick pavers give a very classic and rustic feel to your raised patio.
Over time, the environment will change the texture and color of your bricks and give them more ‘personality.
If you prefer perfectly even surfaces and consistent colors, then this might not be the ideal material for you. But if you understand the rustic charm of bricks, then this is the way to go!
Stone Patio
Stone patios are durable and can seamlessly blend with the environment. Perfect if you prefer a more “natural” look.
When choosing your natural stone, try to select locally available stones so that they will match the environment. Also, make sure to choose shapes and sizes that work best with your raised patio layout.
Some of the most popular types of stone to use are different types of flagstone, granite, sandstone, quartzite, limestone and travertine.
Concrete Paver Patio
A concrete paver are a modern material that is low in cost, but can be made to look like bricks or natural stone. These come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, making them a great alternative to natural stones.
The disadvantage of concrete pavers is that the colors might fade over time and from constant use, so keep that in mind.
This patio uses gray/raw concrete finish for the outer paver blocks, and red for the inner blocks, creating a visual “frame” to the patio area.
Solid Concrete Patio
If you’re not a fan of pavers and would rather have a more modern/minimalist look, then you can also use poured or solid concrete for your raised patio.
The advantage of using poured concrete is that you won’t be constrained with any size or shape, as the concrete can adapt to whatever.
If you’re using a smooth concrete finish for your raised patio, please remember that this material can be very slippery when wet, so design cautiously, especially if you have children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly at home.
You also need to make sure that your concrete patio will not be covering any sewer lines, otherwise, it will be very costly and time-consuming if you ever have any sewer problems that need fixing.
Poured concrete is also prone to cracks and fissures due to the natural movement of the ground, so that is also a factor you need to keep in mind.
Tiled Patio
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can also be used for outdoor patios. Depending on the design of your tiles, it can either give your patio a modern feel, or a more classic look.
The advantage of tiled patios would definitely be the variety of designs, colors, shapes, and sizes available on the market. When choosing tiles for your patio, make sure to select tiles recommended for outdoor use – these tiles should not be too porous so that they can resist weather damage.
It is also recommended to use exterior-grade grout and unglazed tiles instead of glazed tiles so that it is not too slippery. Do note that this material can accumulate algae if it is often exposed to moisture and is not cleaned/maintained regularly.
This image is a great example of such. The color and finish of the tiles used for the patio are perfectly in theme with the architecture of the space.
The addition of small concrete planters help add color and texture to space, so if your modern patio is too plain, consider adding plants to make it more lively.
Raised Patio Garden Bed
These are the plant boxes often integrated into the design of raised patios. These are usually made from the same material of your patio flooring/pavers, and can be installed in a variety of heights.
This is a nice way to add privacy to your patio space while maintaining a more natural look compared to railings.
Raised Patio with Fire Pit
Raised Swimming Pool Patio
Raised Patio Cost
If you add more features such as garden beds, higher elevation, and patio covers/roof, the cost per square foot would also increase.
Concrete Patio Cost
If you want to use poured concrete for your raised patio, the cost would depend on the thickness of the concrete. A 4″ thick solid concrete would be around $5.35 per square foot. This will be a plain concrete slab, so if you need a special finish, color, or coating, the cost will go higher.
If you’re using concrete pavers, the average cost would be $2.5 to $5 per square foot. Cost will depend on the design, shape, size, and color of your concrete pavers.
Stone Patio Cost
Stone cost will vary greatly depending on the type of stone you are using. It can be as low as $5 per square foot, up to $30 per square foot if you’re using limestone. This is definitely the most costly option.
This unique deck uses ceramic tiles for the surface of the patio, but cut in varying sizes, which helps add texture and pattern to the otherwise smooth surface. The modern sloped canopy structure with sitting bench over the pond gives this landscape design a one of a kind ambiance.
Do Raised Patios Need Planning Permission?
This depends on the regulations of your state and your country, but in most cases, building raised patio designs do not need planning permission, provided that you are building within your residential plot of land.
You also need to make sure that it is not too high (the maximum height will vary depending on where you live).
If you’re planning to make a raised patio addition to your home, do consult your local municipalities to check on the regulations, in order to adjust your planning to comply to their regulations.
Is a Deck or Patio Better for Resale?
Both patios and decks help increase the resale value of any property. However, patios or raised patios are cheaper to construct than decks, allowing you to get a higher resale value return.
For more raised patio designs content, see our article about the differences between a raised patio vs deck here.