design element Patios & Terraces

Patios and terraces extend the home into the landscape, creating comfortable areas for dining, gathering, and everyday use. Thoughtful layout, materials, and craftsmanship ensure these spaces feel integrated, functional, and timeless.
Luxury pool terrace with pergola, outdoor fireplace, and lounge zones adds resort‑style comfort and refined details for summer relaxation.

flexible and functional outdoor rooms

Well-designed outdoor living spaces are among the most versatile features in residential landscape design, offering structured areas for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing outdoors. Whether your property is a sprawling suburban estate or a compact urban yard or rooftop, these functional hardscapes can be tailored to fit your property and lifestyle. Styles range from rustic fieldstone and traditional brick to sleek pavers and minimalist concrete.

Strategic placement, adjacent to the home, nestled in a garden, or layered into a slope, can define flow and usability. Proper grading, drainage, and orientation ensure these areas are functional year-round, especially in New England’s freeze-thaw cycles.

common design and installation questions

1. What’s the difference between a patio and a terrace?
While often used interchangeably, a patio is typically a ground-level hardscape adjacent to a house, while a terrace may be raised, tiered into a slope, or integrated into rooftop or upper-level areas. Both serve as structured outdoor living spaces and can be customized in size, shape, and materials to suit the surrounding landscape.
2. What materials are best for outdoor spaces in New England?
For the Boston area’s freeze-thaw cycles, we recommend durable, weather-resistant materials like bluestone, granite, brick, and concrete pavers. These materials resist cracking, shifting, and moisture damage better than softer stones or poured concrete, and they age well in four-season environments.
3. Can these structures work in small or sloped yards?
Absolutely. Patios and terraces are highly flexible and can be adapted to nearly any space. We regularly design for tight city backyards, rooftops, and sloped properties—using terraces to manage elevation changes and create flat, usable zones that maximize the footprint and views.
Firepit patio with sunset views and mountain‑style hardscape creates dramatic ambiance and rugged charm for cooler evenings outdoors in Dover.

see examples of our work

Classic backyard patio with brick walls and dining table combines traditional hardscape with comfortable outdoor living for family meals and entertaining.
Compact wood deck terrace shaded by a tree provides a tranquil backyard nook with warm natural materials and relaxed outdoor seating.
Wood deck terrace with mature shade tree feels like a private garden room, perfect for morning coffee and casual outdoor lounging.
Poolside bluestone patio with dining table and serene water views blends functional outdoor dining with scenic coastal atmosphere.
Bluestone firepit terrace with garden beds and outdoor dining melds functional entertaining space with layered planting and stone craftsmanship.
Small seating terrace framed by fieldstone walls overlooks a manicured lawn, offering an intimate outdoor retreat with classical stone charm.
Raised bluestone patio with garden borders and stone steps anchors this outdoor space with refined hardscape and soft perennial accents.
Luxury pool terrace with pergola, outdoor fireplace, and lounge zones adds resort‑style comfort and refined details for summer relaxation.
Multi‑level terrace with stone walls and a secluded seating nook blends natural texture and thoughtful layout for cozy relaxation amid lush plantings.
Backyard terrace with outdoor kitchen and fireplace on multiple levels blends cooking, dining, and lounging with seamless stone design for year‑round enjoyment.
Estate‑style pool terrace with multiple seating areas and natural stone borders blends refined materials with layered outdoor living spaces.
Tiered patio with evergreens and built‑in grill creates a functional outdoor kitchen space, combining durable stonework with soft landscape backdrop.
Compact city patio with outdoor kitchen and firepit integrates functional amenities into tight outdoor space for social cooking and lounging.
Bluestone patio with built‑in firepit and garden seating offers structured hardscape, cozy fire feature, and lush planting that draws the eye.
Irregular stone patio with modern furnishings defines this urban backyard terrace, creating a chic outdoor lounge that maximizes space and privacy in city gardens.
Natural stone terrace with pergola, firepit and lighting infuses this space with charm and soft nighttime ambiance for intimate dining and gatherings.
Bluestone lounge terrace surrounded by summer perennials creates seasonal charm and a serene space to sit, relax, and enjoy colorful garden views.
Multi‑tiered patio with water feature and sunset sky frames elegant outdoor seating, blending stonework with tranquil design elements.
A waterfront patio with bluestone pavers and poolside dining, capturing ocean views and seamless indoor‑outdoor flow for summer gatherings and relaxed coastal living.
Tiered stone terrace with integrated outdoor fireplace and steps offers warmth and ambiance, perfect for cool evenings and social gatherings around firelight.
Curved bluestone terrace with central firepit fosters social gatherings and soft garden edges, creating fluid outdoor living in classic design.
Multi‑level backyard patio with water feature layers stone terraces and lush lawn for a dynamic outdoor living space that invites exploration.
Modern stone terrace with lounge chairs and retaining walls offers a minimalist yet refined outdoor setting with clean lines and calm garden views.
Spacious tiered patio with outdoor kitchen and lounge seating defines this backyard living area, ideal for entertaining and family meals outdoors.
Large oval bluestone patio with distinct lounge zones and spring colors brings expansive outdoor living space to life with seasonal blooms.
Small garden patio with lush perennial borders and privacy trees creates a serene urban escape with natural stone paving and cozy seating.
Tiered bluestone patio with distinct lounge and dining zones adds structure and elegance, ideal for outdoor entertaining and garden viewing in Dover settings.
Irregular bluestone patio with dining area and firepit features eclectic shapes and cozy gathering spots, perfect for casual backyard evenings in Wellesley.
Bluestone dining terrace with sunken lounge and garden border anchors this outdoor space with rich texture, dedicated seating and memorable design.
Elevated bluestone terrace accented with evening lighting and a fire feature sets a warm, inviting mood for entertaining after dusk in Weston gardens.
Outdoor lounge terrace with firepit set within a stone surround invites cozy evenings and social gatherings in Newburyport’s scenic outdoor settings.

designed for purpose and environment

Material choice also plays a key role in the look, feel, and longevity of your finished outdoor areas. In the Boston climate, frost-resistant stone, permeable pavers, and expert drainage planning are essential to prevent cracking and shifting. Strategic lighting, seating, and planting integration can transform these surfaces into true extensions of your living space.

Terraces are especially effective on sloped lots, helping to manage elevation while creating usable, layered zones. Patios, meanwhile, provide grounding and continuity between house and landscape. From cozy garden hideaways to expansive multi-level entertaining spaces, these design elements add comfort, beauty, and value.

Contact us to learn more about our award-winning hardscaping design and installation services.
Garden patio with steps and privacy evergreens marries structured hardscape with lush planting for a tranquil outdoor retreat.

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what our clients say

review - a blade of grass landscape designer Boston review
“Exceptional vision coupled with practical advice. The team worked hard under difficult conditions, the job was done in a timely manner and the outcome surpassed my very high expectations.”
Kathy H.
West Roxbury, MA
“What a great company. The people we work with are responsive, knowledgeable and a delight to work with. They meet with us each year at the beginning of the season to understand our needs and they make sure they meet those needs.”
Helen S.
Concord, MA
“They listened to what we wanted and created an oasis where each month we saw different plants blooming with different colors. Our designer was a joy to work with and she truly taught us about plants and flowers through this experience.”
Jaimin P.
Sudbury, MA
“Their creative vision, thoroughness, and professionalism exceeds all expectations. Further, the Blade of Grass team is exceptionally friendly, responsive and easy-going.”
Lindsey M.
Dover, MA
“They gave me an accurate budget and timetable up front and pretty much stuck to it - much to my husband's delight. They are not pushy about their services which I truly appreciate and which is why I continue to use them for maintenance, new plantings etc. Would highly recommend them!”
Sunitha D.
Newton, MA
“a Blade of Grass was a joy to work with from beginning to end. They were focused on us the entire process from brainstorming, designing, selecting and installation. We love our new landscaped backyard and know you will too!”
Pamela D.
West Roxbury, MA
“a Blade of Grass transformed our front yard from a barren wasteland of wood chips to a stunningly gorgeous garden. In late 2012, we embarked on a major project to rebuild our backyard and add a pool and patio. The result far exceeded our expectations. Heather and her crew maintain all of our gardens throughout the year, and are very responsive to our questions and requests.”
John H.
Weston, MA
“When designing the space Tom considered every detail including privacy concerns, colors, the reuse of existing plants, our likes and dislikes, cost, placement and size of walkways and stairs, shape of pool deck and where snow would be plowed in the winter. The result is a yard we enjoy all year-round. Since its design, the maintenance team at a Blade of Grass has maintained the yard's beauty.”
Dave H.
Waltham, MA
“Joanna had an encyclopedic knowledge of every plant we looked at. The installation crew led by Joel was also terrific. In fact, despite oppressive heat, they removed some old stones in the way and used them to repair and extend a fallen wall - a really thoughtful touch that went above and beyond the plan.” 
Betty T.
Lincoln, MA

extend your home with an outdoor living space.

Our award-winning designs blend timeless craftsmanship with modern functionality to create stunning, livable outdoor environments. From concept to completion, we handle every detail. Contact us today to start planning your next outdoor retreat.
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