Hi friends! I’m so excited to finally share our finished backyard lounge area. This cozy outdoor space has been months in the making (ok fine- a year), but it has quickly become our favorite spot to unwind at the end of the day. We tiled over the existing concrete patio, added four oversized lounge chairs, and centered everything around a square fire pit. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, style, and simplicity. This reveal isn’t about a huge renovation, but rather- proof that with the right materials and thoughtful design, you can completely transform a basic patio into a comfy conversation area you’ll actually use. Click through to check it out!
We shared how to easily tile over an existing concrete patio when we completed our outdoor kitchen reveal. Fast forward a year later… we FINALLY installed those last pieces of tile. Emmett and I have been chipping away at it little by little. Luckily, we wrapped it up just in time to order furniture and enjoy the space, before we have to pack it away for winter and snowfall. Here’s how it turned out…
Tiling Over the Old Concrete Patio
Let’s start with the outdoor question I’m most asked about: the outdoor tile. Our patio began as a plain concrete slab, functional but far from inspiring. Instead of tearing it out, we tiled directly over the surface using outdoor-rated porcelain tile. This instantly elevated the look and made the space feel finished and intentional… and it was a budget friendly option. Labor intensive? Absolutely, but this is our best advice:
- Always check that your concrete base is in good condition before tiling.
- Choose tile with texture or grip to prevent slipping.
- A medium colored grout keeps things cohesive and hides dirt surprisingly well… check out this post for more help with that: The Best Mapei Grout Colors (my designer tile pairings & advice).
This one simple upgrade completely changed the aesthetic of the backyard. It went from feeling like a boring slab to an actual outdoor living space.
A Square Fire Pit as the Focal Point
This seating area is adjacent to our outdoor dining space and outdoor kitchen… to give you a visual reference. Once the flooring was in place, we centered the design around a square gas fire pit. It feels architectural and grounded, but our main reason for swapping our existing outdoor sectional was comfort. Four chairs felt more comfortable, cozy, and intimate. We waned something with a larger scale. The fire pit brings people together naturally and adds warmth during cooler evenings, extending our outdoor season well into fall.
We ended up getting the fire table from Stono Outdoor Living– the same place we ordered our outdoor kitchen! It perfectly matches the countertops, pictured below.
Design Details That Make It Feel Intentional
We arranged four large lounge chairs around the fire table… think deep seats, plush cushions, and enough room to curl up with a blanket. The symmetry makes the space feel balanced and inviting without looking too rigid.
I always say that outdoor spaces deserve the same design attention as interiors. Here’s what helped this one come together:
- Texture: The tile, soft upholstery, and cohesive fire pit (in the same material as our outdoor kitchen) all add depth and work well together.
- Lighting: A few subtle string lights, our outdoor sconces, and solar lights nearby create a cozy glow after dark… I’ll have to photograph this area in the evening for you!
- Layout: Four chairs in a square formation feel conversational and comfortable.
- Accessories: Simple side tables and cozy throw blankets are all we really needed- no clutter. Just a place to get comfortable, stay warm, and sit your drink.
Sources
You can find our EXACT fire table here (it’s fully customizable), but I’ll link everything else for you below. Let me know if you have questions about anything else!
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
I’m really pleased with the end result! It feels like an inviting outdoor lounge that is as comfortable as any indoor living space. The oversized furniture really helped bring it up a notch.
How We Use the Space
Most evenings, you’ll find us out here with a drink or dinner by the fire… we’ve got a couple weeks left to use this space before we need to winterize the yard, as the snow begins to fall. I’m glad we got the last tile pieces set before winter weather arrives, but I’ll be excited to really enjoy it further next spring! Overall, it’s low maintenance, timeless, and cozy… three things I always prioritize outdoors.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your own patio, this is your sign to do it. You don’t need a total overhaul, sometimes new tile, thoughtful furniture placement, and a few finishing touches are all it takes.
FAQ
Yes, as long as it’s in good condition and you use the proper mortar and grout rated for exterior use.
A square or circular setup with four lounge chairs feels most natural for conversation and balance. It’s a foolproof floor plan!
We store cushions during winter and use covers when it’s not being used. Durable outdoor fabric makes all the difference!
We don’t… spring, summer, and fall- then we’ll cover or store it during the winter months. Living in Salt Lake City, we get a lot of snow.
Related Outdoor Posts
Looking for more outdoor living recommendations, projects, and sources? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below!
- Classic Fall & Winter Doormats Designers Love
- Outdoor Kitchen Reveal
- Best Adirondack Chairs: Why I Chose Polywood
- How to Choose a Timeless and Durable Outdoor Dining Set That Will Last
- 25 Neutral & Beautiful Outdoor Area Rugs for the Patio
- Where to Install Outdoor DIY Solar Landscape Lighting
- How to Choose The Best Garage Door Style & Color For Your Home
- Choosing Timeless Exterior Lighting (A Designer Guide)
- Grandeur vs Emtek Exterior Door Hardware
- How to Build a Custom Outdoor Sofa
- How to Dress Up Your Door With a Classic Door Knocker
I love how this cozy tiled backyard lounge came together… it’s a simple, elevated space that truly feels like an extension of our home. Whether we’re entertaining friends or just winding down by the fire, it’s become a favorite gathering spot in the last week or two. I hope this inspires you to give your own patio a little love this fall or next spring!
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