Patio Details: Simple Materials Make for a Sophisticated Space

Low water bills and minimal maintenance are just part of the beauty of this handcrafted backyard deck and patio

Using only four materials — stone, wood, concrete and steel — Chris Corbett designed and built a new patio and deck for a backyard in Davis, California, that’s anything but basic. “My philosophy is to use natural, raw materials,” Corbett says. He focused on thoughtful, handcrafted details that not only make this backyard and patio design stand out, but also make it more livable and likely to thrive with little maintenance or attention for years to come.