Small backyards present a design challenge. Sure, a small backyard is better than no yard at all. However, you want to enjoy the same outdoor activities as someone with a spacious yard — you just have a concentrated area.

Part of the key to designating spaces for your backyard comes in the hardscaping and how it works within the overall landscaping. Below are some ideas for designing hardscaping that complements a small backyard and your enjoyment of it.

Laying down the flooring for a patio gives you the foundation for dining al fresco. Many activities, including grilling and entertaining, can be done on a lawn. However, adding a table and chairs is tricky if you have grass or bare ground. You're better off designating a space for them.

A bistro patio offers just enough hardscaping for a table and chairs. Because it's so small, it complements your petite yard without taking up too much space. You often see a round patio because this shape leaves you some space for landscaping around the area. However, you could use any shape — just leave yourself enough space for the chairs to clear the table comfortably.

Since you're not paving a large space, you can upgrade in materials without impacting the budget. Consider natural stone or brick for this project. You could even use a combination of the two, say using one as a border for the other. Such a design will make your small patio stand out in your yard. Take your design inspiration from the façade of your home, trying to match colors and textures.

If you want to enjoy your backyard in the evenings or on cold days, consider adding a firepit. Consider having one part of the installation be permanent, either the firepit itself or the seating around it. This area of permanence will create a destination spot in your small backyard.

The firepit is the central aspect of this space. So you could have the contractors build a permanent firepit into your designated space. Concerning materials, consider stacked stone for a rustic appearance or a grouted stone veneer for a more classic appeal. Either way, have the contractors extend the lip so you have some seating on the pit. The rest of the seating will be portable.

The other option is to purchase a portable firepit which you'll wheel out when needed. In this case, the area of permanence is a dedicated corner of built-in seating installed. Such seating could be a simple L-shaped stone bench in an unused corner of your yard. The bonus here is you can use the corner for other purposes when you don't need the firepit.