Considering Having A Patio Built? Best Materials For A Patio

Jason Hunt

Installing a patio is a great way to complement your house and add a backyard haven for family and guests. There are many materials to choose from, all of which have their own benefits. Homeowners looking to add a patio or update an old design should weigh the pros and cons of each material before making a decision. There will be a patio material for each budget and backyard size.

Natural Stone

For a natural look that matches the look of both the siding on your house and the earthy tones of your backyard, a natural stone patio is a great option. Stone patios combine simplicity and class to gives homeowners a backyard that is totally unique. Because natural stone patios are made from limestone, sandstone, and slate slabs, each patio looks different. Homeowners have the option to have the natural stone laid geometrically with rectangular slabs or randomly with small and large slabs.

  • Ecofriendly: Natural stone is paved in a way that there is still enough space for water to permeate between the stones into the soil underneath. This saves homeowners from going through the trouble of replacing cracked slabs. However, natural stone can crack in freezing temperatures, so be aware that replacing the stones may be inevitable.
  • Durable: Unlike some other patio materials, natural stone will last a long time. It is naturally slip-resistant-- even in the rain-- and a very resilient material. This is a good choice for those who like to have guests over-- and are willing to spend a little extra money-- since the stones will wear well over time.

Brick Pavers

Brick patios are one of the most popular materials for patios because of its classic, rustic look. This type of material can also be paved in a geometric design or intricate pattern. Simple patios have been around for a very long time, but now homeowners have the option to pave their backyard with brick pavers, which differ slightly from regular bricks. Pavers come in different styles, colors, and sizes, which can all be mixed and matched to create the best patio for you.

  • Durable: Brick pavers are very durable and are a great choice if chairs, tables, and grills are being dragged over the patio often. This material is also salvaged from other resources and is very permeable, so it is more ecofriendly than other patio materials. Brick pavers will last generations and do not require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking great.
  • Easy to DIY: By paving your patio with interlocking pavers, you lower the risk of bricks shifting over time, especially when installed in sand. Homeowners big on DIY projects should try this option out.

Poured Concrete

One of the simplest patio materials a homeowner can buy is poured concrete. Poured concrete is easy to install and offers a low cost. This is a great option for those who have an irregular shaped area to fill or want a large area paved quickly. Additionally, homeowners can get creative with poured concrete by adding pigment or stamping a pattern into it to add some character to the patio.

  • Low maintenance: Poured concrete requires very little upkeep, but remember that "low maintenance" does not mean "no maintenance". Concrete patios still need a coating reapplied every two years so that it doesn't lose its vibrancy. They can be easily washed when needed and can even act as a base for future redesigns.
  • Easily manipulated: Concrete patios are notoriously known for not being permeable, which means that the soil underneath cannot absorb any water. Because poured concrete can be paved on any surface, they can be manipulated into shapes that help water drain properly. Don't think of concrete patios as boring or simple when you can get the same effect of stone or pavers for a lower cost.

Gravel

If you are looking for a material that gives your backyard the look of a Florentine garden, gravel patios are the way to go. Homeowners have the opportunity to do it themselves, which can save them the extra cost of hiring a professional. Gravel stones come in many colors and sizes to complement all tastes. Like poured concrete, gravel can be put down in patios of any shape or size without complication.

  • Affordable: Homeowners with a small budget can take on a gravel patio. Due to weather and wear, this material will begin to erode so homeowners should expect to replace the gravel every few years. Even with this minimal upkeep, gravel patios are cost-efficient and a unique choice.
  • Permeable: Gravel is one of the more permeable and eco-friendly material options because it does not require cement grouting and does not stifle the soil underneath. Guests will never have to worry about walking on a still-wet patio the day after it rains because the water will absorb right into the ground. However, homeowners should remember that gravel can be slippery, so for an extra cost, add stabilizers around the patio to hold it in place.

For more information, contact Antham Construction Group Inc. or a similar company.


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