So you have decided you want to put in a patio but you have no idea which look is right for your outdoor space, and you don’t even know what material you should use based on your lifestyle and the climate you live in. There are benefits to each material available, and most of it really depends on your personal preference. Here is some information about the different materials to help make your decision a little easier.
Concrete
These patios are typically the least expensive to install, provided they are done right the first time. As long as you perform adequate maintenance and care it can also be one of the most durable materials to construct your patio out of. However, depending on the climate you live in concrete can be prone to cracking when the temperature drops and then climbs again.
One of the most notable bonuses to choosing concrete is that when it’s installed it flows free form. This means you have pretty much unlimited possibilities in terms of shape and size, so if you have an oddly shaped backyard then you might wish to have special sized patio and concrete will be able to accommodate this.
Brick
This has been a very popular material for patios for a long time, so it is common that people will just select it by default. Bricks will usually maintain their colour over time, so they are a popular choice because they won’t wear out in the elements. What’s more is that they can be arranged in various patterns, and that makes them a DIY friendly weekend project. These patterns can be installed by yourself and there’s no need to have anyone come in and pour anything.
Similar to concrete, bricks can be prone to cracking with changes in temperature. However, unlike concrete if a brick or two crack they can easily be replaced without having to redo the entire patio.
Stones
These are also known as paver stones, and patios made of stone are known to last longer than those made with other types of materials. Paver stones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which also means you can customize the look of your patio. If you are selecting this material then you should make sure you install a ring of pressure treated wood, or similar, to act as border since stones will spread out over time (except for interlocking patterns).
Paver stones are designed to have a much more natural look and feel to them, so if you want your outdoor space to feel calm and inviting then this might just be the option for you.
Regardless of which material you select for your patio you should always do adequate research to make sure it is right for you. No material is significantly better than the others, but depending on your lifestyle there might be one that works better for you or that will provide you with more enjoyment of your outdoor space.
After you have done your research you just need to decide the final look you want to achieve and drawn inspiration from various sources to ensure your finished patio is something you will enjoy for years to come.
