Planning a New Patio .... Here's A Guide to Patio Materials

Patios are a great home addition that allow you to enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family. A patio can be a simple landing pad outfitted with a table and chairs or can be an elaborate living space with multiple levels and built-in features, like bench seating or firepits. The materials commonly used for patios vary in style, price, and ease of maintenance. If you’re looking to install or revamp your patio, make sure you choose the material that best meets your wants and needs. Concrete Concrete is one of the most common materials used for patios. While you may envision basic slabs of concrete, much more can be done to add character to the concrete. It can be stamped in a pattern, stained different colors, or even painted. Concrete requires little maintenance due to its durability and is very budget friendly. Brick A brick patio can add a classic look to your yard. Bricks come in a variety of shades and can be installed in decorative patterns, like herringbone or basketweave. A brick patio will need to be swept regularly and cleaned a few times a year to prevent moss and dirt from accumulating. In addition, bricks can be sealed to protect them from the outdoor elements. Brick patios are more costly than concrete, especially if laid by a professional. Pavers Concrete pavers can be laid in similar patterns to brick but come in more muted colors like grays and browns. They are also available in interesting shapes, like hexagons, arrows, or zip zags. Care and maintenance of pavers, as well as the cost is similar to that for bricks. Cut Stone Bluestone, limestone, and slate are examples of cut stone that can be used in patios. These stones will have natural variations in color which can provide a textured look for your patio. They are also available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Regular sweeping is typically all that is needed to maintain a cut stone patio; however, it can be power washed if stains occur. Cut stone is typically the most expensive of the patio materials options. Loose Stone Another option for a patio is to use loose stones like pea gravel. This is an inexpensive option to define your patio area. Loose stone will require regular maintenance of shifting furniture back in place and raking escaped gravel back into the patio area. Weeds may be more likely to grow in patios made of loose stone and prevention measures should be taken. Are you considering adding a patio to your backyard? Let Dreamscape Designers walk you through the various patio material options to find what will work best for you. Give us a call today at (757) 412-1265 for a free consultation.