New Ways of Thinking About Patios

If you are building a patio from the ground up, you will want to think about the pros and cons of each available material. Since a new patio is an expensive project, you must choose materials that best suit your home and your budget. While the initial outlay may be considerable, your investment will be more than repaid when you put your house up for sale, as it is a highly desirable feature of any home. Here are some popular choices to consider:

• Concrete is the least expensive way to go. A big advantage is that concrete has endless design options and can be formed and stained into numerous shapes and colors. Concrete pavers are available in large slabs or can even be shaped to resemble cobblestone blocks. While concrete is a low-maintenance and highly durable material, you should seal your patio every few years to protect your investment.

• Brick is also an inexpensive choice, especially for homeowners who consider patio building a DIY project. It offers a myriad of design options, even though brick only comes in a few color choices, such as red, gray and blonde. To personalize your patio, choose interesting patterns such as herringbone, basketweave or running bond, to name just a few. You can even use multiple patterns to add texture to the space. While brick is highly durable in all climates and is easy to repair, it is recommended that you maintain it by occasionally scrubbing the surface to remove any algae buildup. Brick sealers should be applied once every two to five years. Pull weeds out of the joints as they appear and fill in with more sand to keep your patio looking its best.

• Flagstone provides low-maintenance durability and is aesthetically pleasing. It can be pricey unless you select stones that are mined in your part of the country. For example, slate and bluestone are found in the Northeast, while sandstone comes from the Southwest. Choosing a flagstone from another region will increase the cost. The best maintenance for your patio is sweeping and scrubbing it monthly. Once every 10 years or so, you will need to reapply a stone sealer. Working with stone can be very challenging, and for that reason, you will want to hire a professional to do the installation.

• Tile is a visually beautiful material. Your choice of tile will depend on where you live. For example, tiles made from porcelain and granite can stand up to extreme temperatures, from blazing hot summers to below-zero winters. Keep in mind that if your backyard is prone to flooding, tile may not be right for you as it does not absorb water. For this reason, tiles are not recommended for pool areas. Tiles made from softer stones will need to be sealed often to prevent cracking.

• Paver offers all the same visual benefits of brick and natural stone without the sticker shock. You can expect your pavers to last between 20 and 30 years. A recent innovation in pavers is rubber pavers. This material will decrease the risk of family members falling when the pavers are wet. Its softer, nonslip walking surface provides peace of mind for older and younger family members.

• Gravel refers to any loose material made from crushed granite or stone. It is the most budget-friendly material to place around fire pits and walkways. It is also a DIY-friendly installation. All you need to do is remove the grass from the area, set down landscaping, create a border and then cover the space with gravel. You are then ready to enjoy your new patio. Choose gravel if you live in a flood-prone area, as it will not prevent the ground from absorbing heavy rains. For a more attractive look, add polished stones like river rock or beach pebbles to the crushed stone gravel.

So, what is the best patio for you? The one that works best for your budget, style preferences, maintenance schedule and climate. Contact us for more inspiration on creating your own outdoor oasis.