About Patio Designs
 

How to Select The Types of Patio Materials?

Nowadays, there are ample patio materials to choose from for your patio surface. Some of the more popular are available at landscaping centers or home improvement depot. They can be used for the simple and complex projects alike and are not confined just to the patio. These new types of patio materials can also be used for driveways, walkways and retaining walls along with permanent fixtures such as, plants, flowerpots and patio furniture.

The materials you choose should always blend with the surroundings and other materials used in the garden or landscape, while providing the right surface for the intended use of the patio.

Most people only think about materials in terms of the cost but that should not be your only consideration. You don't always require the cheapest patio material. On the contrary, you also need to think about what patio materials are going to last for a long time and what kind of maintenance each type of material needs.

Stamped Concrete

When you are figuring out your budget for the patio, you must take into account the maintenance costs of each different type of patio material. You may find that you are better off choosing a more expensive but durable patio materials up front rather than choosing a cheaper one that has a higher average maintenance cost. Also, make sure that you include into your budget for any additional walkways or paths that need to be built.

Consider the long term practically and maintenance of patio materials carefully....

When you are choosing the material to use as a foundation for the patio, think about the long-term practicality of the material before you make a final decision. Here are some pictures to show the different patio materials.

1. Real Stone

Stone Patios

Stone has the most natural outlook, most durable but also the most expensive type of patio materials. It require good skills to install because each stone greatly varies in shape and size. Additionally, mortar compound is used to adjoin these stones and settle as they dry. It is designed to wear well in high-traffic, need little maintenance and could last for decades.

2. Stone Veneer

Stone Veneer Patio

Stone veneer generally contains most of the benefits and advantages of real stone and it is comparatively a lighter type of patio materials and less expensive. Stone veneer can easily be cut with most common types of saws. Generally, most people will lay out their veneer pieces ahead of time so they can cut pieces to fit in odd spots in advance.

It is also as durable as most other patio materials. It requires very minimal maintenance. In addition, stone veneers are much easier to find in the market.

3. Plain Concrete

Plain Concrete Patio

Plain concrete sometimes also known as cement is probably the easiest material in terms of upkeep and maintenance. Plain concrete is the most affordable material available.

You can begin with plain concrete for your patio and when you are ready for a change, you can basically lay new patio materials over the existing the concrete flooring. Hence, you can treat it merely as a foundation layer for other patio materials discussed within this page. Furthermore, plain concrete can be a strong foundation and certainly prevent surface cracking.

4. Stamped or Colored Concrete

Stamped Concrete Patio

This material is gaining popularity and very practical. It often can be molded or stamped to look just like other types of patio material such as brick, cut stone, irregular stone, cobblestone, etc. It comes in various textures and colors and is cheap. Stamped or colored concrete is a very practical solution when working on a budget.

Although you will most likely pay more for colored or stamped concrete compared to plain concrete, the amazing transformation will be well worth the investment. A good and creative contractor can render endless array of decorative effects, from rustic earth-toned sidewalks and patios that harmonize with the surrounding landscape or garden to vibrant multicolored concrete floors that double as works of art.

5. Brick

Brick Patios

Brick is one of the most popular choice for patios because it is easy to install, looks great and is preferred by most DIY enthusiasts. This type of patio material offer a very traditional look in terms of warm, earthy colors and last a long time.

Bricks can be installed on sand base or concrete pavements regardless of whether you use mortar or not and extremely durable in cold climates.

It can have a variety of patterns as well because of its uniform shape and size, thus add a lot of personality and individually to your patio. The color of brick looks extremely nice and attractive on a patio especially if it is surrounded by a garden.

6. Tiles

Outdoor Patio Tile

Tile is an extremely versatile patio material that any patio utilize it will be one of a kind. Please ensure that the tile is designed for outdoor use. Furthermore, unglazed tile is less slippery than glazed tile when wet. It comes in many different shapes, colors, textures. The endless varieties you can choose from is one of the many reasons why it is a good choice for patios. There are various types such as,

  • Machine-made quarry tiles 
  • Fired terra-cotta tiles 
  • Molded paver tiles 
  • Synthetic-stone tiles 

They can be used virtually on any type of surface. Tiles are very comfortable to walk on and relatively smooth which makes it safe to use. Hence, there will be little fear of people tripping on any part of it. In addition, patio furniture will sit squarely on the tiles surface, that may not happen if you use another type of patio materials.

It's your choice after all

All the above mentioned are excellent patio materials to be use for your patio. In addition, you can even use a combination of different types of patio materials to make your patio comfortable. Also, you have to consider the drainage properties of each material. For instance, individual stones, bricks, or pavers will let water through more than a whole slab of concrete.

Clay Brick Material



In addition, you may also want to choose the material colors that you can match with your favorite patio furniture and combining different materials is also possible as long as they are properly matched. In any case, it is best to seek professional assistance and advise when using any of the patio material discussed above.

Choosing the right patio material will be an added investment to your patio...

Bear in mind that your patio is an investment so an up-front higher cost can actually be a better expense in the long term. No matter what patio materials you choose, make sure it’s easy to clean and maintain so that it will stand up well to the climate that you live in.

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