Looking to build a new patio or refinish an existing one? One of the more important decisions you’ll need to make is what type of material to use. From concrete and brick to cut stone and tile, there are no shortage of options.
Ultimately, the patio material that’s best for you will boil down to several factors, including your personal preference, climate, and budget. The size of your outdoor space and availability of materials in your area may also come into consideration.
By exploring some popular patio materials, their inherent benefits, and their potential drawbacks, you can make the decision that’s right for your needs.
Concrete
Poured concrete is a common material used to construct patios. It is made up of a mixture of sand, water, cement, and gravel, which allows it to be poured into nearly any surface or shape. This makes it one of the most versatile and adaptable patio materials available.
Concrete is also extremely durable, offering a lifespan of up to 30 years with proper maintenance. No matter what look you’re going for with your new patio, concrete can help you achieve it. Some common examples of beautiful concrete finishes include:
- smooth
- stamped
- brushed
- scored
- colored or tinted
- decorated with inlays
- painted
- aggregate
- patterned
Brick
Another option to consider for your patio is brick, which is made by firing a mixture of clay and other materials into a kiln. This material is very cost-effective while remaining durable and relatively low-maintenance. When properly installed and cared for, a brick patio can easily last for about 25 years.
Brick can also be a great option if you’re looking to achieve a more classic or natural look in your landscape design. It can be laid in a number of ways to suit your tastes, including:
- herringbone
- running bond
- jack-on-jack
Flagstone
If you’re seeking a slightly more elegant material for your patio, consider flagstone. This beautiful stone comes in a wide range of types, such as:
- sandstone
- limestone
- bluestone
- quartz
Flagstone is available in a number of sizes and shapes to create your unique design. Typically, flat slabs of this stone range from about one to three inches thick. Additionally, the roughened surface of flagstone offers excellent traction, even when wet! This makes it a very popular choice for pool patios.
Pavers
While patio pavers used to be only available in gray or off-pink squares, modern advancements have allowed for a wider variety of colors and textures. Today, you can find patio pavers that are made to look like brick, cobblestone, cut stone, and more. Patio pavers are very easy to install because they come with interlocking pieces that fit together like a puzzle. This eliminates the need for grout or mortar.
Tile
If you wish to achieve a more modern or contemporary look with your new patio, there are plenty of great tile options to choose from. When using tile for a patio, it is generally best to use one with an unglazed finish (such as unglazed ceramic) because glazed tile can become quite slippery when wet.
There are three main types of unglazed tile to choose from, including:
- porcelain (stain-resistant and durable)
- terracotta (rustic and porous, making it more suitable for mild temperatures)
- quarry (offers traction through texture without being too uneven)
If you’d like to incorporate some glazed tile in your patio design, you can always use glazed tiles as accent pieces around your patio.
Cut Stone
One final option to consider when choosing a patio material is cut stone. This is similar to flagstone in many ways, with the main difference that cut stone is sliced into square or rectangular shapes instead. Cut stone is very durable and will last for many years with the proper care and maintenance.
There are seemingly endless options when it comes to elegant cut stone options to use on your patio. Some of the more popular choices to consider include:
- granite
- marble
- slate
- travertine
- limestone
- bluestone
- phyllite
- sandstone
It is worth noting that cut stone is among the more expensive patio materials on the market, so you’ll want to price out your project before you commit to this option if you’re concerned about your budget.
Need a New Patio?
Any of these options can be a great choice for your new patio. At the end of the day, it boils down to how much you’re willing to spend, the look you’re going for, and what type of maintenance you’re willing to do on your patio.
No matter which material you choose, it’s important to find the right landscape professionals to design and install your new patio. At Landscape in Design, patios are one of our specialties. We are eager to speak more with you about your patio project, so get in touch with our team today by calling to schedule your free consultation.