A hardscaped patio is a great addition to any yard. Beyond just offering an outdoor living space for you and your family to enjoy the summer, patios can also increase your property value and decrease your lawn maintenance.
When it comes to choosing a material for your patio, there is no shortage of option. The choice that’s right for you will depend greatly on your home’s style, your budget, and your desired level of maintenance for your new patio.
Brick
A brick paver patio fits homes of many different styles, whether your exterior aesthetic is elegant or rustic. While the color options of brick pavers are limited to shades of brown and red, they can be laid in different patterns—from herringbone to half basket weave—to add personality to your patio. While expensive, brick is fully recyclable, making it a good choice for the environmentally conscious.
Brick is a durable material, lasting upwards of 25 years with the right maintenance. Speaking of maintenance—brick patios do require a higher level of attention than other options. They should be pressure washed two times a year, after which, they need their joints repacked and should be resealed. They also retain moisture, which can cause them to crack in freezing temperatures, calling for replacement.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the cheapest patio materials, but it’s very durable when properly taken care of, lasting tens of years. It also offers near-endless options for customization. Since it’s poured, concrete can be stamped, smoothed, tinted, patterned, painted, or inlaid. If you want the look of stone or brick without the price, concrete can be stamped and died to emulate either.
In terms of maintenance, concrete patios aren’t difficult to keep up with. The frequency at which it will need to be cleaned will depend on the level of activity and use. Concrete should be pressure washed to remove debris and scrubbed to remove stains, then resealed.
Like brick, concrete carries the risk of cracking with extreme temperature changes, and drainage needs to be considered during installation to avoid standing water.
Flagstone
Durable, natural, and timeless, flagstone comes in large, flat slabs 1-3 inches thick—for a patio laid on sand or soil, they should be at least 1.5 inches thick. Flagstone can be made from different types of stone, including bluestone, limestone, sandstone, basalt, slate, and quartzite, offering multiple great-looking options for customization.
Like concrete, the drainage of a flagstone patio needs to be considered during the designing process, as standing water creates a heightened risk of erosion, discoloration, or splitting. Flagstone patios don’t need much in terms of maintenance—sweep regularly and clean with a natural stone cleaner. If needed, treat stains from moss with an outdoor bleach.
Whichever material you choose for your new hardscaped patio, hiring a professional for installation will ensure you get the most out of your patio’s lifespan. Trust Land Concepts to help you build the outdoor living space of your dreams this summer.
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