Did you know there were over 227,000 masonry employees in the US in 2022? That leaves a lot of options for you to choose from when you’re considering having work done for your patio, but that doesn’t mean the process is any less confusing.
Working with a professional is a great way to be guided through the process, but sometimes you want to conduct your own research before you decide on what to do. Luckily, we’re here to help with everything you need to know.
Read on to learn more about what to consider when you’re choosing patio materials.
What to Consider When Choosing Patio Materials
Before you start learning about different materials, it’s important to know what you need. Here are a few things for you to consider before you choose your patio hardscaping.
Use and Purpose
What are you using the space for? Whether you’re looking for a space to entertain your friends, relax, or even allow the kids to let loose, it’s important to take this into consideration. The answer is going to help you determine what’s needed.
If you’re looking for an entertainment space, then a material that can support lots of weight and ample seating is a must. If you’re paving a poolside area, though, then opting for slippery tile isn’t going to be the best decision.
Location
That’s why location is important to consider as well. Choosing the wrong material can not only cause structural issues, but it can present an immediate safety hazard if you’re not careful.
Even if your patio isn’t poolside, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain and the patio is going to experience lots of foot traffic, it’s essential to pave with something safe and slip-resistant. You also want to ensure the material you’re choosing can withstand the elements it’s going to be exposed to the most.
Budget and Size
Up next, how big is the area you’re paving? What’s your overall budget?
It’s important to consider these things together, as the size is going to have a direct impact on the amount you spend. From there, you’ll have a better idea of the amount you can spend per square foot, and then you’ll be able to look at options within that price range.
What Is the Best Material for an Outdoor Patio?
Now that you know a bit more about what to consider, it’s time to move on to the important stuff: Patio ideas! This is where you can finally get creative and allow yourself to explore different material options.
It’s also a good time to find a patio masonry expert that specializes in working with your chosen material. It’ll be a lot easier to know you’re in good hands when install day finally rolls around.
Concrete
Concrete might seem like the boring, practical option, but it’s also the safe one. If you want to add creativity to it, you can opt for a stamped pattern or even something colored for a more natural look.
It is important to note the maintenance that comes with this material, though. Every two years you’ll have to reapply the coating so it doesn’t lose its color. Reapplying that coating is also going to help hide cracks and other imperfections.
Brick
Brick is a classic choice. It brings old-world beauty to a lot of modern spaces, and it’s perfect for a lot of landscapes. It’s also important to consider the maintenance that comes with it, though.
Brick is porous, so it retains moisture and might not be best for wet climates. In shady areas, moss can grow on them, and if they freeze, they’re more prone to cracking.
Ultimately, if you do decide to go with brick, just remember that you’re going to have to clean it with a bleach solution if moss becomes a problem.
Flagstone
For a more natural look, you can opt for flagstone or natural stone. You can choose from materials like slate, bluestone, or even limestone, but it’s important to note that you will pay more for this kind of patio. It has to be cut and then carried in, adding extra costs due to transportation.
It can take a bit longer to lay down, meaning higher installation costs.
Ultimately, you might be keener to go with this material if you already have natural stone in your house. Opting for a limestone patio can make a lot more sense if you already have limestone on the exterior of your home.
Pavers
Pavers come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. They can be manufactured to fit a variety of colors and patterns, and you’re likely to even see them in high-end homes nowadays.
They’re a popular option because they’re built consistently and they’re easier to install. All of your pavers come with the same thickness, and they’re usually the same size, so you’re like to save a lot of time and money on your installation. You can even purchase kits to help shape and circle your patio to fit whatever you’re wanting.
Ultimately, professional masonry experts can help you install this quickly and easily, but it’s also easy enough to work with on your own.
Remember These Patio Ideas
Now that you know a bit more about what to consider when choosing your patio materials, are you ready to get started? Whether you’re renovating your outdoor area or you’re simply redoing your patio’s surface, it’s important to plan everything ahead of time so there aren’t any surprises, and this guide can help you do exactly that.
We can also help whenever you need it. Contact us today to get started.