Many homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to make their homes more appealing. Whether that means increasing the living space or just making it look better, they are always trying to find something that works. Installing a patio can make any yard look better, and will provide a comfortable place for guests and family to enjoy the yard. Here are the most common materials used in patio construction today.
Stone
Stone is a natural and durable option for your patio. If you use local stone, then it will be more environmentally friendly since it will cut down on transportation. Local stone should also blend better with your yard, since it will be from the region. Slate, limestone, and bluestone are all solid options that offer various benefits. Stone will give your space a more natural feel if you are looking to meld the natural outdoor setting with your patio. The drawbacks are that stone is heavy to move, and can sometimes be bumpy, making them hard to walk on. Stone is probably the most expensive option as well.
Concrete
Concrete is not as expensive as stone, but can still offer some benefits. Stone tablets can be removed and replaced easily, for one. If the slabs are interlocked, then they provide stability since they will not shift. If they are installed correctly on sand and given some space, they will be resistant to temperature changes and heavy loads. They do offer less in the way of patterns that other options, since they are strict geometric shapes. They can also suffer fading as time goes on which can make them look older.
Poured Concrete
Concrete is a sand and gravel mixture that creates a substance that will harden when left to dry. It can be shaped into almost anything, so it is versatile for any space. Poured concrete will not break the budget, and provides a durable, low-maintenance option that is easy to walk on. That said, mixing concrete is not easy, since you must be precise with the measurements and mixing process. It must dry correctly or else you may have issues with drainage, or it will crack as time goes on. If your patio is going over top of utility lines, then you run the risk of damaging them, which will create additional costs.
Tile
Tile might not be the first thing to come to your mind when you are thinking of a patio. They are more closely related to kitchens and bathrooms. However, tiles are a solid choice for the outdoors. They can provide a nice transition from outdoors to indoors, for starters. You cannot use just any tile, though. You must use tile and grout that are manufactured for use outside. The tiles must not absorb much water and should be resistant to damage from the freezing and thawing that comes with being exposed to the elements. Because of the weather, tiles can get slippery, so unglazed tiles might be the best bet as they are not as slippery as other tile types. Glazed or not, tiles can still be at least a little slippery, so be careful. Since they are so exposed to water and moisture, and that water tends to hold for long periods, algae could be an issue as well.
Brick
Brick might be the material most relate to home building, especially since they helped the third little pig survive. There are bricks designed specially for patio construction, so yours won’t fly away when the wolf breathes on it. Patio bricks are less porous, and you must the right grade for your climate. They do not have to be just red and linear. You can choose from a variety of colors, such as tan and black. They do not have the wide selection of the other options, though. They can also be susceptible to weeds popping through if installed on sand. They can also be uneven if not installed properly.
A patio can be a great addition to any home. They provide extra living space and a place to enjoy the outdoors. Choose your materials carefully to find the perfect pick for you.
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. to get started, you can reach us online or by phone!