The patio materials are the physical basis of this alfresco living room, where you and your family can start creating that perfect outside place for you and your family. Your choice can significantly impact the look, longevity, and utility of your favorite home accessory. 

 

Before building your patio

 

Consider the finished space before committing to a patio style. You probably know where it will be and how big it will be, so get a chair, take it outside, and place it where you want it. Then take a seat and visualize each material in your head. 

 

Your patio should enhance your lifestyle and accent your home and scenery. Consider combining paving materials if you have a vast surface to deal with; some of the most excellent patio ideas involve two or more. Inlaid borders can visually divide a space for lounging from the outdoor kitchen when several materials are used. 

 

Consider which materials would best bring your perfect design to life in terms of aesthetics and practical considerations, such as maintenance needs and cost, once you’ve conjured up your ideal plan. 

 

Many homeowners prefer to pour concrete for their patios because it is structurally strong, affordable, and can be embossed or colored to seem like more expensive paving materials. It works best in mild to warm locations where frost heave isn’t an issue. 

Materials for your patio

 

Bricks 

 

Bricks, which come in various hues, provide a welcoming and appealing patio. This classic patio type often costs more than one made of concrete, not only because of the materials but also because of the time involved in setting, leveling, and grouting each brick by hand. 

 

Pavers 

 

Pavers, often made of cement, cinder, or stone, are at the top of the DIY patio wish list because of their inexpensive cost and ease of installation – you’ll be grilling in no time. 

 

Stone 

 

Stone’s beautiful appearance comes at a higher cost — especially if it’s not locally sourced — but it’s hard to beat for natural charm. Flat, randomly shaped stones create a soothing and meandering look, but uniform-cut slabs of granite, travertine, slate, or bluestone may make a formal patio suitable for any backyard. 

 

Tile 

 

Tile, which comes in various materials such as ceramic, glass, porcelain, terra cotta, and natural stone, is used to create attractive mosaic patio patterns that are cool to the touch in hot regions. Because tile is so thin, it necessitates using a concrete slab.

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