Concrete Patios
This one is also quite durable and is built to stand the test of time. It is also a lot easier to maintain when compared to gravel and it is quite reliable as a material if you take care of it.
However, you must understand and remember that concrete is prone to freezing. The cycle of freezing and thawing can really do a number on a concrete patio because it creates cracks in the overall structure and weakens its integrity.
But just because you live in an area where the mercury dips harshly does not mean concrete is not an option for you. It just means that you have to be a bit more careful and might have to get some repair work done over time so that it stays smoothly operational.
Concrete slabs are also used as a base for patios and decorative tiles or other materials are placed on top of the concrete. This, in fact, gives it a better look and makes it one of the more different types of patios, albeit a simple one.
Concrete also works out for those who just want a practical patio option that is durable. Take the decoratives out of the equation and you are good to go.
What you’ll want to consider is the type of concrete finishes for patios you desire, like exposed aggregate finish, salt finish, or stamped concrete finishes, as examples. There’s plenty of options!
Patio Pavers
I personally love the look of patio pavers, which are essentially pieces of concrete formed into bricks of various sizes and meant to be locked into place with each other. You don’t have to worry about grout and mortar either, though you will need to space them appropriately.
After that you rub in sand and soil and stamp these types of pavers to help them settle. These types of patios resemble the cut stone patio types except everything will be uniform here and look specifically designed, rather than assembled from various leftover pieces of stone.
Learn more about: Types of Paver Materials
People love to use these patio stones as decking alternatives, since they’re as elegant if not more so, and require very little maintenance. You can achieve a flat, sturdy surface and when installed right won’t allow for much shifting and on-going intervention.
Stone Patios
Cut stone are flat pieces of broken stone that can be placed together like a puzzle piece. If done right it can come out looking like tile, but very randomized. Sometimes you’ll need to use masonry types of chisels or types of saws to cut the stones to the final shapes you’ll need.
As far as stone types, you can opt for sandstone or travertine on the cheaper end or even go for a more sturdy marble, though for this type of patio and being outside, I wouldn’t do that.
Often, these stones are throwaway pieces being repurposed, so it won’t be as expensive as you may think. If you can get your hands on enough of them you could learn how to build natural stone steps leading up to your patio, too.
Slate Patios
Slate refers to natural stone, much like cut stone, except these aren’t an afterthought. They’re designed in square or rectangular shapes for consistent and easy installation. They can be stained in a variety of colors as well so you’ll have plenty of options.
These are completely natural, durable, and can be installed yourself, though it’s always wise to consider the help of a professional.
Over time you’ll want to scrub or pressure wash these surfaces as they can attract dirt, mold, and mildew. But they look very nice and sophisticated, so it’s worth the hassle.
You can start by choosing one that is aesthetically appealing on your patio to act as the patio surface alternatives. Now, this one is not the easiest to install. So, you must think of calling in professional help to get the job done with grace. PVM Concrete over 35 years experience.
PVM Concrete our experience can make sure that the work with the material is going smoothly, considering it is not easy to work with. And that the job gets done in time.
Flagstone Patios
It is hard to work with flagstone because this is a very heavy material which makes it impractical to use it unless you have the proper tools and know how to work them. But once you achieve your goal you’ll have one of the most beautiful and different types of patios out there.
If you are on a budget, this might not be the first thing you want to look at. But before you go with flagstone, remember that some are good for warm weather while others deal with winter temperatures quite well.
You could get the advice of a professional to figure out which one suits your region and its climate the best. CALL PVM CONCRETE (714) 504-9323.
Tile Patios
This is another popular choice and it works very well. Tiles make it very easy to clean the surface of a patio and it is pleasant to walk on.
These positive attributes make it a coveted choice. But tiles are usually placed on a different surface that is the base. Concrete slabs are an excellent choice for these types of patios in that respect.
Now, since concrete is also fairly affordable, the overall cost should not be too high. Tiles also give you the choice of inviting a ton of designs and patterns into your patio. Between the colors and textures, you will be spoiled for choice. And unlike flagstone, this one is easy to install too.
There are a few things to watch out for though. Tiles can be slippery when wet and can cause you to slip and fall if you are not careful.
Clay Bricks
If you are gunning for an impressive looking patio, you will find that clay bricks are a great option. This must be the primary surface material because bricks lend a certain level of a classic feel to the space.
It will help you create a rather good-looking patio space. Bricks are also a way of adding a touch of the past to a space.
But before you get started with the project, be mindful of the fact that this can be expensive and difficult to finish when compared to some of the other options. But you must do your own evaluation depending on the amount of importance to give to the look of the patio.
Now, since it is going to be expensive, you might want to start by having a budget before you start the construction work on these types of patios.
You have the option of using reclaimed bricks if you are okay with going even higher in terms of costs. However, the bright side to that argument is that they are quite eco-friendly. You also have the option of using mortar instead of clay bricks for the whole space.
That way you can rest assured that everything will stay firm. You can also go with a bed of sand under the clay bricks because it is a very flexible material. All in all, the advantage of a patio made of clay bricks is that it is quite easy to install one. They are also very friendly to different patterns.
People often like to have their patios in different geometric shapes and with clay bricks that can be done quite easily. All you need to figure out is how much material is required to get there.
