Patios are a great way to extend your living space, increase the value of your home, and save money on landscaping costs. When planning the perfect outdoor getaway, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right material for your patio. With all the materials available today, how do you choose the right one for you and your family?

The material you select will depend on the look you desire, the intended use of your patio, your budget, maintenance needs, and your surroundings. Let’s discuss your different options along with the pros and cons of each.

Concrete

Concrete is a popular material used for outdoor spaces because of its relatively low cost, durability, and low maintenance. The semi-liquid nature of concrete allows the slab to be formed into almost any shape or size, providing versatility to homeowners who would like a geometric or curved patio. Concrete has come a long way and patios don’t have to be gray, plain, and boring anymore. Stained concrete offers a wide array of colors while stamped concrete can create patterns resembling stone, brick, or pavers. Concrete can also provide a base on which to add tiles in the future. The downside of concrete is that it must be installed correctly to prevent drainage problems and although durable, it is subject to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.

Natural Stone

Durable and easy to maintain, natural stone is available in a broad range of types and colors that complement a variety of architectural styles. Nothing beats natural stone like flagstone, slate, bluestone, quartzite, or limestone for a stunning, sophisticated look. This type of material fits well into a rustic or garden setting because of its natural hues. However, natural stone is more expensive than other options and the irregular surfaces can create a rough, coarse walking area.

Brick

Brick offers a traditional, charming Old World look to a patio. Because of its uniform size and shape, brick is relatively easy to install. Though brick may crack with wintertime freeze-thaw cycles, it is otherwise durable, and individual damaged bricks can be easily replaced. Brick comes in different shades and can be installed in a variety of patterns offering visual interest. One of the drawbacks of brick is that the material is porous and retains moisture causing some maintenance issues. For example, in shady areas, slippery moss can grow on the bricks and must be scrubbed off with a bleach solution and brush.

Exterior Tile

Ceramic, stone, or porcelain tiles offer a distinct, classy look and can create a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. Choices range from terra-cotta tile to machine-made quarry to synthetic stone tiles. If you choose this material, make sure the tile is designed for outdoor use and keep in mind that unglazed tile will be less slippery when wet. Also choose tiles that are less porous to resist damage from freezing and thawing. Tile can be more expensive than other options and since this material can be slick, it may not be the best choice for spa or pool areas.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel offers an English cottage-style or Tuscan courtyard look. The material is easy to install, inexpensive, and provides better drainage than any other patio surface. Two basic types are available: river rock or crushed stone. When installed over a landscape liner, gravel can deter weed growth. However, a gravel patio can be difficult to keep level and in place, uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet, and may not support outdoor furniture as well as other patio materials.

If you review all your options, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material, and take in account your budget, you can choose the perfect patio hardscape for your needs. Whether you decide to use concrete, natural stone, pavers, or another material, a patio creates an environment where you and your family can relax together and entertain friends for years to come.