These Are The Patio Materials We Recommend For Our Client’s Homes In Harford County And Baltimore County, Maryland
Knowing your options before choosing anything is a smart move. You can then get the best choice for your style and budget.
In this post, you can find out what the best patio material is. You can also discover the other 4 we recommend and what all of their pros and cons are.
What Are Our Options?
“Now that we know the approximate cost, what’s next?” asks Heather.
“I’d say it would be a good idea to look into the best materials to use for patios,” suggests John. “Then we can narrow down the cost to build a patio and some design options.”
Heather grins. “That’s a great idea, John! It’s feeling so real already,” she says excitedly. John grins back. “It sure does! Our backyard is going to be way more fun and relaxing. Especially since it’ll help the backyard not be as muddy.”
Heather nods. “Then let’s get to Googling!” The couple starts searching for answers.
Here’s what they uncover:
5 Of The Best Material Options For Patios
The best patio options are paver, concrete, brick, flagstone, and porcelain tile. You can use each one to bring a different look and feel to your backyard. Each has its pros and cons.
1. Paver
Pavers are the most popular and best material for patios. You can choose between concrete, clay brick, and natural stone.
Pros:
- Paver patios are strong and flexible
- Can have great warranties (like lifetime)
- Don’t crack easily
- Easier to repair than other patio types
- Easily cleaned
- Low maintenance
- Variety of shapes and patterns
Cons:
- Takes a decent amount of time to install
- Higher initial cost than other options for patio flooring
- Plants can grow between the pavers
- Pavers can become uneven due to roots, settling, and frost heave
- Needs proper preparation or doesn’t turn out well
2. Concrete
Concrete is a mixture of sand, water, cement, and gravel. This is another of the more popular patio material choices.
Pros:
- Pouring concrete for patios is simple and quick
- Can mold to almost any shape
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
- Variety of styles, colors, and overall designs
Cons:
- The curing time is a few days, so it still takes some patience
- Prone to cracking in extreme temperatures
- Repairs are costly compared to other patio material choices
- Can be slippery when wet unless you get a textured surface
3. Brick
Bricks are made by heating up a mixture of clay and other materials. People have been using brick for their homes and hardscapes for hundreds of years.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Classic and timeless look
- Different colors and design patterns to choose from
- Low maintenance
- Easier to repair than other patio materials
Cons:
- Can be pricier than other patio materials
- Can fade and chip over time
- May become uneven as time passes
- Needs sealing every few years
4. Flagstone
These are large, flat slabs of stone. Their irregular shapes give fun and visual interest to patios.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easier to work with than other patio types
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Repairs are easy
Cons:
- Time-consuming and labor-intensive installation
- Can get very hot and slippery
5. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are a combination of clay, sand, and feldspar that you heat until it solidifies. We’d recommend the unglazed tiles so they aren’t as slippery.
Pros:
- Durable
- Moisture-resistant
- Stain-resistant
- Mold-resistant
- Variety of design options
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Higher cost than most patio material options
- Can get hot underfoot
- Needs precise installation
You May Also Like To Know
“Did any of these speak to you?” asks John. Heather frowns. “Yes, a couple of them, actually. Let’s talk it over while we see what else we can find out about patios on this blog.”