Whether you are having a deck or patio installed by your landscape design company, you have several choices of materials that can be utilized. And it depends on what you do with these materials that will give your deck or patio a unique look. In order to determine which material is best for your project, you will consider budget, preference, and the size of your patio or deck. You might not have thought about the materials you should use for your outdoor living space, but it is an important consideration. The material you choose for your patio or deck will give it a distinct look. When it comes to choosing a material for your project, there is no right or wrong answer.
The American Backyard
Chances are pretty good that if you own a home, it likely has a backyard. After all, backyards are pretty common. However, backyards have not always been the spaces where Americans relax and enjoy recreational activities; that is a relatively new concept. Before World War II, backyards were merely outdoor spaces that were rarely used and pretty much more of a nuisance than anything, as they had to be watered and mowed. But after the war, more and more families started spending more time in their outdoor space.
By the 1950s, a well-groomed backyard was sort of a status symbol. As such, more money was spent on making improvements to backyards. A typical backyard upgrade might include a garden, swimming pool, and, of course, a patio. Companies took advantage of our love for backyards and patios by offering several materials in which to use for such a project. In addition, the materials are provided at various price points, so more and more families can afford a patio.
Not only are backyards getting bigger, but they are also getting more and more use. The average backyard has grown considerably since the 1950s, with the modern home averaging around 7,000 plus square feet. It’s something to think about when you are hosting a backyard party while grilling steaks on your built-in grill.
Budget-Friendly Patio Material Choices
Having a beautiful and functional patio installed in your backyard doesn’t have to break the bank; there are several choices of materials for the budget-minded homeowner. Take gravel, for instance; it’s an inexpensive material well-suited for a beautiful and functional patio. Now, gravel may not be the first material to come to mind when considering your patio, but it might be the right choice for you.
There are several benefits to utilizing gravel for a patio. For example, gravel supports excellent draining so that you won’t suffer pools of water on your patio after heavy rain. Gravel also does an excellent job of keeping your patio free from weeds and other plants. However, gravel is also a bit rough on bare feet, and you have to maintain it as it is constantly shifting.
Explore custom concrete patios
Concrete is and has always been an affordable material for patios. While gravel is less expensive, they are a close call in total cost. The most significant benefit of using concrete for your patio is longevity; you can expect your concrete patio to serve you well and with little maintenance for many years. The other benefit of concrete is the many ways that you can customize the look of your patio. For a few extra dollars, you can have your patio stamped and colored to look like almost any other material. That’s right; you can have a concrete patio that looks like pavers, bricks, and even wood.
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That said, there are a few cons associated with a concrete patio. For example, no matter what you do or hard well the patio was installed, you will eventually suffer cracks; there isn’t anything anybody can do about that. Concrete is a porous material, and water that gets inside will freeze and thaw and cause cracking.
Even More Patio Material Choices
If you want your patio to draw some serious attention, you can always choose bricks as the material. Clay bricks have that classic look that never goes out of style. It’s also pretty easy to have clay bricks installed in different patterns for a unique look. The one downside to clay bricks is that it is going to cost you more than concrete and other material choices. So make sure you have a healthy budget if bricks are on your list of materials for your patio.
Flagstone is another excellent choice for your patio. Flagstone is a decorative choice that will result in a unique and stunning patio. There are several types of flagstone, and they all feature different qualities, but it is easy to choose one perfect for your use. Again, this is an option that will definitely cost more than other materials, but the finished project will be well worth the investment.
There was a time in the not-so-distant past when pavers were simple gray or pinkish squares that looked nice but not really fancy. Modern pavers have changed and are now available in an assortment of colors and textures. In addition, pavers can be made to look like other materials, such as stone, bricks, and even cobblestones. Interlocking pavers fit together just like a table puzzle, and there is no need for grout or mortar. The one downside to pavers would be the cost, as pavers will cost more than concrete and some other materials.
Mix and Match
Here is a novel idea if you have a lot of backyard space, use mixed materials for your large patio. With the number of available materials for your patio, the combinations are truly endless. You can choose from brick, concrete, stone, gravel, whatever you think will give you the look and function you want. In addition, a mixed material patio would indeed be one-of-a-kind.
As you can see, you have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a material for your patio. But, of course, if you are stuck and don’t know what to do, a landscape design company can help. We can take your ideas and turn them into a beautiful and functional reality. All you need to do is visit our website and fill out a contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
