8 Patio Materials: What Are Their Pros and Cons?

You can use different materials to install or improve patios. Some are useful for forming the foundation of the patio itself, while others you can add to an existing patio if you want to make it look more aesthetically appealing. 

In this article, we’ll talk about some common patio materials that are out there. If you want to create a new patio for yourself or improve the one you have, then you should know about all of these. Improving or adding a patio can improve your home’s resale value, and that’s something virtually any homeowner will probably want.  

Concrete

You can regard concrete as being the old standby for patios. You can pour it and then contact a company to do some concrete cutting that will enable your new patio to last for the longest time possible. You can also hire a company to handle the whole job if you’re not very good in the DIY department.

Concrete is one of the more cost-effective methods of installing a patio. It also lasts a long time, provided you set it up the right way. 

Scoring or cutting the patio into sections is one way to do it. The company you hire should be happy to tell you more about that, though you can always watch some helpful YouTube videos too if you’d like to tackle the job yourself.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is a nice feature to add to a patio. However, this is more of a material to add to an existing patio setup than to construct a completely new one out of. 

Pea gravel is nice because it gives the whole look and feel of the patio a new dimension that you might enjoy. You can create a Tuscan courtyard look or an English garden one. It also comes in many colors, so you can match it to your house.

The major downside is that you can’t really create a patio from scratch from it because the pieces are too tiny and loose. Also, you have to sometimes rake it back into shape if you have a dog that likes to run around on it or you have a party and pieces of it get scattered throughout the yard. 

Natural Wood

Natural wood gives your patio unmatched beauty. If you have some trees scattered around your backyard already, then the addition of a natural wood deck should blend in with those nicely. If you set up a hammock or some comfortable outdoor chairs, this area can be an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

Natural wood requires more upkeep than some other patio materials, though. Color fading, decay, and splintering can all happen, and replacement of pieces is virtually inevitable as time passes. 

Porcelain Tile

This is a more durable option than most others. You can install porcelain tile and watch it stand up to moisture, cracks, and scratches. You can also get it in many styles, colors, and patterns, so that might appeal as well.

On the downside, porcelain tile is more costly than most other options. Also, it takes longer to install and you will probably have to pay the company that does it top dollar. You must also clean it periodically to prevent dirt from building up on it and taking away its luster.  

Pavers

This is a popular option that is fairly easy to install. Pavers are also known for being water-resistant if you set them up properly. Like porcelain tile, you can also get them in dozens of colors, shapes, styles, etc.

The main problems with pavers is that they can move or shift if the ground underneath them settles. Also, they might grow weeds in the cracks, which can be unsightly. It is usually relatively easy to get rid of them, though. Weed killer or homemade herbicides are typically the way to go. 

There’s one additional issue with pavers that you might run into, and that’s if they crack or chip. When they do, you need to watch out that you don’t trip over any of the rough patches. 

Brick 

Brick is regarded as one of the most classic options for patios. It has a pleasant look and feels solid under your feet. If you have a house composed of brick, then installing a matching patio makes perfect sense. 

Brick is slip-resistant. You can arrange it in many designs, and it’s also fairly simple to install. However, bricks, much like pavers, can shift over time as the earth beneath them is eroded by rainwater. You must also watch out for moss or weeds growing through the cracks as time passes. 

Natural Stone

Natural stone comes in many lovely colors, and it’s one of the more robust options for patios on this list as well. You can install a stone patio and it should hold up better than most of these others for decades.

Despite its many excellent qualities, some homeowners feel it looks unattractive and not as inviting as some of these others. That can usually be attributed to the stone you chose not matching the color of your house, though. 

You can look into options like bluestone, limestone, slate, or flagstone. One of those is sure to match your color scheme. 

The bad news with natural stone is that it’s one of the most expensive choices on this list. You’re likely going to have to save up for a while to afford it, though you might take out a home improvement loan from a bank and pay for it that way. 

Composite Decking

Composite decking does not cost as much as natural wood, but the visual effect is similar. This material will also stand up to the elements better than many of the others we’ve mentioned.

Eventually, though, some maintenance will be required, as is the case with all wood products. Watch out for rotting, fading, warping, and splintering. 

Consider all of these materials if you’re thinking about installing a patio and choose the one that seems best.