Best Materials for Patio

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Driveway Services

When it comes to building patios, you’ve got a lot of materials to choose from. However, if you really want your outdoor surface to have a personal expression or unique look, you’ve got to choose wisely the materials. The material you pick will be determined by what’s available in your area, the size of your outdoor area, your budget, the location of the patio, and your personal preference.

Whether you want a flagstone or concrete patio Oxnard, here are several materials you should consider:

Pavers

Concrete pavers were mainly available only in off-pink and gray squares before. This made them appear somehow institutional. Today, pavers can be made to look like cut stone, cobblestones, or brick since they’re available in more natural-looking textures and colors.

If you choose interlocking pavers, you will not require mortar or grout since they fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Flagstone

This material is a common choice for front entries and patios. Flagstone is available in different stones and colors. This depends on the quarry and the area in which you are located. Typically, the flat and large slabs of stone are around 1-3 inches thick and are recognizable by their irregular shapes. Flagstone has a bit of a rough surface. This will offer excellent traction whenever it is wet.

Some of the types of flagstone are:

  • Quartzite
  • Bluestone
  • Limestone
  • Sandstone

A lot of them have names that reflect their color or region, the quarry, the geological classification, and much more. For instance, one common name of a New Mexico stone is moss rock. Though stonemasons know it is a form of sandstone, it can be sold by a dealer or quarry under a completely new name.

Brick

For a lot of years, brick has been made by firing inside a kiln a mixture of clay and other materials. It is durable, lasts a longer period, and has a classic and neat appearance that goes with a lot of architectural and landscape styles. A lot of houses are constructed with brick or combine it with other materials. Since it is versatile, you can use it as edging, for walls, and along with pathways. It works for both rustic and formal landscape and home designs. Brick patterns or bonds provide various appearances. Common patterns include jack-on-jack, running bond, and herringbone.

Concrete

For your patio floor, it will be difficult to look for anything more adaptable and versatile than concrete. It is a time-tested material that is made up of gravel, cement, water, and sand. It provides even more options when compared to other materials.

Concrete can conform and mold to almost every shape on the surface if you use well-constructed forms. It is easy to maintain and durable. Aside from that, there are other things you can do with it. This includes:

  • Create patterns with it
  • Surface it with other materials
  • Paint it
  • Decorate it with inlays
  • Tint it or color it
  • Score it
  • Brush it
  • Stamp it
  • And smoothen it

To ensure you get the best results, hire a concrete contractor.