How to Choose the Right Stone and Materials for your Outdoor Patio
With so many of us now spending an increased amount of time at home, adding a patio in your yard is a great idea! Patios serve a variety of purposes and can not only increase the value of your property but also act as an investment into your quality of life and the time you spend outdoors.
A patio acts as the perfect place to entertain your guests outside, enjoy a book or game on a warm sunny day or to sit back and watch the kids play. If you have the space, you can even go the extra mile and invest in a beautiful outdoor kitchen. Regardless of your reason, it’s important to think about what you will be using your patio for, as this will help you determine what stone and material is most suitable for your project.
Choosing the right material for your patio is an important decision, and there are many factors to consider including its main purpose, the aesthetic, ongoing maintenance, and durability. To help you make the right decisions here’s a look at the most commonly used options and their properties.
Natural Stone
Aesthetic
When it comes to creating a natural luxurious look, you simply can't beat natural stone. There are many different types of natural stone to choose from including flagstone, slate, bluestone and limestone.
Maintenance
Stone patios require relatively low maintenance. Moss and thyme can begin to grow between cracks, but many homeowners enjoy this natural look. If that’s not for you, simply add in polymeric sand or stone dust between the cracks to stop natural growth. A stone patio should also be swept and cleaned once every year!
Durability
If properly installed and maintained, a natural stone patio can last for a lifetime. Stone is one of the most durable patio materials available and will last longer and hold its color better than any other material. The wear that does occur over time will add character to your patio without detracting from its usability.
Purpose
A natural stone patio is the perfect choice for a sitting area that blends in with the natural feel of the landscape, or as an accent in your garden. Because of the variation in the surface of stone, it is not ideal for a dining area where chairs will frequently be sliding back and forth.
Patio Pavers
Aesthetic
Patio pavers are manufactured paving stones, and are typically made from concrete, clay, or stone. Pavers are modular pieces that are all the same thickness so they go down easily and quickly. They often come in many different shapes and colours and can be manufactured to look like natural stone. You can lay pavers in all sorts of patterns and add loads of character to your outdoor space in the process!
Durability
If patio pavers are maintained properly and installed with care they can last a very long time - anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Pavers irrigate well with most natural surfaces and easily withstand harsh climates and heavy loads. Over time natural wear and tear will occur, however this won't affect the functionality of your patio.
Purpose
Pavers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles, making them an extremely versatile option. They are perfect for creating an outdoor dining space or sitting area because of their regularity and durability.
Brick
Aesthetic
Looking for a classic option that creates a warm, charming feel to your outdoor living space? Brick patios complement both traditional and contemporary architecture and can be laid in any number of patterns from rectangular to round depending on preference.
Maintenance
Brick requires a little more work to maintain than natural stone or pavers. Moss can easily grow in shady areas however a simple power washing can help keep your brick looking new. Applying a water based sealer on your patio when it is first installed is another great way to combat these issues.
Durability
Brick will often crack during winter and spring freeze-thaw cycles so it’s important to choose a brick that is rated for outdoor use in your climate. If cracking does occur, single bricks can often be easily removed and replaced. If properly maintained and cared for brick patios can last over 100 years.
Purpose
A brick patio does have more texture than other types of surfaces so tables and chairs may wobble or feel uneven. Due to this we don’t often recommend brick for an outdoor dining space. Brick however works great in accent gardens, simple sitting areas or in other charming areas of your yard.
Get in touch with the experts at Stoneworx today to learn more about our services.