The range of patio stones in the market is vast and varied, which makes shopping for designing your dream patio fun, but also overwhelming. Patio stones is a blanket term used to denote many outdoor building materials like brick, concrete pavers, natural rock, etc. All these choices for patio stone installations have their pros and cons. Some stones are better for certain conditions than the others like some are easy to maintain, some are good for particular weather, and so on.
To make an informed decision about patio stones, you have to balance the looks, utility, and budget. We have done the research and have a good understanding of patio stones, so in this article, we will tell you how to make the ideal choice for the patio of your dreams.
Ever Popular Concrete:
One of the most popular and versatile patio materials is concrete. It is relatively inexpensive and is easy to work with. The basic concrete has a low-end look, but these days concrete pavers are available in many exciting and creative finishes. They can compete with expensive materials like brick or flagstone for looks. Concrete pavers are durable and last years. They interlock with each other and are easy to install. They are easy to repair; pull out the damaged ones and replace them with new ones.
Concrete can crack if it is subjected to a temperature below freezing so that it can be a little tricky for cold places. Concrete pavers with special finishes may fade with time and will need refinished touches every few years.
Classic Bricks:
Brick pavers are another versatile composite material that gives one of the best classic patios looks. They are pretty durable and can handle heavy foot traffic. They come in various shapes and finishes and can be creatively laid. The installation cost of bricks is higher. Building a brick patio should be left to professionals for the best outcome. The color of bricks can fade over time, and they will need resealing every 2-3 years to maintain the look.
Natural Stones For Stone Patio Designs:
For a rich and nuanced look on the patio, natural stones make for an ideal choice. They come in various colors, textures, and sizes and are very durable. Flagstone, stand stone, marble, granite, slate – the options are varied, but they come at a price. It is best to go for a locally quarried natural stone from a price perspective to save you shipping and handling costs. When choosing natural stones for the stone patio designs, choose those with at least 2 inches of thickness. It will ensure that they are durable enough to handle food traffic and can withstand weather changes.
Uncut stone pavers come in different sizes and have rough edges, which gives them a lot of character. The ones cut and finished come in modular standard sizes like 12 x 12 inches, 6 x 12 inches, etc.
Sandstone: It is an all-time popular choice for patio paving in stones. It comes in various colors and is easy to work with. If you are looking for a versatile stone for hardscapes landscaping, sandstone is a great option.
Slate: With a subtle color palette and soft texture, slate is preferred for places with a mild climate and less rainfall. It is easy to work with but is porous and doesn’t last long in wet weather.
Granite: The hardness and strength of granite make it a very durable stone choice. It also makes it very pricey and relatively hard to work with. It has an elegant look, but it is typically used for accenting, either in edges or some patterns for patios.
Limestone: With its fine texture, limestone gives a velvety, delicate finish. Its color range is not as varied as sandstone, but still, a popular choice as it is relatively easy to work around and gives a distinctive look to patios.
Gravel: It is a popular choice for those working around tight budgets. It is a short-term paving solution. The problem with gravels is that they can become weedy if not appropriately maintained. Also, it can be a little unstable under the foot. Avoid angular and pointy gravel as they can lead to injury.
Other than these natural stones and composite materials, rubber tiles are also preferred by many. They are made from recycled tires and are very much DIY. They are a relatively new thing, so how durable they prove in the long run is still to be seen. If you need any help with stone patio designs or hardscapes landscaping in Baltimore, contact the experts at SBC Outdoor Services. They will help you will everything you need to know about patio stone installations.