Kitchen Cabinets

A Complete Guide to the Best Patio Materials

Designing and building a patio can be an exciting project that adds valuable outdoor living space to your home. However, choosing the right materials is key to creating a patio that is beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain. This complete guide provides an in-depth look at the most popular patio materials to consider for your space. We cover everything from traditional options like concrete and stone, to more unique materials like bricks and gravel. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each material, along with costs, design ideas, and important factors to weigh as you select the perfect patio surface.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the most common and versatile patio materials. Here is an overview of what you need to know:

Pros

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting
  • Can be poured into any shape or pattern
  • Stain resistant
  • Does not require replacement
  • Relatively affordable

Cons

  • Requires professional installation
  • Can develop cracks over time
  • Has no built-in color – needs to be painted or stained
  • Can be slippery when wet
  • Not friendly for DIY projects

Cost

$6-8 per square foot professionally installed. DIY kits are $1-2 per square foot.

Design Ideas

  • Add interest with a stained or stamped finish – options like slate, brick, stone, etc.
  • Incorporate decorative aggregates like pebbles or glass chips into the concrete when poured.
  • Use concrete for a modern, geometric look with clean lines.
  • Pair with rustic elements like reclaimed wood or vintage light fixtures for contrast.

Considerations

  • Have proper drainage and slope to prevent pooling water.
  • Use a concrete mix suited for outdoor use.
  • Allow new concrete to cure for 5-7 days before sealing and 28 days before exposure to deicers.
  • Seal concrete annually to protect the surface.

Stone

Natural stone like slate, bluestone, and flagstone make an elegant patio material that can last for decades. Here are the key factors to weigh:

Pros

  • Has a classic, timeless look
  • Available in a variety of natural colors and textures
  • Naturally slip-resistant
  • Extremely durable for decades of use
  • Can be cut into custom sizes and shapes

Cons

  • More expensive than other materials
  • Natural stones can have variances in color
  • Requires expertise to install properly
  • Certain stones can stain
  • May need to be sealed annually

Cost

$15-25 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use larger pavers for a traditional look
  • Combine different shapes for visual interest
  • Mark pathways with a smaller stone border
  • Allow some space between stones for a natural look
  • Pair with container gardens, vines, and outdoor lighting

Considerations

  • Purchase all needed stone at once for a cohesive look
  • Create a sturdy base of gravel and sand to allow for drainage
  • Use a stone that suits your climate – some have more slip resistance

Brick

Brick patios have a classic, welcoming look and the durability to last for decades. Here are the key factors on using brick:

Pros

  • Timeless, classic look
  • Made from fired clay so it won’t rot or burn
  • Available in a variety of colors and textures
  • Naturally slip-resistant
  • Durable for decades of use

Cons

  • More labor intensive to install than materials like concrete
  • Bricks can crack, chip or pop out of place over time
  • Needs sand/gravel base and maintenance of joints

Cost

$10-20 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Choose standard bricks or more unique shapes for visual appeal
  • Lay bricks in patterns like herringbone for added interest
  • Border with stone or opt for geometric brick patterns
  • Mix brick sizes or colors for a blended look
  • Use permeable bricks for drainage

Considerations

  • Install bricks on a 3-4 inch gravel base for stability and drainage
  • Use polymeric sand in joints to prevent weed growth
  • Expect to replace a few damaged bricks over the lifespan of the patio

Tile

Tile creates a elegant, high-end look for patios. Here’s what you should consider when using tile:

Pros

  • Available in a huge variety of colors, shapes, textures
  • Easy to maintain
  • Very durable but can be replaced if damaged
  • Allows for intricate designs like mosaics or patterns
  • Naturally slip-resistant

Cons

  • Tile and installation is more expensive than materials like concrete or stone
  • Grout lines can crack and stain over time if not properly sealed
  • Small tiles mean more grout lines to maintain
  • Could crack or chip from impact or freeze-thaw cycles

Cost

$15-30 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use large format tiles for a seamless look
  • Intricate patterns like zig-zags or mosaics for visual intrigue
  • Combining multiple colors or textures of tile
  • Incorporate tile “rugs” as design accents
  • Contrasting grout color for emphasis

Considerations

  • Use porcelain or natural stone tiles for durability outdoors
  • Install on a clean, smooth, and level concrete base
  • Use backerboard under tiles for support and adhesion
  • Use proper outdoor grout and seal regularly
  • Have existing concrete slab inspected prior to tiling

Poured Resin

Poured resin patios provide a glossy, contemporary look in any color. Here are the key factors on resin:

Pros

  • Seamless, modern appearance
  • Available in virtually any color
  • Glossy, reflective finish
  • Naturally slip-resistant
  • Repairable if damaged

Cons

  • Expensive installation and materials
  • Needs reapplied every 2-4 years
  • Can yellow over time when exposed to sun
  • Generally not a DIY project for amateurs

Cost

$18-30 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Great for a minimalist, sleek look
  • Use custom colors like bold brights or soft neutrals
  • Add glow at night with embedded lighting
  • Pair with modern furniture and accessory styles
  • Incorporate decorative 3D elements like flake chips

Considerations

  • Requires proper preparation and priming of the surface
  • Needs a level, stable, and durable subsurface like concrete
  • Should be re-coated every few years to maintain appearance
  • Avoid pouring in very hot or cold temps

Gravel

For a casual feel, gravel makes an affordable and low-maintenance patio surface. Key factors include:

Pros

  • Very budget-friendly option
  • Allows for drainage between pebbles
  • Informal, relaxed vibe
  • Comes in a variety of natural colors
  • Can be installed by DIYers

Cons

  • Weeds can grow between gravel without weed barrier
  • Needs to be contained with an edging
  • Not recommended under a roofed structure
  • Can shift out of place over time
  • May feel uncomfortable underfoot

Cost

$0.50 – $3 per square foot for materials.

Design Ideas

  • Use pea gravel for comfort or crushed stone for durability
  • Complement cottage, Mediterranean or bohemian decor
  • Add interest with a gravel “rug” in a section
  • Use it as a base layer combined with stone or wood
  • Pair with potted plants, vines and other greenery

Considerations

  • Dig out area 4-6 inches deep and add weed barrier cloth
  • Create a border with plastic, metal, stone or other edging
  • Start with a 2-4 inch gravel base before topping with pebbles
  • Expect to replenish gravel every few years as it settles

Wood Decking

For a classic warm look, wood decking makes a great patio surface. Things to keep in mind include:

Pros

  • Timeless natural beauty and appeal
  • Variety of wood types and stains
  • Softer underfoot than materials like concrete
  • Allows you to incorporate designs
  • Provides a smooth surface

Cons

  • Requires more maintenance than concrete or stone
  • Needs periodic staining/sealing to prevent rotting
  • Can warp, splinter or rot over the years
  • Not as durable for heavy use as some materials

Cost

$15-30 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use contrasting wood tones for a checkerboard effect
  • Incorporate wood edging as a border
  • Mix in materials like stone or brick for visual interest
  • Use different plank directions to define spaces
  • Opt for wider planks for fewer seams

Considerations

  • Use weather-resistant wood varieties like cedar or redwood
  • Allow planks to acclimate to climate before installing
  • Include proper joist spacing and drainage
  • Use wood-friendly metal fasteners
  • Expect to refinish every 2-4 years depending on climate

Pavers

Concrete pavers create the look of stone, brick or tile at a lower cost. Here’s an overview of key factors:

Pros

  • More affordable than natural stone or brick
  • Available in colors and textures that mimic other materials
  • Can be installed in intricate patterns for design
  • Individual units can be replaced as needed
  • Naturally slip-resistant

Cons

  • Less durable than real stone or brick
  • Color can fade over time in sunlight
  • More labor-intensive installation
  • Needs periodic joint maintenance

Cost

$5-15 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use large pavers for a clean, smooth look
  • Pattern pavers to look like stone, slate, brick, etc.
  • Combine sizes for visual interest
  • Coordinate pavers with home color scheme

Considerations

  • Install on a 3-4 inch crushed stone base
  • Tamp pavers thoroughly to lock in place
  • Use polymeric sand for joint stability
  • Expect to replace cracked or damaged pavers as needed

Decomposed Granite

For a natural yet refined look, decomposed granite makes an appealing patio material with these factors:

Pros

  • Beautiful natural color blends with landscapes
  • Available in colors like gold, rust, brown
  • Affordable DIY-friendly option
  • Allows for drainage between particles
  • Easy to re-level or add to over time

Cons

  • Loosen and erode fairly quickly without stabilization
  • Can feel uneven or get caught in shoes when loose
  • Needs edging to contain the material
  • Not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers

Cost

$0.50 – $2 per square foot for materials

Design Ideas

  • Coordinate with natural stone colors on home exterior
  • Use it for paths through garden beds or lawns
  • Combine stabilized DG with pavers for high-traffic areas
  • Pair with outdoor furnishings in tones matching the DG

Considerations

  • Layer 1-2 inches over weed barrier for best results
  • Use an edging like metal, plastic lumber or stone to contain it
  • Stabilize DG with an additive like polymeric sand if needed
  • Prepare for some erosion depending on climate and usage

Rubber Pavers

For play areas, rubber pavers are a safe, poured-in-place material to consider:

Pros

  • Provides impact protection and cushioning
  • Available in bright colors that appeal to kids
  • Recycled rubber is environmentally friendly
  • Doesn’t get as hot as materials like concrete
  • Allows water drainage between paver blocks

Cons

  • Provides less firm footing than concrete or stone
  • Needs containment border to keep out weeds
  • Can fade over time when exposed to sun
  • Isn’t as visually appealing for decorative patios

Cost

$4-8 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use vibrant colors to create hopscotch or four square
  • Incorporate alphabet shapes for education
  • Combine different colors in patterns or designs
  • Include drainage gaps between pavers

Considerations

  • Install over a gravel base for stability and drainage
  • Select thick pavers rated for outdoor durability
  • Ensure correct installation including base compaction
  • Expect to hose down regularly and replenish joint material

Bamboo Decking

For an eco-friendly look, bamboo is a durable and sustainable patio addition:

Pros

  • Made from easily renewable bamboo
  • Attractive natural woody appearance
  • Allows for drainage between slats
  • Resists moisture and insects naturally
  • Durable option comparable to some hardwoods

Cons

  • Prone to splitting and splintering if poor quality
  • Requires more frequent sealing than synthetic materials
  • Can sag slightly between joists over time
  • Not quite as hard as exotic hardwoods

Cost

$15-25 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use for an exotic tropical look
  • Mimic a traditional wood deck aesthetic
  • Pair with natural stone and modern furniture
  • Limit seams by using longer planks
  • Hide seams and joists with trim

Considerations

  • Use planks with density rated for exterior use
  • Allow space between planks for drainage
  • Seal regularly to reduce moisture damage
  • Use hidden fasteners to attach bamboo planks

Permeable Pavers

For patios with drainage issues, permeable pavers can provide a solution:

Pros

  • Allow rainwater to permeate into the ground
  • Help prevent puddling, flooding, and runoff issues
  • Come in concrete, stone, or gravel varieties
  • Provide firm surface for walking, furniture
  • Can be used on driveways, walkways, and patios

Cons

  • Generally more expensive than non-permeable options
  • Requires expertise to install properly
  • Needs occasional maintenance to avoid clogging
  • Limited colors and textures available

Cost

$10-20 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use permeable pavers wherever drainage is an issue
  • Combine with sections of non-permeable materials
  • Lay in patterns like herringbone for visual interest
  • Use larger units for a cleaner look

Considerations

  • Ensure proper base preparation for stability and drainage
  • Follow manufacturer instructions for installation
  • Expect to occasionally use a shop vac to keep drainage pores clear
  • Limit fine sediments that could clog pavers from above

Peastone

For a colorful accent, peastone offers a multifaceted gravel option:

Pros

  • Smooth, colorful, multi-shaped pieces
  • Provides drainage between pebbles
  • Inexpensive material option
  • Easy for DIY installation
  • Feels comfortable underfoot

Cons

  • Can feel unstable on uneven ground
  • Pebbles scatter easily beyond borders
  • Not ideal for frequent foot traffic
  • Needs refreshment as pieces sink
  • Can harbor weeds without weed barrier

Cost

$0.50 – $3 per square foot

Design Ideas

  • Use as accent sections near foliage and gardens
  • Contrast withwalkways and patios of different materials
  • Complement colorful plantings and garden decor
  • Include just a few inches over weed barrier
  • Outline with a border of stone or landscape edging

Considerations

  • Dig out area and add a weed barrier layer first
  • Has a finer, more comfortable texture than gravel
  • Expect to replenish every year or two as pieces sink in
  • Use an edging material to help keep contained

Grass Pavers

For a green accent, grass pavers maintain living grass within patio spaces:

Pros

  • Provides a lush green accent
  • Helps reduce heat absorption of patios
  • Allows rainwater infiltration into soil
  • Softens hardscape spaces with natural texture
  • Grass is low-maintenance and replenishes itself

Cons

  • More labor-intensive installation
  • Grass seed/sod needs water, sun, care
  • Not suitable for high traffic
  • Grass can creep to surrounding areas
  • Doesn’t work as well in partial shade

Cost

$5-10 per square foot professionally installed

Design Ideas

  • Use in spaces that get sunlight and irrigation
  • Include grass “rugs” within areas of stone or concrete
  • Use as a green accent along borders or curves
  • Pair with simple furniture and neutral hardscapes

Considerations

  • Good drainage and decompaction is crucial
  • Allow grass to establish before frequent use
  • Expect more maintenance than inert materials
  • Limit wear and tear on grass sections

Cobblestones

For Old-World charm, rustic cobblestones can make a charming patio paver:

Pros

  • Provides vintage, antique aesthetic
  • Comes in earthy colors that blend with nature
  • Can use rounded or square stones
  • Allows drainage between cobbles
  • Relatively smooth surface for walking

Cons

  • Not as level as precisely cut pavers
  • Can shift and settle unevenly over time
  • Harder to roll strollers, wheelchairs over
  • Needs sand sweeping between stones

Cost

$5-15 per square foot

Design Ideas

  • Use larger cobbles for stepping stones through gardens
  • Pair with English cottage or French country decor
  • Allow stones to settle into place for natural look
  • Include varied shapes and sizes for interest

Considerations

  • Set cobbles over 3-4 inches of graded gravel
  • Tamp cobbles firmly into place over substrate
  • Expect to periodically sweep sand into joints
  • Use an

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