Whats Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces

Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether a Parisian courtyard or a rooftop alcove, only porches and sunrooms beat out these paved (or semi-paved) retreats in a recent survey of my readers as the most ideal outside living space. Let's examine some of the wide variety of patio surfaces.

Patio Stones

Somteimes called flags or slabs, patio stones are flat square or rectangular blocks of pressed concrete. Standard sizes generally include 2' x 2', 2' x 2½' and 2' x 3' (60 x 60 cm; 60 x 75 cm; 60 x 90 cm), with a 2" (5 cm) thickness. They are a very well-known and popular choice for both homeowners and home builders and are favored both for their ease of installation and low price.

Once only grey or greyer, patio stones are now available in a range of colors. Choose a color that blends with your garden or house, or make a patterned floor with two different colors. Patio stones are especially attractive when combined with an edging of a contrasting material. On my web site, I have some suggested patterns combining them with bricks, but you can use a rot-resistant wood such as cedar, landscape rocks, or even aluminum.

You can also purchase patio stones with different surface textures, including those with exposed aggregates. Although these often retain the characteristically consistent thickness that makes for their ease of installation, they are usually somewhat pricier than plain stones.

Stone and Slate

Stone and slate, also called flagstone, are natural materials whose availability is often driven by local resources. They are also usually cut in standard widths and lengths, but the thickness of the pieces will vary with the stone and the cutting. The variable thickness makes the material more challenging to install. Natural stone and slate pieces are more expensive than manufactured patio stones.

Often, people think of flagstones in terms of "crazy paving," that is broken pieces of stone set in attractive, random patterns. This type of patio surface is the most difficult to lay properly. Because the mortar joints of a patio are the weakest point, the stone pieces must be as tight as possible to each other. This requires breaking and trimming the irregular shaped pieces. Experienced installers can break stone by hitting a piece of rebar or pipe that they've placed along the desired break line. I recommend you don't try this at home, boys and girls!

Bricks

Bricks are a popular building material for patios and terraces. A standard brick used to measure 2¼" x 3¾" x 8" (5.7 x 9.53 x 20.3 cm), and be red or yellow. There are many variations these days. Your choice is really personal except for the weather rating. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to get SW (Severe Weather) rated bricks that won't crack in the cold and snow. They cost more than MW (Moderate weather) and NW (Nice Weather -- well, it's officially Negligible Weather, but I think not having freezing cold five months of the year would be very NICE.)

Gravel

Gravel is frequently disparaged as the poor cousin of outdoor surfaces, but gravel courtyards can be not only inexpensive but comfortable and very charming as well. As with other paving materials, gravel also is available now in a range of color choices and textures. You can edge the patio area with rock slabs, bricks or pavers to give your yard a more finished look.

Poured Concrete

Poured concrete surfaces are the most popular professionally installed patios. They're usually less expensive than natural stone, brick or tile to build, are extremely durable when properly installed and treated, can be shaped to any pattern, and can be finished in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles.

Proper installation of a concrete surface includes laying rebar or ¾" steel rods in a cross-hatch pattern in the body of the concrete. Once the concrete has hardened, it should be sealed to resist weather and stains.

With such a dizzying array of patio surfaces available, how can you choose the right one for you? Of course, budget will play a large part. But also consider the style of your house and garden, and the use you'll make of the space. It's harder to place furniture on some of the rough textured surfaces. If you have children riding tricycles, or elderly friends or family who might trip, be sure to avoid anything that might produce an uneven surface, even after some years of settling.

Whatever you select, be sure to spend time on your patio and make happy memories in your outdoor space!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit her at http://www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space".

---

Fire Hazard Alert - Is Your Dryer Ready to Ignite

In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More

About Lighting Your Home

Lighting is such a critical part of any home improvement... Read More

How To Choose Decorative, Recessed Locking Mailboxes

Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Illegal Building Works - Is there an Upside?

Many times throughout the year we are called in to... Read More

Building a Backyard Play Structure

A child's dream backyard includes a play structure complete with... Read More

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs,... Read More

Sliding Glass Door Replacement

This article is going to be about replacing an old... Read More

Top Ten Remodeling Tips

My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It... Read More

Use the FHA Mortgage Specifically Created for Home Improvement

Almost everyone knows about FHA mortgages. They are tailor-made for... Read More

With A Stylish Bathroom Vanity You Can Take Pride In Your Bathroom?s Appearance!

An easy way to instantly improve your bathroom's image is... Read More

Sump Pump Installation for Do-It-Yourselfers

According to recent surveys, over 85% of all homes with... Read More

Why You Should Get A Patio Awning

In these days of climate change, the UK summer is... Read More

Bathroom Remodel - The Plan

Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature... Read More

Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet

"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More

Color Help: Choosing Color Combinations

Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More

Removing Your Old Wood Double Hung Windows

Last week I told you how to measure your wood... Read More

Refinishing A Hardwood Floor

Want to bring your hardwood floors back to their former... Read More

Which Lamp Should I Choose?

With all the lighting choices out there, you may want... Read More

Research Concerning Color in Homes and Workplaces

Over the years, many studies have been done in countries... Read More

There Is Always Something To Improve Or Innovate For Comfort

In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we... Read More

A Lasting Scent

Look no further for long lasting perfumes. House of Rose... Read More

Easy Renovations for Your Home

Renovating should be a fun and exciting process (really!). The... Read More

Materials For Building Window Shutters

Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More

Transform Your Home with Decorative Country Lighting

As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More

How To Completely Rehab Your Home In 10 Days!

This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More

Basement Dehumidifiers

Basements are the most common location for dehumidifiers. Because of... Read More

Hardwood Floors - 7 Tips For Selecting Perfect Flooring

DESIGN STYLESWith thousands of colors and styles to select from... Read More

Create a Luxurious Laundry Room

Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry... Read More

The Art of Ice Dam Removal

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters... Read More

Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the... Read More

Your Building Your Dream Home, But Where Do You Start?

You have finally found the perfect lot, in the neighborhood... Read More

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for... Read More

Buying The Right Comforter For Your Bed

Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the... Read More