What is the key to building a beautiful patio? You need to use top-quality materials! It’s definitely tempting to skimp on a few costs here and there, but the quality of your materials should never be an option. But what materials should you be using for your patio?

The materials you choose will have a huge impact on the final design. So, choosing the right materials that fit your idea of the patio is important. This guide will give you an overview of the most common materials people use for patios and why you should consider them

What makes an ideal patio?

Before we look at the materials, let’s paint a picture of what your ideal patio can look like. First, the patio needs to match the design you’ve set out for it. From the flooring to the roofing, even the furniture you add needs to fall in line with the vision you have for your patio. In addition to the design, the materials you use need to be suited for the area you live in.

For instance, if you live right by the ocean, using metal might not be the best idea as it would most likely rust faster. Likewise, if you stay in an extremely windy area, having bark chippings on your floor would just make a huge mess all the time.

Finally, it needs to have a good balance between functionality and durability. Going for the most robust and durable materials is always great because you know your patio will last, but sometimes these materials can be a hassle to use, and they could limit the space you have. So, try to find a good balance between building a patio that last and one that’s practical for your home.

Best Materials for Residential Patios

The materials you use for your patio are equally as important as your design. When you choose the right materials, you should have a patio that looks stunning

1. Brick

Brick is a fairly popular material used for patios. Because it’s fired, they’re less porous, making them a durable material to use on outside structures. They’re also pretty versatile, being used in many different structures and coming in different shapes and colours. When you think of bricks, those red, rectangular bricks usually come to mind, right? However, you can get bricks that mimic wood, stone, or other materials.

Brick patios offer their own benefits. For one, bricks are readily available, making them a more affordable option. Two, they bring a natural warmth to an area and a more composed atmosphere. But they also have some drawbacks. For instance, weeds can often spring up amongst the seems of the bricks and roots can get underneath the bricks and cause them to become unlevel.

2. Tile

Tiles are an aesthetically pleasing option. They can be used to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor areas and can come in different shapes, sizes, and patterns. Most tiles are usually ceramic or porcelain, with the porcelain option being more expensive but also usually stronger. When you’re considering tiles for outdoor areas, be sure to get outdoor tiles. They’ll be made to withstand more foot traffic and the effects of the elements.

3. Stone

Natural stone offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for patios. Stones are environmentally friendly and blend well with backyard settings. Common varieties include slate, quartzite, bluestone, and limestone. Stone’s natural hues make it suitable for garden settings, and it tends to last longer and retain colour better than other materials. However, its irregular surfaces can make walking difficult, it can be heavy, and its irregular shapes can be challenging to fit together. Stone patios are generally more expensive than concrete alternatives.

4. Creative concrete

This is one for the more adventurous individuals who like to break the mould. Creative concrete entails laying a concrete slab and decorating it with different patterns or to look as if it has another material on it. For instance, some slabs can have a pattern drawn on them to make them look like tiles. It could even be painted to look like wood. This option is versatile, allowing you to choose almost any style you’d like for your patio.

5. Permeable pavers

For an even more environmentally friendly option, permeable concrete pavers are the way to go. These pavers allow rainwater to seep back into the soil, reducing runoff and pollution. They are installed in spaces filled with small stones, which promotes water filtration. This eco approach helps manage rainwater sustainably and prevents it from carrying pollutants into rivers and streams.

6. Concrete pavers

Concrete pavers are dense concrete units that can mimic the look of brick or natural stone at a lower cost. They come in various colours and shapes, allowing for design flexibility. Pavers can be easily replaced if needed and have interlocking joints for stability. However, their geometric shapes may limit design freedom, and pigments can fade over time, exposing the concrete beneath.

7. Poured Concrete

Very similar to creative concrete, poured concrete is made from a mixture of cement, gravel, water, and sand. It’s laid on a slab and can be poured to fit any shape or size. This is a great option if you want a specific shape for your patio.  However, something to consider regarding this option is that the concrete needs to be mixed and poured correctly for it to be set the right way. If done wrong, the concrete slab can eventually crack, leading to a compromised patio.

What are the best roofing materials?

The floors and the walls of a patio aren’t the only parts that you need to consider materials for. Many patios also have roofs on them, which often have materials like steel, aluminium or wood. We’d suggest contacting a company like Fair Dinkum Builds to enquire about the materials used in residential patio roofs.

Final Thoughts

Adding a patio to your home can make a huge difference. In essence, you’re adding a whole new living area to your home. But before you get started, you need to consider the material for your patio. Remember to find one that suits your home and your ideal patio style. Factor in durability and function as well. We wish you all the best.