'Though it is durable, concrete will eventually crack,' warns Joe.

'Depending on the color, poured concrete can stain readily, and stains must be removed using a hard-bristled brush.' In terms of maintenance, Jason advises giving your concrete patio a clean at least once a year. 'If these patios are not installed correctly, they may also have poor drainage problems.' 'Concrete patios should typically be installed by a contractor rather than being a do-it-yourself job,' Jason says. It is made by pressing flexible polyurethane stamps into newly poured concrete,' he explains. 'Stamped concrete can be almost any color, imitate the texture of stone or brick, or even include amusing designs like animal footprints or geometric patterns.

Its aesthetic can be elevated with stamps. 'Concrete is a fantastic substance to use to construct a specifically shaped patio because it starts out as a paste and then hardens,' says Jason Farr, Interior Designer and Founder of Aviara Pavers. A permeable pavers system can be designed to harvest and recycle rainwater, he adds – a great option for more sustainable gardens.Īs an alternative to pavers, concrete can simply be poured to create a patio – an even more budget-friendly option. 'With permeable concrete pavers, any rain that falls on the patio seeps into the ground, reducing the burden on storm drains,' explains Joe. You can also buy concrete permeable pavers to reduce the risk of your yard flooding. The affordable price is another selling point. 'These pavers offer multiple laying patterns, providing homeowners the flexibility to create unique outdoor living spaces,' Joe continues. Designs can range from contemporary modular pavers and traditional cobble and brick pavers to those that mimic the look and texture of natural stone, he adds. ConcreteĬoncrete pavers come in a wide variety of styles, so you can choose one that will fit the overall aesthetic of the home, says Joe. 'Additionally, natural stone may require regular sealing to prevent staining and weathering.' 3. 'Stone is highly durable and long-lasting but can be more expensive and challenging to install compared to other materials,' says Brad. Slate, in its dark and moody hue, is perfect for a modern backyard, but if laid in wet areas, it can flake.Īs well as the more specific drawbacks of each type of stone, there are a couple of more general things to bear in mind when considering this patio material. Limestone is pale and smooth, while sandstone offers honey-like tones (although it's generally softer than the former, and has a tendency to scratch). Granite, for instance, is incredibly hardwearing, offers a natural grip underfoot, and typically has a speckled, grayish tone. 'Natural stone, such as flagstone, slate, or limestone, creates a beautiful, organic look for your patio,' says Brad Smith, Interior Designer and Co-Founder of Omni Home Ideas.Įach type offers different qualities. Porcelain pavers are one of the most expensive patio materials out there, but as they're so long-lasting, they're worth the investment if you can afford them. They can also be dry-laid onto grass, gravel, dirt and sand without grout, adhesives or specialized workers, making them easy to install.' 'Combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds), porcelain pavers are the perfect solution for high-traffic outdoor areas like patios. 'They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean,' Joe continues. Because of this, it's easy to create a paved backyard that matches your envisioned aesthetic. They come in all kinds of designs, from ones that look just like real stone to timber-effect styles. They're a popular choice for creating a sense of flow between indoors and outdoors, as many companies offer matching designs suitable for each use. They are similar to indoor porcelain tiles, only thicker and more durable, he explains.

Patio stone blocks