What is the best material for a patio
What is the best material for a patio. It’s a warm summer day and you look out your window and notice just how much wasted space you have in your yard. Long Island summers are some of the best temperatures to be enjoyed outdoors, yet, here you are, stuck inside with nothing but grass and dirt outside. You are tired of always having to rely on your neighbors and friends to host gatherings and realize just how crucial having an extension of your living and entertaining space is for you and your family.
When it comes to determining exactly which type of outdoor space is the best fit, you need to consider the options that are available to you. There are three types of material you can select from when building an outdoor patio: pavers, concrete, and decking. Our mission at affordablepatio.com is to provide you with our knowledge and information, so that you can make an informed decision as to the type of patio that fits your needs.
Concrete Patio
Concrete patios have many pros and cons when it comes to installation, so determining if concrete is a good fit for your property is imperative. Depending on the scale of your project, concrete may be a less expensive option. For example, most concrete patios that are over 600 square feet, actually cost less than a paver patio or deck. Believe it or not, the more the square footage increases, the larger margin of savings you will see! Therefore, if a more simplistic and cost-effective patio is something that you are looking for, then concrete might be the best material for you.
However, before you make your decision, take note of the possible cons that come from this type of patio installation. It is important to note that after pouring a concrete patio, any coloring defects or cracks/movement that may appear, are very difficult to address. For instance, if your concrete patio starts to crack in a specific area, the only solution is to fill it or cut that entire piece out and pour a new slab. With that being said, there is a very high chance that the colors and the finish will not match the existing slab.
The risk of having these noticeable color variations may deter you from repairing or adding onto your existing concrete patio in the future. This type of patio material is not as diverse as other options, so if you are someone who would like to have more color and design choices, perhaps a different patio material is right for you!
Paver Patio
Paver patios are without a doubt the most popular option right now for your outdoor living space. Our clients appreciate the many options that pavers provide, as well as the flexibility to expand at a later time with ease. Unlike concrete patios, pavers will not have any variations in color, making any future expansions or repairs seamless. Cambridge Pavingstones have many different types of styles and colors, which allows you to customize the area to your liking. Something to keep in mind is the fact that most patio jobs (depending on where you are located) do not need a permit because they are not considered to be a permitted structure. This speeds along the initial install and often creates less stress for our clients.
Older patios are susceptible to weeds and vegetation overgrowth, which is a main concern for many. However, with a newly installed paver patio, sweeping polymeric sand into the joints of each paver prevents any sort of unwanted growth. You might also run into an issue when looking to order the same pavers down the road, as manufactures might discontinue certain colors or styles. With that being said though, the overall price of your paver patio is all dependent on the application. Some paver patios are expensive, while others end up costing less than alternative patio options.
How much does a paver patio cost
Wood/Composite Deck
Wood or composite decking is another great option for your outdoor living space. Decking material helps create your perfect outdoor space even if your yard is elevated or consists of uneven terrain. We have found decking to be useful for multi-level living spaces and breaking up material in your existing space, so it is not just all concrete or pavers. With unlimited colors and styles to choose from, decking can be a very customizable option if that is something you are looking for.
Ever since the start of COVID, the price of lumber has skyrocketed. If you have an existing deck already, you can cut down on costs if the structure and base foundation is still strong. Sometimes just replacing the surface boards is a very inexpensive option! Before going ahead with a deck patio, you should consider how your space is going to be used at all times of the year. Depending on the color you select for your composite decking, it might trap heat and become hot to the touch during the summer months, making it uncomfortable to enjoy. Something else to consider is the sometimes huge hidden cost of adding railings to your deck.
Not many homeowners factor that into their budget and are later hit with the extra expense of having to abide by those regulations. When deciding between wood or composite decking, it is important that you keep in mind the maintenance that comes with caring for a wood deck.
Since most decks are considered to be permanent structures, you will most likely need to get a permit, which will increase your property taxes.
What Type of Patio Option Do You Think Fits Your Needs Now?
With over 15 years in the industry, we at affordablepatio.com have heard and seen it all! No matter the patio material (concrete, paver, deck, or all three) you feel may be best for your space, we recommend you connect with local supply houses to gather second opinions. If at any point you wish to hear more from us, please feel free to reach out and we will be happy to assist you.
If you have found any of this information informative and valuable, check out some of our other blogs about more of your outdoor living needs!