Choosing the Right Material for Denver Patios

When planning a patio for your outdoor space, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But before you implement any of the top outdoor patio trends for 2015, the first things you will need to consider is the type of material you want to use. Your desired look and feel, as well as the budget and amount of time you have allotted for the project, are factors you should think of when choosing your Denver patio material. Below are five common materials used for patios.

Concrete

Concrete is generally the least expensive hard surface you can use for your patio and can be poured in any shape you want. And while concrete is durable, it requires proper upkeep and is likely to crack in freeze-thaw climates. In order to keep a concrete patio from looking drab, consider using a stamped design or adding a color to coordinate with the rest of the space.

Natural Stone

A great way to create a natural look to your patio is through stones such as flagstone, slate, bluestone, or limestone. Natural stones come in a variety of colors and create a timeless, classic patio that is hard to resist. These stones are naturally quarried, they tend to come in irregular shapes and vary in thickness. Some are also more porous making them susceptible to moss growth. Keep in mind that natural stones also tend to be more expensive.

Brick

Brick is a classic option that works in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Bricks are easy to install and can be laid in a number of patterns, like basket weave, herringbone, and circular patterns. They retain their color well and you can mix and match both colors and sizes to create a truly one-of-a-kind look for your Denver patio. Be sure to find brick that is rated for outdoor use and remember that even though they can crack in freeze-thaw temperatures, they are also easily replaced.

Pavers

Pavers are one of the most popular patio materials for a number of reasons. They are available in a number of shapes, colors, and patterns, which means you will be able to find the exact paver that is right for your outdoor space. Pavers are usually made from concrete, clay, or stone, and you can even find manufactured pavers made to look like natural stone or brick. These pavers are easy to install, durable, slip resistant, and can withstand freeze-thaw climates.

Gravel

Another inexpensive patio material that is easy to install is gravel. There are a number of styles and colors to choose from and gravel generally has the fastest installation. However, gravel also has the highest upkeep. Regular weeding is required and it is likely that you will have to add more gravel to your space regularly to keep it at the proper level.