Patios can be one of the most relaxing parts of a home’s exterior. It can be used as an intimate area for meals, entertaining guests, or simply to sit down and enjoy a lazy day. Choosing the right type of material to pave a patio depends on these factors:

• Style. The style of the patio should always complement the style of the house. It can be rustic, traditional, or modern.
• Colour. The colour of the patio should not take away from the home’s exterior aesthetic. It should not command so much attention that it becomes the focal point of your property.
• Function. With the function, you should consider the amount of foot traffic that will go through the patio on a daily basis. Are you looking for a material that will stand the test of time?
• Cost. This should already be factored into the total amount allotted for landscaping. Usually, the paving material takes up 20% of the entire cost. If you opt for more expensive material, the cost of landscaping will be significantly increased as well.

Aside from the factors mentioned, you might also consider the effect of weathering on the paving material. More porous materials are prone to algae and natural stone tends to darken over time. It would be best if you discussed these factors with your concrete patio installers or similar service providers beforehand.

Natural Stone

Natural stone, in general, is more desirable since it looks better and has a distinct finish. It is also hard and durable. But it can be slightly more expensive (you could browse stone flooring ideas here to get some inspiration). Natural stone can be sourced from UK quarries, or you can choose imported stone such as Indian sandstone which is slightly cheaper. When choosing imported stone, look for suppliers that sell ethically sourced materials.

Reconstituted Stone

There are several types of paving material made from reconstituted stone:

• Wet cast. This has a smoother look and weathers a lot slower. There is a big variety of products that fall into this category and are considered premium.
• Pressed concrete slabs. Concrete Patio could be a lot cheaper than other types of material. It gives a very neat and uniform look to a patio. If you are looking for something with a bit more character, this option is probably not for you.
• Blocked paviours. This can be made from either concrete or clay, and primarily used for driveways. It is also used for patios because it’s decorative and very strong.
• Impressed concrete. Dye is added to the concrete surface to make it look like natural stone.

Some options that fall into this category are the most cost-effective and offer the best value for money.

Resin Bound Gravel

This type of paving material is porous and permeable. A resin layer is applied over a pre-prepared surface and then the loose aggregate is placed on top. After the resin is cured, the loose gravel is removed. Sureset Patio Paving is a provider of resin bound gravel paving materials in the UK. This type of paving material is environment-friendly and allows water to drain into the sub-base. It is also low maintenance and reduces weeds and formation of puddles.

When choosing the material for your patio, consider these factors and look for a trusted supplier near you.

Image: Pixabay.com