Now that we are able to meet up with friends and family outdoors and entertain in our gardens again, you might have realised your outdoor space could do with a little love. One of the best projects you can take on that will transform your entire outdoor space is to renovate your patio.
With that in mind, here are the best patio materials you can use to create a stylish, welcoming space ready for entertaining friends and family and enjoying the sunshine.
What are the best patio materials?
Clay or concrete brick
Brick may not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of a patio, as it is usually associated with walls, but brick is one of the best patio materials around! Paving with brick gives a patio a beautiful, unique aesthetic whilst also offering all the benefits of the material – strength, durability, low-maintenance as well as slip and skid resistance.
Granite
Granite is available in different forms, such as tiles and setts. Granite is one of the hardest and most durable natural stone materials, is resistant to heat and UV damage, and has a fantastic aesthetic that makes it one of the best and most sought-after patio materials. As well as the traditional grey granite that most people know, it is also available in shades of pink, white, black and others.
Sandstone
Sandstone has a number of qualities that make it a great choice for a patio material. It is hard, durable, eco-friendly (as it doesn’t contain any plastic and will eventually biodegrade), and comes in a range of beachy and earthy tones from tans and golds to warming reds.
Slate
Slate is a great patio material because of its striking appearance (which will never fade) and great natural texture, caused by its layered formation. Slate is hard-wearing, durable, and naturally weatherproof, making it particularly suited for outdoor applications. Slate is available in its traditional blue-grey, as well as darker grey and more purple tones.
What are the different types of patio?
Flagstone
Flagstones can be made from limestone, sandstone, slate, bluestone, quartzite to name just a few materials. In this form, the stones are large and flat with irregular shapes with a slightly roughened surface that gives them better non-slip properties, especially when they are wet. This gives them an advantage over tiles, which are usually much smoother.
Cut stone
Cut stone tiles are natural stones that have been cut into shape which can be laid into a more traditional grid style or more abstract patterns, depending on the shape and size of the stones. This makes them a good choice for those who don’t want a uniform patio.
Pavers
Pavers have been a popular patio material for a number of years, due to their ease of installation. Pavers are designed to interlock with each other, making them easy to lay and negating the need for grout or mortar.
Tile
One of the best things about tiles is the variety of styles that they are available in. You can opt for a terracotta tile if you want a warm, Mediterranean feel, sandstone for more natural, earthy tones, or slate for a striking, contemporary look. The material of the tile will determine its physical properties, but any type of tile can be laid in a uniform or mixed-size style, and natural stone will give you a range of styles unique to your patio.
There are quite a few options to choose from when it comes to patios, and much of your decision will come down to personal preference. If you’re feeling inspired to spruce up your patio, you can view our range of patio and driveway materials.
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