Backyard patios serve many purposes, as they are fantastic for having guests come and visit, and they are good to have throughout the year when you want to spend time outdoors. You can build a patio from different materials.
Concrete is the most popular option for a backyard patio. It is reasonably priced and highly versatile. Brick is another excellent choice, but it requires meticulous, intricate detail and effort to construct correctly. There are also various stones you can use to design a patio.
Covered patios allow you to be outside, no matter the weather. Backyard patios also boost the value of your home. If you want to know three common materials used for backyard patios, you have come to the right place.
What Constitutes a Backyard Patio?
A backyard patio is a section or area of the yard that has been partitioned off and is typically constructed of a hard surface. You can create the perfect outdoor space suitable to your liking and the comfort of your guests. It is a setup that works great for entertainment and outdoor get-together. It creates an environment perfect for outdoor grilling and barbecuing.
If you add tables and chairs, it wonderfully sets the landscape for a lovely dinner party. You can even get creative and set up a couple of tiki torches or a tiki bar for a tropical theme during the summer. Backyard patios are usually made up of solid materials.
You can make a backyard patio from a variety of materials:
- Brick
- Concrete
- Pavers
- Pebbles
- Rock
- Stone
- Tile
A backyard patio differs from a deck in that it does not constitute a view, which is often accompanied by a railing. You may not want to DIY a backyard patio, as it is often difficult to construct without sufficient professional assistance.
Patios are commonly built directly on the ground. It does not require walls; whether it is attached or detached from a building or home is a personal preference. A patio can increase the appeal of your home and add a bit of character and charm to your open-air motif.
Do Backyard Patios Have to Be Sheltered?
A patio covering is an attached roof structure positioned above your patio and supported by posts or columns. A patio cover protects your outdoor space by supplying shelter from rain, storms, or other inclement weather.
You do not need a cap on your backyard patio, but it may be a good idea, as it will help protect your furnishings, such as your nice patio furniture.
Protects Your Patio from Weather
If it rains or snows, the furniture can easily be ruined. A patio cover is just a wise investment to protect your belongings. Not to mention, you can enjoy the outside in all kinds of weather if you are protected from the elements. A patio covering will also keep your patio space looking fresh throughout the year. You may also consider hanging drapes or shades or having a fire pit.
Adds Value to Your Property
All of these will help you be able to enjoy your backyard patio without having to sacrifice comfort. Not to mention many people who are looking to purchase a home will go crazy over a well-built outdoor living area. It adds value and generates interest. You can add some great lighting and décor to make it more presentable and attractive looking.
Saves Energy
A covered patio can also keep you cooler during the summer, which can help lower the cost of your energy bills. The patio covers shade your home and keeps the sun from coming directly through your windows. It is a basic fact that a patio cover can help lower indoor temperatures. You may even want to consider adding ceiling fans for a nice touch.
Are Backyard Patios Cheaper to Build than Decks?
Backyard patios are typically cheaper to build than decks.
You will need to consider the:
- Material
- Size
- Location of the outdoor living space
All these factors will affect how much it costs to create or build the area.
Patios also do not require permits or inspections, which can help save money, as decks often have weight restrictions.
Patios are also built from more affordable materials than a deck. It also needs to be noted that the more elaborate your deck is, the more expensive it will be. Decks can be simple, elevated-layer decks or have more multi-layered construction. The most cost-effective solution is generally a concrete backyard patio.
Constructing a deck takes additional time and effort. Although it is not always a favorable idea to DIY your patio, it is even less of a good idea to DIY a deck. It often requires more prep work and is a more involved task. Decks also require much more maintenance than backyard patios and should be checked annually.
3 Common Materials Used in Backyard Patios
You want to use suitable materials when creating the perfect outdoor space. While style and cost may be a factor, you also want to consider the material you feel most comfortable with. You want the materials to look good with your home. The following includes three examples of popular materials used to make backyard patios:
1. Concrete
By far, concrete is the most prevalent choice for backyard patios. It is the standard for making the ideal living space. Concrete is a versatile substance and exceptionally adaptable.
Concrete is the classic mix of materials:
- Cement
- Gravel
- Sand
- Water
Concrete can be poured into many shapes and have different textures, such as smooth, stamped, brushed, or others. As a bonus, concrete patios are easy to maintain. You can be imaginative with the material and try patterned or colored concrete. Even though it is relatively inexpensive, you can have your dream patio using concrete.
2. Brick
Bricks are another great option for patios. Bricks are ideal for ground-level designs. Installing the brick can be tricky because it needs to be evenly spaced and level. The ground must also be prepared correctly to prevent the bricks from sinking. Bricks do not need to be the traditional red color.
Bricks can be black, tan, and other hues. If you use various colors, you can make your backyard patio look extremely attractive. You can also place bricks at a 90-degree angle or make a pinwheel, which is four standard-sized bricks and half a brick in the middle. Brick can be a little more pricey than concrete.
3. Flagstone
Flagstone is another good pick for backyard patios. It is a naturally made material created by accumulating sand, clay, and mineral layers. You can choose from unique colors and stones. The large slabs of stone are usually one to three inches thick.
There are also various types of flagstone:
- Bluestone
- Limestone
- Quartzite
- Sandstone
When used as patio flooring, flagstones must be one and a half inches thick and should be laid directly on the soil or ground. Stone provides robust and stable flooring for your patio. Flagstone patios have a natural appearance due to their earthy tones of browns, reds, grays, and blues.
Final Thoughts
There are some great options for building a delightful backyard patio that will serve the purpose of entertainment and a cooler area to relax. No matter what material you choose, a patio is a beautiful way to add to your living space.
