Make The Most Of Your Garden With An Outdoor Patio

With summer on the way, you will want to get outside and enjoy the warm weather after being inside all winter. One of the best ways to do this will be to transform your backyard into a comfortable and attractive place to relax. You can easily do this with an outdoor patio. These patios come in a range of shapes, sizes, prices, and functions.

If you are considering an outdoor patio, you need to consider what your needs are. Understanding your needs will ensure you create a functional living space. You should consider if you want a small space for your family to enjoy some time together or a larger space for entertaining in the summer months. Once you know your needs for the space, you can work with a trustworthy contractor on designs and your budget. This will ensure your patio matches the rest of your home.

An outdoor stone patio is a great place to grill because it is level ground and you can transition from the patio to the yard. Custom patios also offer a great way to enhance the style of your garden and home. If you do not already have a patio that offers the protection and function of an outdoor living space, this could be the year when you change that.

If you already have a patio, you may want to update and renovate it to prepare for the summer. Spring is the best time to schedule this work. When summer arrives, it will be harder to find an available contractor and the prices are likely to increase.

The Types Of Materials

When it comes to the materials for your patio, there are a lot of great options. You can choose tile, stone, flagstone, brick or concrete. These are the most popular choices and you should look at what each has to offer.

Stone is a very common choice because it is a natural option that is very durable and beautiful. If you are going to choose stone, you should look for a type that comes from your local area. This will be more environmentally friendly and will blend into your garden better. Some of the stone options you can look at include bluestone, limestone, slate, and quartzite.

The transition of the patio to the garden is easier with stone because of the natural hues. Natural stone will also hold the color for longer. The only issue with stone is that it can be uneven and is a hard surface to walk on. The irregular shape will also make fitting the pieces together hard for the average homeowner while each piece is heavy. It is recommended that you hire a contractor to help if you are going to choose stone for your patio. A specialist will be best as they understand how to work with this material.

Another popular option is flagstone such as slate, limestone or sandstone. This material is often used because it has packed joints that allow water to permeate instead of running off. Flagstone will also provide the organic and natural look you might want from stone. This material comes in rich shades of grey, brown, red and blue which complement the natural surroundings.

Flagstone also offers a slip-resistant surface which is durable. The aesthetics will last for years to come. This material also allows grass and moss to grow between the stones enhancing the effect. Flagstone can create a formal or informal patio.

Regardless of the material you use for the patio, you will be adding to your living space. You will also create a great area to relax during the summer months.