Patios have always been (and will always be) a popular choice among homeowners because of the versatility of a patio space. In the past, many homeowners were limited to patios made of gray rectangular blocks of pressed concrete; however, styled patios that take advantage of different combinations of colors, textures, and materials, have become increasingly popular.

Patio Surface Options, More Now Than Ever Before
An easy way for homeowners to alter the visual aesthetic of their outdoor area, create new spaces for relaxation and entertainment, conserve water, and increase the property value of their home, is to install a new custom outdoor patio OR refresh an existing patio with one of many available patio surface materials.

Natural Stone patios are particularly attractive as they tend to combine a number of complimentary colors in a seemingly random pattern. Flagstone is sold in ‘broken’ pieces that are cut into unspecified widths and lengths. The thickness of flagstone tends to be variable, and pieces may have to be broken and trimmed during the installation process.

Other types of chopped stone like limestones, sandstones, and cobblestone can also be used to create unique surface patterns.

Note: The irregular thickness of natural stone usually makes the installation process of natural stone patios particularly challenging and they usually require professional installation.

Decorative Concrete patios like stained and stamped concrete patios are popular among homeowners who want a unique looking patio but who have a smaller budget for material. After installation, these materials are protected with a sealer to withstand weather and extended use.

One option for decorative concrete is stamped concrete in which a specific pattern has been ‘stamped’ into a concrete slab. Patterns like brick, cobblestone, and flagstone are available and the concrete can be colored to create a realistic rendering of the desired stone, flagstone, or brick pattern.

Another option available to homeowners is stained concrete which involves a process in which a concrete slab is stained with a combination of blended acid stain-colors to create a truly one-of-a-kind patio surface. These patios can have salt added to create a rugged look or they can be scored to create freehand stone or geometric patterns in the concrete. Scored patterns with alternating color combinations are exceptionally visually appealing.

Written by Christina Gaona
www.onespecialty.com