Are you ready to revamp your outdoor space and add a beautifully paved patio? Before embarking on your exciting project, it's best to get all the information you need about different types of patio paving, choosing the right materials, and maintenance and care.
This guide is designed to make sure paving your patio is as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Read on to explore everything you should know before making a decision.
Types of Patio Paving:
Patio paving can be used for both residential and commercial properties, making it a popular choice among property owners. There are many different types of patio paving available on the market today, each offering unique benefits and styles:
Concrete pavers:
One of the most popular choices due to their versatility and durability, concrete pavers are available in various shapes and sizes, and can also be stained or stamped with patterns or colours to match outdoor decor.
Additionally, concrete pavers are easy to install and require minimal maintenance over the years, but can be more costly than other options and are very difficult to install yourself.
Brick pavers:
Brick pavers have been around since ancient times. These durable materials come in a variety of colours and textures, but often require more labour-intensive installation due to their size, and can be prone to cracking in extreme weather conditions.
Despite this, brick pavers will last longer than other types of pavers if they’re properly maintained.
Natural stone pavers:
Perfect for giving any outdoor space an elegant flair, these pavers are also available in unique shapes, colours and textures.
However, because these stones are heavier than other materials like concrete or bricks, professional installation is highly recommended when using natural stone pavements.
Artificial grass:
This material is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want a low-maintenance option that still looks great year after year.
Artificial grass requires minimal upkeep but still provides an attractive finish for any outdoor area. Artificial grass can be prone to odour build up, so it is important to keep it as clean as possible.
How To Choose the Right Materials:
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right material for patio paving. In order to achieve the best patio paving for you, it’s essential to ask questions like:
What look am I going for?
Start by determining what kind of look and feel you want your patio to have. Do you prefer a more traditional or modern style? Or something in between?
How can I make sure they stand the test of time?
It is important to take into account the way your paving materials will weather over time. Materials such as natural stone, concrete, and brick, all react differently to changing temperatures and humidity levels. For example, natural stone may be slightly more porous so it can absorb moisture, but this can also contribute to discolouration over time.
How will the pavers interact with other elements in my design?
Consider how the various materials for patio paving will interact with other elements in your patio design. For instance, if you have potted plants in your outdoor space, will the pH level of concrete or brick potentially cause damage over time? If so, natural stone could be a better choice since it is less caustic. Similarly, consider other aspects such as surface texture and colour when deciding which material would complement your landscape design best.
How can I make my patio paving safe?
Safety should also be taken into consideration when selecting materials for patio paving – especially if you have children or pets who might play outdoors often during warmer months. Keep in mind that some materials like concrete or brick may become slick after rain showers or snow, while others like natural stone may offer better traction when wet.
What does my budget look like?
Make sure you consider both upfront costs as well as long-term maintenance costs – both of which will vary depending on the type of material used.
Want to know how to install patio paving? Check out our How To Lay Patio Paving Guide for easy-to-read step-by-step instructions.
Maintenance and Care:
Once you have installed your new patio paving, it is important to take steps to ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.
(PLEASE NOTE: This is a rough guide on how to maintain patio paving. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions on your chosen material.)
The first thing you'll want to do is clear away any debris or dirt that may accumulate on the surface of the paving. This can be done using a broom or leaf blower, or even a power washer if necessary. It's important not to use any harsh chemicals as this can cause damage or discoloration of the material.
You should also inspect your paving every few months for signs of wear and tear. If cracks appear in the pavers, they should be filled with an appropriate filler and then sealed with a sealant specifically designed for patio paving.
If your patio paving includes grout lines between stones, these will need re-sealing every couple of years using a mineral-based sealer designed for outdoor use. You should also make sure that any grouting lines remain free from weeds by regularly removing them and applying an anti-weed agent.
If your patio paving includes joints between stones, these joints will need filling every two years with a flexible jointing compound specifically designed for outdoor use. The type of compound used will depend upon the type of pavers being used in your construction project but must always meet specific standards.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right type of patio paving for your home and garden can be difficult, but with the right guidance, it can also be a lot of fun. Whether you're leaning towards natural stone or concrete pavers, knowing the best materials to use and how to maintain them is key. Furthermore, understanding your property's environment is also important in order to determine which kind of patio will best suit your needs.
If you’d like help deciding which type of patio paver would be best for you or would like to know more about the different materials available, don’t hesitate to get in touch and our team will be happy to assist you.