The Different Types of Patio Materials to Consider for Your New Patio

You have dreams of building a place in your backyard where you can steal a quiet moment for yourself or entertain a group of friends.  An outdoor patio can be the perfect spot for all of your favorite backyard moments.

Whether you want your patio to hold a hammock, a picnic table or a chiminea, it's important to choose a material that is strong, supportive and enduring. Look through the following list of the various types of patio materials to choose the variety that's best for you.

Asphalt

One of the best options for your backyard patio is asphalt. This material is just right for creating a smooth, strong surface.

Another advantage of asphalt is its price. You'll find that this is one of the most affordable types of patios.

Asphalt is a flexible material that does a good job of withstanding temperature changes throughout the year. It's less likely to crack than some of the other available materials. If damage does occur, crack filling provides a quick and easy repair option.

Although colored asphalt is available, most asphalt patios are black. Sealcoating the patio every few years will help you retain the dark color.

Concrete

Homeowners frequently choose concrete for their patios. As with asphalt, concrete provides a flat, uniform surface that's just right for supporting patio chairs, tables and firepits.

Because concrete can be poured in rectangular or irregular layouts, it can be an ideal choice for custom yard designs. For example, you could border your circular pool with a concrete patio.

Although standard gray concrete is common, this patio material can be combined with brick pavers to make for a more decorative look as well. 

Concrete patios can last for many years. However, cracking is not uncommon, and patches don't always blend with the original material.

Brick Pavers

For a traditional and updated look, you want to consider laying a brick paver patio in your yard.  Pavers or paving stones can be arranged in countless patterns to create unique patio designs. Pavers are usually made of concrete material, and they're available in a great range of shapes and colors.

Pavers have the look of natural stone. Depending on the color and pattern that you choose, you could create a subtle design or a dynamic one that's sure to draw attention.

Pavers do have some drawbacks. Over time, their color made fade, and their top surface may wear away. Eventually, they'll show their age. Sealing can help preserve a quality appearance for longer, but that requires regular maintenance.

To learn more about the various options for pavers, check out the video below:

Natural Stone

If you like the idea of bricks or pavers but want a more natural look for your yard, you could choose a stone patio instead. Blue stone and flagstone are examples of natural rock materials that can be laid in colorful, eye-catching arrangements.

Natural paving stones may have greater longevity than their manmade counterparts. Unlike concrete blocks, the stones won't fade over time.

The non-uniform size and shape of these stones can make their installation tricky, however. As a result, natural stone is often one of the most expensive types of patio materials.

Gravel

Instead of laying down a solid surface, some homeowners choose to use loose materials for their backyard patios. Gravel is one of the top choices for this approach to yard design.

You can see an example of a gravel patio in the following video:

Homeowners who enjoy home-maintenance projects may appreciate that a gravel patio can often be completed as a DIY project. Plus, gravel promotes backyard drainage.

However, there are drawbacks to the gravel approach. The small stones are likely to escape the patio area and end up scattered throughout your yard and home. For that reason, this material can require a good deal of upkeep.

Sand

Like gravel, sand is another loose material that can be used for patios. You'll probably find that the pros and cons of sand are similar to what you'll find with gravel.

If you have young kids, digging in the sand patio may become a favorite pastime. You could view this as built-in entertainment or as a continual drain on maintenance. Either way, if you have a sand patio, be prepared for grains to be tracked into the house on a regular basis.

You may find that gravel and other loose materials are best as patio fillers. Rather than constructing the entire patio from such materials, consider using them to line the gaps between large paving stones.