HARDSCAPE Patio Types - different options to choose from

You have a wonderful home with a nice large outdoor space but no set area for your gatherings, lounging, relaxing, and BBQing. You can solve this issue by adding a patio to your backyard. There are many different patio types to pick from, DG, Pea gravel, concrete, pavers, flagstone..just to name a few.

But for someone who is new to the field, the decision might be overwhelming and the material list confusing. So let us take a look at the 9 main patio types closer:

DG: DG stands for decomposed granite and is one of the most cost-effective ways of adding a flat area/patio. Granite is broken into small pieces, holding together better than just dirt, and is available in a variety of colors.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/katie

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/julie

Gravel: Gravel might sound like a strange solution for a solid patio structure but you will be surprised. You can actually create really nice patios with a gravel surface. Maintaining this kind of patio is VERY cost-effective. The material itself is really inexpensive and the installation is fairly simple. Below are a few PLUS for choosing gravel:

• inexpensive

• easy to install

• great for drainage

• gravel will choke all kinds of weeds and stop them from growing

One of the main downsides of gravel is though that it might not be the most comfortable solution to walk on, especially barefoot.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/steve

Concrete: This is another cost-effective way to install a patio, sometimes even cheaper than gravel BUT you do need the tools and skillset to install a nice looking and even concrete patio (if you are all into the DIY projects). Once your concrete patio is done, you can for sure rely on it to last for a long time, as long as you put the suggested amount of maintenance into it (to avoid cracking). If you aren’t all into the concrete look you can also use concrete slabs as the base for any other material to make it really durable.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/diana / https://www.ecodesignsd.com/julie / https://www.ecodesignsd.com/linda-rob

Pavers: To this day people believe concrete and pavers are technically the same thing, that is not all correct. Concrete can be considered pavement but not all pavers are concrete, that is the difference. It is possible to install your own pavement patio but if you don’t have the right skill set and know what to avoid, this might be a tricky and frustrating process. There are lots of professionals, us included of course who can make this a quick, cost-effective process for you. Paver patios are definitely a beautiful eye-catcher and you can mix multiple color options, sizing and pattern.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/pagemo / https://www.ecodesignsd.com/nicole

Flagstone: Flagstones are the king of patio materials since they will give you an absolutely stunning look, can be arranged in beautiful decorative ways and flastones wilI last for a long time. Their weight and durability make flagstones a high quality product. A range of color options are available so you definitely will be able to find what works best in your outdoor space. The biggest downside for flagstones is that they are definitely on the pricey side.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/irene

Bricks: Bricks are made out of clay and depending from which area, time of the year etc. the color might vary. Bricks definitely give any area a classic look since bricks were the first building blocks used in areas like Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Bricks are a bit more expensive but you can create beautiful pattern with them. They break easier than concrete and pavers though so depending on where you live and high to low temperature flactualtions, bricks vs. pavers might change.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/kacy

Tiles: Tiles, reminding of those meditarrainian and old fashioned beautiful plazas throughout Europe and southern America. They are hands down the most versatil option for you and can add a wide range of colors that will make your patio pop. You can mix tiles with pavers or concrete and either add a statement edge along your patio or fill it in completely. Tile is easy to clean and maintain. The perfect base for tile are concrete slabs. It might be slippery when wet though and if you drop something heavy on it tiles will most definitely break.

Take a look at some of our projects for reference: https://www.ecodesignsd.com/aron / https://www.ecodesignsd.com/kent

Cut Stone: Cut stones, also called stone tiles are made out of stone and cut into tile thick pieces. They can be cut in squares, rectangles or any other shape. Marbel for example is a very unique looking cut stone. Installing cut stone is actually easier than some of the other options that I presented earlier.