With spring approaching, you may be considering how you can make your backyard patio area more welcoming and usable. Grilling out, backyard family and friends entertaining, birthday parties and just relaxing are great ways to make use of a functional, eye-catching lanai. However, planning is important to make certain your patio is easy to maintain, long-lasting and comfortable. Considering what type of materials to use, what you currently have and how much you want to spend will influence your paver patio ideas.
Paver Patio Ideas
Most people have some type of concrete pad on the back of the house. If your slab is even and in pretty good shape, it can be used as a base. You will want to assess your concrete – the best way to do that may be to consult with a professional installer. Two of the major choices for decorative patios are:
- Concrete Pavers – When installed correctly, pavers are an economical, safe, versatile choice. There are many colors, styles and finishes available. Pavers also provide an opportunity to get creative – patterns, textures, etchings, stampings and more can be applied to give you a one-of-a-kind patio. Easy to maintain, pavers will not require constant resealing and repairs are simple. Sand or gravel is used to fill between the pavers so replacing one paver that becomes cracked is minimal work. Professionally installed pavers will create a beautiful hardscape in your backyard.
- Stones – You may find that stones are a bit more expensive than concrete pavers. As with pavers, you will find a variety of colors, sizes and shapes to generate something unique to your particular situation. Some examples of stones are veneer, cobblestone, and flagstone. When choosing stones, try to stay away from glittery or softer stones – glitter can wear off and the softer stones will deteriorate quicker.
Design
Regardless of what type of material you choose, there are a plethora of paver patio ideas for the layout and use of your new patio. The paver patio ideas are endless, and everyone is different from the others. A pathway to the pool, a firepit area or an oasis under a pergola are just a few of the ways you can personalize your backyard. Small or large spaces, elevated lanais or garden areas will all look cleaner and neater with a custom designed paver or stone arrangement. Coupled with casual living furniture, plants and maybe even a water feature, you and your guests won’t want to leave the yard! You will have
