Are you thinking about installing a patio in your home? If you are, then you are making a smart investment. It can make your home cosier and even make it more appealing to buyers in case you decide to sell it.
A patio can be one of the most relaxing areas in your house. It can be a place where you read your morning paper as you drink your coffee. It can also be the venue for bonding moments with the family like cookouts or outdoor picnics.
Reports also indicate that having this kind of outdoor living area can make your property more interesting to house hunters. There are reports which even indicate that having a patio can increase the overall value of your home.
However, reaping the aforementioned benefits are only possible if this outdoor space is well-made. Hence, one thing you need to keep in mind if you want to have a patio is to let a trusted contractor do the job.
Taking the DIY route can be tempting, especially if you think about saving on labour fees. But taking on the task on your own may not yield the results you’re looking for.
Furthermore, patio installation is a time-consuming and backbreaking task. Unless you have the time, resources and equipment, it is best to let a professional patio installation company do the job.
Aside from looking for a reputable company specialising in patio installation, you also need to decide on the paving slab to be used. The kind of material impacts the overall appearance of your house.
But which type of paving slab should you use? Decades ago, the choices for paving slabs were quite limited. Today, there are several types you can choose from.
Manufactured Paving Slabs
Before, when stone cutting technology wasn’t advanced yet, the more practical choice for paving slabs were manufactured ones as it was easy to make their shape uniform. Hence, this material is more convenient to use for patios.
Generally, manufactured paving slabs provide a traditional appeal. The types of slabs under this category include concrete, brick and porcelain.
Concrete
A concrete paving slab is the best choice if you want to achieve a classic look. It is one of the popular patio materials amongst homeowners because of its many benefits.
For one, a concrete slab is very durable which makes it a very practical option. It also doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
What’s more?
Years ago, it was only available in grey. However, today it’s already available in different colours and styles. Hence, it can perfectly complement any house style or design.
Brick
Similar to concrete, brick, with its familiar reddish-brown shade, also provides a timeless look. With proper maintenance, it is bound to last many years as well. In case it incurs damages, it can be easily fixed.
Just one thing:
While it is hard-wearing, it is not fadeproof. The bright red colour can fade quickly if it is repeatedly exposed to rain.
Porcelain
Porcelain paving slabs are quite new, but their popularity has been steadily growing over the years. This material is non-porous and resistant to staining. You only need to hose it down once in a while to make it look as good as new.
Moreover, this kind of slab is weatherproof. It can withstand even the harshest conditions including frost.
Natural Stone Paving Slabs
Using natural stones for your patio can help you achieve an elegant look. Under this category, you have granite, limestone, sandstone and slate.
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular choices as it looks beautiful in any garden. It is naturally slip-resistant, making it ideal if you have children or elderly people in the house. This characteristic also eliminates worries of stepping into your patio after it rains.
This material is also very resilient. It is not prone to chipping, scratching and other damages. Many experts attest that, with proper installation and regular maintenance, it can last a lifetime.
Limestone
Limestone has a very natural appearance, one that blends well with the outdoors. It is noted to give off a relaxing or calming feel. Currently, limestone comes in various colours and sizes. So, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that suits the style of your house and garden.
However, limestone is best used for patios in areas with dry climates. Since it is a softer stone as compared to granite, it easily deteriorates when it is frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain and snow.
Sandstone
Sandstone is commonly selected by those who prefer a bright and relaxing patio. Its usual colours are tan, beige and other shades of brown.
Just like limestone, this material does not hold up well to snow or the freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, when not regularly sealed, it can be prone to scratching and staining.
Slate
Slate is also a favourite patio material because it is durable and slip-resistant. This tough stone is guaranteed to last for several years.
This material can also give your patio a modern and stylish look. While it is popularly known to be available in black and dark grey, slate also comes in other hues such as green, purple and orange.
The kind of paving slab you use has an impact not just on the appearance of your patio but also its longevity. So, make sure that you pick the right material.
Looking for a trusted company offering professional patio installation? New Style Driveways is one of Ireland’s trusted patio installers. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to learn more about services.
