More and more families are opting for houses with patios, according to the recent Characteristics of New Housing report by the U.S. Census Bureau. Around a third of single-family homes sold in the country in 2014 alone had a patio and porch. It’s been a few years since the patio boom. If you’re one of the owners who bought a home with these features, you might be looking to give your patio a much-needed update. One surefire way to spruce up your backyard is to get new flooring installed.
Popular choices for patio flooring include concrete and pavers. They both have unique benefits that make them attractive options. Know each of them to find out the best choice for your Utah yard upgrade.
Concrete: Strong and Versatile
Concrete patios are installed by excavating the soil and adding layers of gravel and concrete on top. It can also be finished to have a smooth, rough, or even patterned texture. Here’s why you should choose this material:
- Low maintenance – Other materials like wooden decks often need to be stained and resealed annually to prevent rotting and splintering. Gaps between pavers need to be checked regularly to prevent grass and weeds from sprouting in them. You won’t encounter these problems with concrete, as long as it’s installed correctly. All you need to do is give it a deep clean at least once a year, and it should last a lifetime. You only need to call in concrete repair specialists when the floor starts to develop cracks or potholes due to improper installation.
- Durable – Wood, especially if it isn’t finished, can rot and split when exposed to excessive moisture. Pavers can easily separate under pressure. Concrete, on the other hand, can handle extreme weather conditions and heavy objects without breaking down.
- All-rounder – Concrete can fit into any home design, from traditional to contemporary. It can be colored to suit the shade of your home. It can also be stamped to create unique patterns that add a bit of class to your patio. You could even stain it if you want your yard to have a rustic look.
Paver: Great Design and Easy Repairs
Pavers are installed similarly to poured concrete. Excavate the soil and lay down the gravel. However, you also need to add a layer of sand on top of the gravel to ensure the pavers don’t move around when you walk on them. Here are some advantages of using this flooring type.
- A Variety of Design Options – Pavers are well-loved because they offer a wide variety of color, pattern, and shape options. Dark and straight-cut pavers are great for people who want an elegant look for their yard. There are also light-colored and zig-zagged ones for those who want to add a more fresh and whimsical feel to their patio.
- Easy Repairs – Pavers sit just under poured concrete when it comes to durability. However, if one or a couple of bricks on your patio floor chips or completely breaks, you can easily replace them with a fresh batch.
The patio style and material you’ll use depends entirely on your preference. If you want something with timeless appeal and needs little to no maintenance, concrete is your best bet. Want to have a wide variety of design options? Go with pavers. Once you’ve installed your preferred flooring type, all you need to do is set up your favorite lounge chair and marvel at your patio’s fresh new look.
