Choosing The Best Materials For Your Outdoor Patio Design

An outdoor patio is one part of your home that stands out. If you plan on upgrading its design, one consideration you have in mind is what materials stand out, but choosing the best kind for your patio poses a challenge. Luckily, this guide helps make the decision process a lot easier. At Brandywine Designs, we understand that every homeowner seeking to design a memorable outdoor space faces numerous choices. 

Yet, we are here to offer our expert advice on the materials that best suit you. Before you enlist the help of our Chadds Ford, PA outdoor living contractor, let us help you suggest the material that best suits your outdoor patio project and explain why. Let’s go over the details on what to know.

What Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Patio Materials?

Selecting the right patio materials involves considering several key factors. If you intend to begin a patio project in the future, you can work with a Chadds Ford outdoor living contractor who knows your needs and preferences well. But not without considering these factors first:

• Can it sustain the climate: Choose materials that handle the cold, hot and humid, and the precipitation. 

• Functionality: How will you use your patio? Do you plan any cookouts in the summer? Or is it for relaxing with family or entertaining guests? Functionality is a crucial factor in the decision-making process.

• Maintenance requirements: The maintenance requirements depend on the materials you choose. Later on, you will learn about the materials that require maintenance from those that don’t. If you have the patient for annual ceiling or regular cleaning, you may choose a material that meets these requirements. 

• How much is your budget: The challenges of putting together an exact budget include material costs, installation, and other maintenance expenses. Planning for a particular budget makes the process easier. Plus, you prevent potential overspending in the process.

• Design harmony: An outdoor patio enhances your home’s exterior. Find the right design that makes it possible. You can enlist the help of an outdoor patio contractor in the area who has an eye for detail and experience in creating the perfect design for local homeowners.

Carefully consider these factors before making the right choice for your patio materials. One option will eventually stand out for several reasons. Brandywine Designs also helps solve any design issues you have. Whether you are stuck between one design idea and the materials you want, we’re here to help narrow down the best choices. From there, it is up to you to decide which material best suits you for the long term.

Popular Materials For Outdoor Patios

Now, we turn our attention to the materials that best suit outdoor patios. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a list of the materials that you can choose from based on the considerations above:

Natural Stone

For those who desire a high-end look, natural stone is the perfect choice. It features materials like limestone, slate, and bluestone. Each possesses unmatched beauty that enhances the aesthetically pleasing image you seek. It’s a timeless look that boasts durability and weather resistance. It also comes in a variety of unique textures and colors.

The downsides of natural stone are evident from the outset, primarily in terms of price. Expect high upfront costs initially. If not appropriately treated, wet stones cause slippery conditions. Not to mention, maintenance requires occasional sealing. Despite this, a patio design that combines luxury with elegance stands out with natural stone.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers stand out as a cost-effective and attractive option. Aside from its affordability, one other attribute it has is versatility. You can get these in numerous shapes, finishes, and colors. The best part: pavers can mimic the high-end looks you get from wood, stone, and brick. So you can create something aesthetically pleasing for a lot less. 

Although the wide variety of design options, easy replacement, and cost-effectiveness stand out, there are issues that pavers tend to have. It requires regular sealing, as there is a risk that the color may fade over time. If you do not adequately maintain it, weeds will grow between the joints.

Stamped Concrete

Another material that boasts cost-effectiveness is stamped concrete. Like pavers, it can also provide a stone, tile, or brick look. It stamps patterns and textures before the concrete dries. The installation process is quick and easy. Additionally, you have access to an unlimited number of design and color options that best suit you. 

However, it’s susceptible to cracks, especially in freeze-thaw climates. For this reason, it will require sealing to ensure the appearance remains consistent. This is a significant headache for those who prioritize maintenance less. 

Brick

Brick is timeless and classic. If you have a historic home, it’s the perfect material for an outdoor patio. It boasts excellent durability and longevity, making it a long-lasting material. For those who are eco-conscious, you have an option to include recycled bricks (if available). While it is a good option, it still has downsides.

In shady, moist areas, it’s the perfect condition for moss and mildew growth. Therefore, it proves that brick won’t be a good fit in such situations. Additionally, without a solid base, bricks shift or become uneven, making it unsafe to walk on the patio.

Porcelain Tile

Surprisingly, porcelain tile complements outdoor patio spaces well. Yes, it typically fits with indoor spaces. But porcelain tiles that possess durability will fit nicely outdoors, especially on your patio. Even better, they’re ideal for those seeking low-maintenance options. Another major advantage is its resistance to water, staining, and scratching. Expect this to be the material you never thought was possible to have, but it somehow makes your patio stand out nicely.

It is essential to know which tiles are best suited for outdoor patios. If not appropriately textured, the risk of slippery conditions exists. If improperly installed, the durability of the tiles suffers in freeze-thaw conditions. Be sure to have these tiles professionally installed if you choose porcelain tile as the best option for your patio.

Gravel

It’s cost-effective and great for casual spaces. The installation also doesn’t cost you a lot. What makes gravel a standout option is its drainage characteristics. In wet conditions, it won’t pose a safety hazard like tile or stone. Maintenance-wise, easy repairs and adjustments are possible. Still, the threat of weed growth exists if you don’t have a good underlayer installed. If you intend to include furniture, gravel will not stabilize it.   

Brandywine Designs understands that each homeowner has unique needs and preferences. One patio design might stand out to you in one way or another. There may be one material in particular that you intend to avoid altogether. Nevertheless, our outdoor patio experts help you choose the best option that brings your patio to life, even the options based on our past work.

What Are The Best Material Combinations For Outdoor Spaces?

One single material isn’t enough for an outdoor patio. You can combine various materials to create an outdoor space that truly stands out. Even some of our outdoor patio kitchen contractors here in Chadds Ford get creative with their combinations. These include the following ideas:

• Use porcelain tiles for the covered areas of the patio. Meanwhile, open zones benefit greatly from pavers.

• Concrete paver fields and natural stone borders? Not a bad idea for your outdoor patio if you want to maintain a consistent, elegant look without overspending on the budget. 

• If you want your dining area to look inviting and comfortable, brick and gravel go together surprisingly well. Especially if you plan on adding a lounging section to the area.

The idea with these combinations is simple. Visual appeal, durability, and smooth transitions. You will be amazed by the combinations that our past clients have put together for their patio designs. If you come across any visual examples, it could inspire you to take ideas from those designs themselves.

Need To Include An Outdoor Kitchen?

A patio with a built-in kitchen is a nice touch. However, material choice becomes critical here. The reason for this is the potential for grease spills, the outdoor elements, and heavy foot traffic. The materials you choose won’t just apply to the patio floors, but also to countertops and cabinetry. Especially when the materials need to maintain that balance of style and weather resistance.

Regarding recommendations, our outdoor living contractors at Brandywine Designs have a few suggestions. Here are some of the suggestions we have:

• Flooring: Natural stone, textured porcelain tiles, or concrete pavers.

• Countertops: Granite, engineered stone (for outdoor use), or concrete.

• Cabinetry: Weatherproof polymer or stainless steel.

The materials mentioned maintain aesthetic beauty and durability for the long term. They are resilient and function well in outdoor settings. Consider these materials for each critical element of an outdoor kitchen, should you decide to build one on your patio. Additionally, you'll want to perform regular maintenance on your entire outdoor kitchen to ensure its long-lasting use. 

Maintenance Tips For Different Materials

Even if you choose low-maintenance materials, there are still tasks that you need to perform for your outdoor patio. Planning makes it seem less of a chore. Here are some ideas to consider for maintenance based on the materials you choose:

• Natural stone: Seal it every 2 to 3 years. Power wash annually to keep it clean for an extended period. Additionally, ensure that no one is allowed on the patio until the stone is completely dry for safety reasons. 

• Concrete pavers: Apply polymeric sand between the joints and seal it to protect it from color fading. Sweep regularly to remove dirt and debris that accumulates between the joints. 

• Stamped concrete: Consider resealing every 2-3 years. This helps prevent cracks and fades.

• Brick: Gently power wash regularly. If there are damp areas, check for any buildup of moss.

• Porcelain tile: Use a mild detergent, sweep, and wash periodically to keep it clean. 

Brandywine Designs includes care and maintenance instructions for each material you choose. We want you to take care of your outdoor patio space for as long as possible. At the same time, we understand the amount of money you’re putting in for the patio project itself. You deserve a space that is easy to maintain and something that won’t cost you a lot over time in terms of maintenance.

Make Brandywine Designs Your Outdoor Patio Contractor Of Choice

If you’re planning an outdoor patio space, Brandywine Designs has the materials you might need. Our contractors have an eye for design and meticulous attention to detail. They also know what materials best suit your needs and purposes. If there is one thing we pride ourselves on, it’s helping you put together the perfect outdoor patio space. 

We have the vision, the ability to create a high-quality design, and the skilled workers to bring your dream patio to life. Do you need more information on how we can assist you? Contact Brandywine Design today at 610-203-7803.