Having a patio in your backyard is a blessing. In fact, those who can afford it should go for it considering they have sufficient space in their house. Patios are spaces meant to relax, unwind and entertain friends and family members. However, considering the options and the budget, it can be hard to pick the best material. You can ask patio contractors, but going to one prepped up with information is better. Listed are the best patio stones for you to consider along with their pros and cons.

Bluestone

Bluestone is usually found and identified by its blue-gray hues but is also available in various rust and green tones. Each stone has different characteristics in terms of color and thickness. Due to its elegant appearance, Bluestone tends to be a common choice for patios and walkways.

A major advantage of using bluestone is that it can be cut into different shapes and sizes to meet the demands of the customer. If you wish, you can also purchase Bluestone in its free form to give your patio a more natural look. Plus, it is used in homes in colder climates as it is freeze-resistant.

On the other hand, Bluestone is very porous and will eventually lose its luster if it is not sealed properly. However, if that is the case, you will have to pay extra to get it resealed and refreshed. On top of that, installing Bluestone is a complicated task considering the stones are often irregular in size.

And, darker colored stones can get really hot during summer seasons, which makes them an unsuitable option for pool areas.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a popular stone type for patios. In its original form, sandstone is a very soft and porous rock. This means that it is vulnerable to damage and cracks from extreme foot traffic and extreme weather conditions. As a result, sandstone is used primarily for decorative purposes such as patio walls or an indoor fireplace mantel.

There is no harm in using sandstone for outdoor patios but you will have to be careful about the foot traffic and heavy materials placed on the stones. Because sandstone is soft, it requires a thick coat that needs to be applied every year.

Additionally, sandstone requires a lot of maintenance without which the stone will lose its color and texture. That said, if you want to build a patio to entertain friends and family members regularly, this might not be the perfect choice.

Concrete

Concrete is yet another great option when it comes to building a patio. Like natural stone, concrete is also available in different colors, designs, and styles that offer both a modern and traditional look to your patio. There is also a concrete type that mimics natural stone.

The best thing about concrete as a patio material is that it offers multiple laying patterns allowing homeowners to play around with different patterns until they can come to the best pattern. Additionally, concrete being an affordable option also gives the majority of homeowners a reason to prefer it over other options.

If you can afford it, you can also opt for permeable concrete pavers that are specifically designed to deal with yard flooding. These pavers are mostly used in regions that experience extreme weather conditions throughout the year. With permeable pavers, you will not have to worry about storm drains and yard flooding.

These pavers are designed such that as soon as water falls on them, it seeps into the ground. However, a major point you need to keep in mind is that concrete pavers are not a ‘do-it-yourself’ kind of job. You will need to hire a contractor. In addition to that, concrete also eventually cracks.

So, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, concrete pavers or patio might be a good option for you. You can get any other outdoor space feature built on a concrete patio as well. If you want an outdoor fireplace or firepit, building it will be easier for your outdoor fireplace builder Long Island on a concrete patio.

Marble

Marble is a classic stone that has been for centuries due to its texture, appearance, and durability. It is one of the hardest stones available out there in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Plus, it is also one of the rarest natural stones on earth with very few sources supplying the world.

The reason marble tends to be expensive and durable is due to the fact that it is formed of calcium-rich minerals over many years. Naturally, marble is both porous and soft but when used for commercial purposes, it is topped with a thick coat and requires frequent sealant application to protect against stains and water.

Overall, installing and maintaining marble patios will cost you a lot. However, the result will have your neighbors drooling.

Gravel

Perhaps the most affordable and easiest stone patio material to deal with on the list is pea gravel. Gravel is basically tiny stones that are simply purchased and poured into the patio area. Depending on the area, you may or may not need to level the surface first.

The good thing is that you can do it all on your own without hiring an expert, saving you money. The biggest advantage of gravel is that it blends perfectly with the natural surroundings. However, a drawback is that gravel needs to be replaced quite often as it sticks to the shoes and gets carried in the house.

The best way to prevent this is by adding a garden edging that will keep the gravel where it is.

Other Natural Stones

Natural stone includes several different types such as limestone and flagstone that offer an organic look to your patio. Each type has a different set of properties. For instance, granite is extremely hard and offers a natural underfoot grip while limestone is smooth and pale.

Furthermore, Slate offers a moody and dark hue and is a good option for a modern backyard. However, if you install it in wet areas, it will simply flake. Although stones are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs, they are also labor-intensive, which means they are going to be expensive to install.

Natural stones last decades and if maintained properly will maintain their original color and texture. But then again, only if you are willing to bear the installation costs.

Bricks

Brick is a popular option for patios even though it is fairly limited in terms of color and is made of clay or concrete instead of stone. On top of that, it can be arranged in a variety of designs but cannot be dyed. One of the reasons it’s so popular is because its appearance is timeless. Bricks can be expensive to purchase but if you were to go for recycled bricks, they can cost you slightly less. Bricks also allow water to pass through easily since it is porous.

On the negative side, bricks can easily crack or break under pressure despite the fact that they do not easily erode. You will need to replace the bricks as they crack. Furthermore, brick patios are usually not leveled, which results in wobbling furniture.

Conclusion

The best way to make your investment worth it is by defining your needs and preferences and matching them with the options listed above. If you still don’t get the answer, consult a patio builder Long Island who will help pick you an option of a lifetime.