Patio Pavers

Consider your climate. Extreme seasonal weather changes can quickly crack, erode or just plain destroy a patio if you do not select materials that can survive your particular climate. Consult a professional before selecting your paving material.

You may have a particular design in mind. Again, speak with a landscaping professional about your design and how best to execute it with your space and layout. Design is what is going to make the strongest impact. The material is secondary to the design. There are many ideas and layouts to be seen in stores and online. These can be your inspiration or you can rely on a professional to lead you in the right direction.

For low budget choices, stay away from a solid slab of concrete, if possible. It just doesn’t hold up long term. The wear and tear will diminish the look of your patio and the resale value of your home. Inexpensive choices, if your patio is several feet away from your home, or you use another material for a few feet before entering the home, are crushed stone, decomposed granite and pea gravel. You’ll want some kind of barrier between these materials and your doorway because they will travel into your home on the shoes of your family and guests and scratch up any hard surface if you don’t leave some space for it to fall from the feet traveling through your door.

Concrete pavers, granite cobblestones, and clay bricks are all economical choices that will look good at a low cost. Don’t forget to consider your climate and the effect it will have on these lower cost materials. The above materials can range from $2-$15 per square foot, with the clay bricks at the top end cost-wise and the concrete and granite ranging from $2-$5 per square foot.

Higher end pavers, which will be longer lasting, include flagstone, bluestone, travertine, and natural stone. These can range from $11-$50 per square foot. The beauty and aesthetic impact of these materials will make a lasting impact in your landscape and most likely survive environmental extremes.

It is very important that you hire the right company for the job and make sure you get all the possible costs laid out before you sign on the dotted line. Using a professional will insure your patio retains its beauty and style through the years. Ask friends and neighbors for names they trust and have had good experiences with. Check references. Ask about dirt removal fees, lawn repair fees (is it seed or sod?), fill charge, drainage, grading and excavating. Ask for potential maximum total cost.