What's Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces

Debbie Rodgers

Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces.
Whether a Parisian courtyard or a rooftop alcove, only porches
and sunrooms beat out these paved (or semi-paved) retreats in a
recent survey of my readers as the most ideal outside living
space. Let's examine some of the wide variety of patio surfaces.

Patio Stones Somteimes called flags or slabs, patio stones are
flat square or rectangular blocks of pressed concrete. Standard
sizes generally include 2' x 2', 2' x 2½' and 2' x 3' (60 x 60
cm; 60 x 75 cm; 60 x 90 cm), with a 2" (5 cm) thickness. They
are a very well-known and popular choice for both homeowners and
home builders and are favored both for their ease of
installation and low price.

Once only grey or greyer, patio stones are now available in a
range of colors. Choose a color that blends with your garden or
house, or make a patterned floor with two different colors.
Patio stones are especially attractive when combined with an
edging of a contrasting material. On my web site, I have some
suggested patterns combining them with bricks, but you can use a
rot-resistant wood such as cedar, landscape rocks, or even
aluminum.

You can also purchase patio stones with different surface
textures, including those with exposed aggregates. Although
these often retain the characteristically consistent thickness
that makes for their ease of installation, they are usually
somewhat pricier than plain stones.

Stone and Slate Stone and slate, also called flagstone, are
natural materials whose availability is often driven by local
resources. They are also usually cut in standard widths and
lengths, but the thickness of the pieces will vary with the
stone and the cutting. The variable thickness makes the material
more challenging to install. Natural stone and slate pieces are
more expensive than manufactured patio stones.

Often, people think of flagstones in terms of "crazy paving,"
that is broken pieces of stone set in attractive, random
patterns. This type of patio surface is the most difficult to
lay properly. Because the mortar joints of a patio are the
weakest point, the stone pieces must be as tight as possible to
each other. This requires breaking and trimming the irregular
shaped pieces. Experienced installers can break stone by hitting
a piece of rebar or pipe that they've placed along the desired
break line. I recommend you don't try this at home, boys and
girls!

Bricks Bricks are a popular building material for patios and
terraces. A standard brick used to measure 2¼" x 3¾" x 8" (5.7 x
9.53 x 20.3 cm), and be red or yellow. There are many variations
these days. Your choice is really personal except for the
weather rating. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to get SW
(Severe Weather) rated bricks that won't crack in the cold and
snow. They cost more than MW (Moderate weather) and NW (Nice
Weather -- well, it's officially Negligible Weather, but I think
not having freezing cold five months of the year would be very
NICE.)

Gravel Gravel is frequently disparaged as the poor cousin of
outdoor surfaces, but gravel courtyards can be not only
inexpensive but comfortable and very charming as well. As with
other paving materials, gravel also is available now in a range
of color choices and textures. You can edge the patio area with
rock slabs, bricks or pavers to give your yard a more finished
look.

Poured Concrete Poured concrete surfaces are the most popular
professionally installed patios. They're usually less expensive
than natural stone, brick or tile to build, are extremely
durable when properly installed and treated, can be shaped to
any pattern, and can be finished in a wide variety of colors,
textures and styles.

Proper installation of a concrete surface includes laying rebar
or ¾" steel rods in a cross-hatch pattern in the body of the
concrete. Once the concrete has hardened, it should be sealed to
resist weather and stains.

With such a dizzying array of patio surfaces available, how can
you choose the right one for you? Of course, budget will play a
large part. But also consider the style of your house and
garden, and the use you'll make of the space. It's harder to
place furniture on some of the rough textured surfaces. If you
have children riding tricycles, or elderly friends or family who
might trip, be sure to avoid anything that might produce an
uneven surface, even after some years of settling.

Whatever you select, be sure to spend time on your patio and
make happy memories in your outdoor space!

About the author:
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise
Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living
spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide
“Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden” is now
available on her web site. Visit her at
http://www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight
easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”.

Patio Design - Expanding Your Home Outdoors

Nicholas Webb

A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective
patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your
home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain
like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab of
concrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can also
be so much more.

What comes to mind when you think of a patio?

Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outside
living area – an extension of your home – for entertaining and
relaxing all year round. For instance, people who like to
entertain may want to consider a patio with an undercover
kitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built in
fridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, in
itself, become a feature of your home.

When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember
that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be
expensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces to
fit a particular style or budget, including concrete pavers,
natural clay stones and bricks. There is no need to stick to one
type of paving or surface - experiment. Pebbles, gravels, bricks
and tiles, can all be incorporated. A contrasting brick edge can
also be effective. Similarly, patio shades need not be
extensive, just enough to cover the main cooking and eating
areas; after all, why block out the view of your gorgeous garden
in the midday sun or the stars in the sky on a clear night.

Consider textures, colors, and materials before starting

One of the most important considerations of patio design is
landscaping. Plants help to soften the hard surface of a patio
floor by providing color, texture and fragrance and they set the
mood for an outdoor living space. Further, you might also like
to consider the use of a water feature and some soft low voltage
lighting or candles, to create a stunning patio setting for
night time entertaining.

Finally, selecting the right furniture is the key to the perfect
patio design. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on
the right setting; more importantly you want to select items
that are durable, basic in color and rich in style and
sophistication. Consider resin coated wicker or rattan pieces
that can be dressed up with different cushions and throw rugs.
These items can be changed regularly to cater for a themed party
or more simply, to match the changes in your flourishing flower
beds.

A patio design can be as elaborate or as straightforward as you
want it to be. Patios can be arranged in any shape and size and
can be refreshed regularly just like the interior of your home.
Outdoor entertaining is an increasing pastime – enjoy it with
family and friends!

About the author:
Nicholas webb is the owner of http://www.allabout-patio.com A
site that providing user-friendly patio furniture and patio
accessories consumer tips and buying advice for the outdoor
lover. Check it out before parting with your money.

Time To Clean, Plan, Get Ready

My deck needs attention. Leaves have collected, there are stains on the decking, the planters look sad, the furniture is questionable. Time to roll up the sleeves and go to work. It is fun work, because I am outside and I know that when I’m done, my deck will be ready for the season.

The decking itself has weathered to that typical gray. I like that look, so I will leave it. The stairs on the north side however do not look that nice. Being in the shade, they have some algae and moss on them. I will have to clean them with a power cleaner to get the mossy build up off. Well, maybe I’ll give the entire deck a good wash-down since I will have the power washer rented for a day anyway. I’ll have to wait and see what the stairs look like when I’m done washing them.

I am excited about planning which plants I will have this year. The chives are already starting to come up, and they always do well. I love to have other herbs, such as basil and parsley, maybe winter savory. I tried rosemary, and it did not survive the New England winter. Taking it inside would help, so maybe I’ll give it another try this year.

When it comes to flowers, I love to have them bloom for weeks on end, so I have to choose them carefully to make sure that at least one or two types are in bloom at any one time. My deck has a southwest exposure, and gets several hours of afternoon sun. This means that the plants have to be hardy, be able to withstand direct sunlight and be tolerant to dry soil. I remember one year I had beautiful flowers, then went away for a week, and came back to no flowers. My friend who took care of my plants, was not able to come over daily to water. So that is something to consider. Maybe a tomato plant? My daughter loves tomatoes and so do I.

The biggest investment this year will be deck furniture. I have to get a new set, the one I have is ready to collapse and I do want to purchase some nice teak patio furniture this year. I love the color of it and it feels so solid. They make really comfortable chairs and I plan to splurge and treat myself to a chaise lounge. I am looking forward to going to local showrooms, doing some research on the internet, comparing prices and finally ordering my new teak patio furniture. I am already planning a couple of dinner parties for those nice long June evenings.

The deck awning is still in good shape. I love the retractable feature. In the summer I get shade on my otherwise too hot deck, and in the winter I can let all the sun into my living room. I pull the awning up when the sun goes down and can then enjoy the evening sky, and the stars at night. In the morning, before the sun comes around the corner, I sit on my deck, listen to the birds, get ready for the day ahead. In the afternoon, I can easily pull the awning down, and sit in the shade, protected from the hot sun. I use my deck at all times of day. That is why it is so important to me to get it ready.

Patio Design - Expanding Your Home Outdoors

By: Nicholas Webb

A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab of concrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can also be so much more.

What comes to mind when you think of a patio?

Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outside living area – an extension of your home – for entertaining and relaxing all year round. For instance, people who like to entertain may want to consider a patio with an undercover
kitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built in fridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, in itself, become a feature of your home.

When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be expensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces to fit a particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay stones and bricks. There is no need to stick to one
type of paving or surface - experiment. Pebbles, gravels, bricks and tiles, can all be incorporated. A contrasting brick edge can also be effective. Similarly, patio shades need not be extensive, just enough to cover the main cooking and eating
areas; after all, why block out the view of your gorgeous garden in the midday sun or the stars in the sky on a clear night.

Consider textures, colors, and materials before starting

One of the most important considerations of patio design is landscaping. Plants help to soften the hard surface of a patio floor by providing color, texture and fragrance and they set the mood for an outdoor living space. Further, you might also like to consider the use of a water feature and some soft low voltage lighting or candles, to create a stunning patio setting for night time entertaining.

Finally, selecting the right furniture is the key to the perfect patio design. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on the right setting; more importantly you want to select items that are durable, basic in color and rich in style and
sophistication. Consider resin coated wicker or rattan pieces that can be dressed up with different cushions and throw rugs. These items can be changed regularly to cater for a themed party or more simply, to match the changes in your flourishing flower beds.

A patio design can be as elaborate or as straightforward as you want it to be. Patios can be arranged in any shape and size and can be refreshed regularly just like the interior of your home. Outdoor entertaining is an increasing pastime – enjoy it with family and friends!

About the author:
Nicholas Webb is the owner of http://www.allabout-patio.com A site that providing user-friendly patio furniture and patio accessories consumer tips and buying advice for the outdoor lover. Check it out before parting with your money.

Welcome to my patio and deck blog. I love being able to sit outside on my deck or patio and enjoy the warm spring, summer and fall days. Sometimes I sit out in the sun, especially on the first warm days of spring, or the last Indian Summer days. When it is really hot, I pull down my retractable awning, sip a cold iced tea or lemonade, listen to the birds, and try to get some work done. That's the tough part, getting work done in the shade, with a warm breeze blowing.
All right, I am moving too fast. It is still early spring, and way to cold to sit outside, here in New England. It is however, time to get the deck and patio ready! Lots to be done:

Clean the patio
Check the patio furniture to see if it can last another season
Do I want to add a hammock this year?
Is the retractable awning clean, ready to be used?
How about the patio table umbrella?
Is the BBQ grill ready?
How are my deck planters doing?

I'll go check and report back on the status of my patio.