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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 weather rating. If you live in a cold climate, be sure to get SW (Severe Weather) rated bricks that won't crack in 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 year would be very NICE.)
Gravel Gravel is frequently disparaged as 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 patio area with rock slabs, bricks or pavers to give your yard a more finished look.
Poured Concrete Poured concrete surfaces are 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 body of concrete. Once 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 right one for you? Of course, budget will play a large part. But also consider style of your house and garden, and use you'll make of space. It's harder to place furniture on some of 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!
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”.