Whether as a standalone space or combined with a custom deck, patios are a fantastic outdoor living design choice. While homeowners know how they’ll use their hardscape, they tend not to know quite as much about the primary patio materials on the market — and the difference they make to their outdoor spaces.
Homeowners come to us at Keystone Custom Decks with questions, ideas, and dreams for their one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces. In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular patio materials we build with — and show you gorgeous examples of each. Learn about the three main patio surface options and find the one that matches your style and budget.
3 Main Patio Surface Options
The primary patio surface options we offer are flagstones, pavers, and stamped concrete. Each of these materials can make for genuinely standout spaces, but there are pros and cons to each that you’ll have to weigh. Let’s break down each of the materials and see just how amazing they can look!
Flagstones
Our premier pick among patio surface options, flagstones, have unparalleled beauty and many practical advantages that make them a breeze to own. As a natural product, flagstone patios come in a huge variety of colors and patterns that can create both modern and rustic styles. In addition, since flagstones have been weathering the elements for all time, they won’t fade or lose their color like some manufactured materials. Homeowners also love seeing the individual stones that make up their patio surface.
Pros
- Natural product
- Versatile look
- No color fading
- Easy to clean
Cons
- A more costly patio material
Pavers
Just like flagstones, paver patios are made of individual pieces placed together to form the patio surface. The pavers are made of a concrete material that can be finished with a smooth, rough, rustic texture.
Compared to flagstones, these patio materials require more careful maintenance as you can’t use a pressure washer when cleaning the surface. On the other hand, one final benefit of paver patios is that they cost approximately 30% less than flagstones.
Pros
- Great price point
- Different textures
- It looks like individual pavers
- Resists cracking and weed growth
Cons
- Harder to clean
- Most people prefer the natural flagstone look
Which is right for you? A deck, a patio, or both — read more to find out!
Stamped Concrete
This popular patio surface option is slightly different from the others as it’s not made of individual pieces but a continuous slab of concrete. While it isn’t made of natural stone, stamped concrete boasts the most diverse styles and colors. Everything from bold red hues to slate grays is an option — there’s even a concrete pattern that mirrors the planks of a boardwalk! In addition, stamped concrete is a good budget patio surface option, costing slightly less than pavers. And another plus to stamped concrete: cleaning it off is easy as you can use a pressure washer without concern!
A few practical concerns with stamped concrete require homeowners to remain extra diligent with maintenance. Stamped concrete patios must be re-sealed every other year to prevent moisture from infiltrating. In addition, stamped concrete is very likely to crack during its lifespan. When we install this patio material, we also build expansion joints to limit the impact of cracking.
Pros
- Among the most affordable patio materials
- Huge range of colors and patterns
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Cracking is likely at some point
- Needs frequent re-sealing
- Isn’t made of individual stones
Learn more about our patio building services.
3D Renderings Are Always Available!
Our 3D renderings are some of the most effective tools in designing the outdoor space you’ll love for decades to come. Work with a Keystone Custom Decks designer to bring every element of your area to life, including the patio material. When deciding between flagstones, pavers, or stamped concrete, you can see how all three options look before making your final choice.
This is why we offer 3D renderings to every potential client, along with every quote. We want you to see your house in the space of your dreams!
Learn more about our 3D deck design software.
Learn about Your Patio Material Choices and More
The first step to your finished project is a conversation. Reach out to one of our exterior designers today to discuss your patio material options — and your complete deck, porch, or patio project.
If you’d like to see some of our designs in person, we recommend visiting our Lancaster County outdoor living inspiration center. Learn more and schedule your visit today!
