As the cold weather fades away, families everywhere are preparing their outdoor living space for the spring and summer seasons. Barbecues, birthday parties, and evenings on the patio offer a feeling of comfort and relaxation after months of cold weather. That is if you have a patio! For those homeowners that lack this space, inviting friends and family over to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather may not seem ideal for your current outdoor living situation.

If you’re ready to add some function and spark to your house plan’s backyard, adding a patio is the perfect addition to your outdoor living space. The first thing to consider is the flooring material for your patio. Depending on the patio’s use and the area where you live, the material can go in a number of directions.

• Concrete – Concrete (cement) is the material most homeowners first think of when they think of a patio. Fortunately, the dated look of large grey or red concrete slabs is long past. Today’s concrete can be mixed into a number of colors and textures depending on budget and level of professional involvement. Some are even manipulated so as to look like natural stone for just a fraction of the real thing’s cost. It is important to be aware of concrete patios in colder climates due to the possibility of fracture and hot climates as concrete generates heat. Mild climates are ideal for concrete.
• Tile – Tile patios are decorative and perfect for ornate outdoor living situations that may include pools or spas. However, tile is expensive and extremely fragile in any cold. The freeze and thaw cycle can be detrimental to concrete making it impossible to maintain. Tile can be great for incorporating around water fixtures to break up the monotony or provide boundaries of a patio floor.
• Natural stone – Natural stone, such as granite, is lovely but like tile, is rather expensive. A more economical approach to natural stone patios is the use of fractured pieces to create a mosaic look for less cost than whole pavers.
• Wood – Wood flooring has a charming backyard look but can be tricky to weatherproof and maintain. Most wood flooring takes place in the form of a low patio deck rather than a typical walkout patio.
• Interlocking pavers – Interlocking pavers are the most popular trend in backyard patios. These squares require little hardware to install, are cost effective, and can go over old concrete or other solid surfaces. With the appearance of woods or stones, these pavers are designed to drain away moisture so as to negate mildew and rot issues.

So which material suits your outdoor living needs? First, take a look at the use of your patio. Will it be mainly used for lounging or does it need to withstand the wear and tear of the kids playing in the backyard? Will you be able to provide regular maintenance or would it be better if the patio requires very little care on your part? Are you on a tight budget? Large patios and intricate designs are going to cost more to install and maintain. Be aware of the materials the budget can cover. Some materials may also require professional installation. Secondly, consider the area where you live. A material that may be suitable in regions where Spanish house plans are prevalent could be extremely fragile and tricky to maintain in colder climates where you may find country house plans.

Take your time while shopping around for the perfect patio material that suits your needs and lifestyle. Armed with all the right information, your backyard patio will soon be ready for the summer ahead.