Patios are a necessity for an outdoor living area. Think of the patio as your yard's living room. Patios are usually one of the most expensive parts of a landscape, and many people are surprised by how much work they require. While they are quite the undertaking, a well-done patio will provide a space for outdoor leisure and hosting. Patios can also increase a home's value. They definitely add usable square footage to a home and can really make a home feel more "open."
Much like paver retaining walls, paver patios are usually the best bang for your buck. The term "pavers" refers to precast concrete blocks. There are countless styles and colors available for paver patios, as well as different patterns that can be used when laying them.
Flagstone patios are one of the more expensive patio options. When done correctly, they can provide a beautiful, flat surface that lasts. Flagstone is a natural type of stone that comes in "sheets" of varying thicknesses. Because all of the stones have different thicknesses and shapes, it's quite a puzzle to get them to fit together well. The stones are leveled to each other so they can be walked across easily without stubbing toes. In some cases, stones will be cut to fit into tighter spaces. Gaps between stones are usually filled with small gravel; however, mortar is an option for added stability and aesthetics.