What Are the Best Materials for Building Durable Patios and Walkways?

Patios and walkways are excellent additions to any property, adding curb appeal and designated spaces for walking or lounging. From natural stone pavers to other quality options, Thrive Landscape Services in Sandy, UT can help you understand which materials are best for your project. We’ve been installing and designing hardscapes for years and have knowledge and experience to share about what the different choices offer and why each one might be suitable for your situation.

The material you choose for a hardscape project will significantly influence its appearance, lifespan, and utility. Let’s explore some of the most durable patio materials so you can understand the benefits and considerations when planning your landscape addition.

Benefits of Adding Patios and Walkways

A professionally designed patio or walkway is visually attractive and provides benefits to your property, such as:

• Improved Accessibility – A well-laid walkway provides a safe and convenient path through your property.
• Outdoor Entertainment – Patios create comfortable spaces for gatherings, barbecues, or relaxing evenings outdoors.
• Property Value Boost – A quality hardscape, which can last for years, can increase your property’s market value.
• Low Maintenance – Durable options require minimal upkeep, making them convenient.

However, selecting the right materials for your patio or walkway is critical to enjoy these benefits fully.

Exploring Your Material Options

Each of these materials is created differently. While some, like pavers, are uniform in shape and size, others, like natural stone, have unique shapes to create more artistic designs. Color is another difference; some have a natural appearance, and others can be colored for style.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are a favorite among property owners for their durability and versatility. They withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions without losing their charm. They come in various colors, shapes, and patterns, allowing you to customize your patio or walkway to complement your property’s aesthetic.

Considerations: 

While highly practical, installing concrete pavers should be left to professionals to avoid shifting or uneven surfaces over time. Additionally, initial costs can be higher than options like gravel, but they deliver years of reliable, worry-free enjoyment.

Natural Stone

Natural stone offers indisputable elegance and beauty, perfect for transforming outdoor spaces into luxurious hardscapes. Options like granite, marble, slate, and travertine each provide unique textures and colors, ensuring no two stones are exactly alike. Additionally, natural stone is environmentally friendly and resistant to weathering, making it a solid, long-term investment.

Considerations: 

Natural stone can be more expensive than other materials in terms of purchase and installation. It also typically requires sealing to maintain its appearance over time.

Permeable Brick Surfaces

Brick exudes a classic, timeless appeal that suits traditional and contemporary designs. Its durability, fire resistance, and availability make it popular for patios and walkways.

Considerations: 

Over time, bricks can experience wear and tear, such as cracking or spalling. Regular maintenance and ensuring proper drainage are essential to prevent long-term issues.

Concrete

Plain concrete remains one of the most cost-effective and customizable options. It can be stained, stamped, or textured to mimic premium materials like brick or natural stone. Its durability and low-maintenance needs make it ideal for high-traffic patios and walkways. Options and their benefits include:

• Smooth concrete provides a modern, minimalist look
• Stamped concrete mimics the textures of other materials at a fraction of the cost
• Colored concrete adds vibrancy to your outdoor space while staying affordable
• Patterned concrete combines design with practicality, creating visually appealing surfaces

Considerations: 

Concrete does require some maintenance over the years, such as periodic cleaning.

Flagstone

Flagstone is naturally slip-resistant, making it a safe and durable option for patios and walkways. Varieties like sandstone, limestone, bluestone, and quartzite offer a range of colors and textures to suit any design.

Considerations: 

Flagstone can be costly to source and install. It’s heavier to work with, so professional installation is recommended to ensure the base underneath is stable.

Tile

Tile stands out for its versatility and sleek appearance. Choices from ceramic to porcelain offer endless design options for creating unique, polished patios. It’s a top choice because it resists staining and fading. Not to mention, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Overall, it’s suitable for outdoor areas, especially where food and drinks are served.

Considerations: 

Tile can become slippery when wet, so choosing a slip-resistant type is essential for safety.

Gravel and Crushed Stone

Gravel or crushed stone are budget-friendly, easy-to-install options with excellent drainage properties, reducing water pooling on your patio or walkway. It’s versatile enough for pathways and even larger patio spaces.

Considerations: 

While these are two of the lower-priced options, they require ongoing maintenance to manage weed growth and prevent shifting. These may not be ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic as both can scatter over time. It can also be challenging to slide chairs away from tables and move other types of furniture on these surfaces.

Important Factors for Your Hardscape Design

To maximize the longevity and beauty of your patio or walkway, consider these aspects during the planning phase and be sure to work with an experienced hardscape installer for the best results:

• Proper Underlayment – A strong and stable underlayment is crucial for the success of your patio or walkway. It provides a solid foundation that keeps materials level and prevents them from shifting or sinking over time. Preparing the base, including compacting the soil and adding the right materials like gravel or sand, ensures a durable and long-lasting surface.
• Pitch and Drainage – Your patio or walkway must have the correct slope to prevent water from pooling on the surface or draining towards your home’s foundation. Proper drainage helps avoid issues like water damage, erosion, or cracking caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Pitch is essential, but incorporating drainage solutions, such as channels or perforated pipes, can further protect the patio or walkway and surrounding areas from excess water if needed.
• Design Layout – The layout of your patio or walkway can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. A well-thought-out design enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property while providing functionality. Consider materials, patterns, and shapes that align with your home’s style and landscape to create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.
• Size and Use – The size of your patio or walkway should match its intended purpose. A small, compact area may work for a simple garden path, while a larger space is ideal for entertaining guests or accommodating outdoor furniture. Think about how you’ll use the space and plan accordingly to ensure it fits your lifestyle and maximizes usability.

Consider Partnering With Professionals

Laying a walkway or patio might seem like an easy DIY project, but it can be far more challenging than you anticipate without the right tools, knowledge, and planning. And that doesn’t include transporting materials from the home store to your backyard. With decades of experience designing and installing patios and walkways, our company brings expertise and professionalism to every project, guaranteeing an incredible return on your investment. Our team specializes in:

• Selecting and delivering the right materials for your property
• Ensuring durable and long-lasting installations, including solid bases and proper drainage
• Cutting-edge designs that match your style preference and project goals

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Enhance your landscape with durable, beautiful patios and walkways crafted with natural stone pavers, stamped concrete, or one of the other options offered by Thrive Landscape Services in Sandy, UT. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and estimate and learn more about how these different materials will work on your property.