When it comes to adding a patio to your property, backyard patio builders recommend two materials that are cheap. Concrete and pea gravel. However, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are important for you to consider. Let’s discuss the two and see which suits you the best.

Why Choose Pea Gravel Patio?

Pea Gravel is quite popular amongst homeowners due to several reasons. The smooth texture along with the size of the gravel makes it a perfect choice for paths and driveways. You can choose from multiple natural-looking colors that add to the overall beauty and charm of the patio.

The first and most important benefit of a pea gravel patio is that pea gravel is both easily available and affordable. Secondly, you do not need to do tons of preparation work to come up with a pea gravel patio. You simply have to remove some soil and lay down pea gravel for installation. However, you need to ensure the removal of weeds before you lay down the gravel.

Another noteworthy benefit of pea gravel is that it blends in well with other landscaping materials. Apart from using it to make a patio, you can use it for other decorative purposes as well. In addition to that, pea gravel also prevents weed from growing. If you lay down a solid thick layer of pea gravel, let’s say 10 cm, you can naturally prevent the growth of weed. In addition to that, installing a pea gravel patio also prevents unwanted water accumulation. You can also add a layer of sand or crushed rock underneath to make the patio more stable.

Cons Of Pea Gravel Patio

While there are several pros of adding a pea gravel patio, there are some cons as well. The first being that pea gravel tends to travel. It is transported through shoes and other items and is soon found inside the house. As a result, you need to clean the area regularly and restock the patio for the lost amount.

Moreover, you cannot place furniture on a pea gravel patio as it sinks. As a result, it makes sitting uncomfortable with the legs sinking into the surface. Finally, you should know that gravel and snow are not the best of friends. Although maintaining a pea gravel patio is easy but not if there’s snow. However, you can sprinkle some salt to prevent snow buildup.

Reasons To Choose Concrete Patio

One of the first advantages of a concrete patio is durability. If a concrete patio is installed the right way, it will last a lifetime. Additionally, it is easy to maintain as well. You do not have to use specialized cleaning tools or products to make it look clean. You can simply wipe it down once a week. Finally, concrete patios come in a variety of designs and patterns. If you want a striking concrete pattern, make sure you hire a professional. It will cost comparatively more than a regular concrete patio but will increase the value of your property and you will get a beautiful patio design.

However, there is one huge drawback to concrete patios and that is chipping. Regular usage of such patios can lead to damage such as chips, which require a lot of effort and money to repair. Sometimes, homeowners are forced to live with the damages since the repairs exceed the total cost of installing the concrete patio later down the road.

The Verdict

As you can see, both pea gravel and concrete patios share several advantages and disadvantages. As a result, it comes down to several factors such as the size and shape of the area available along with the budget and ease of maintenance. While a pea gravel patio can be created on your own, a concrete patio will require a professional working on it.

Choosing pea gravel or concrete patio depends on your needs and preferences. If you are willing to bear the maintenance associated with a pea gravel patio, you should opt for it. However, if not, a concrete patio is going to be the best option since it requires close to zero maintenance and lasts a lifetime. If you need unique designs, your patio contractor Long Island may tell you to use bricks or stones, but for low maintenance and affordability, pea gravel and concrete are suitable.

Patios started as a part of the Spanish-American and Spanish architecture. This word comes from a latin word spelled as ‘patere’ which refers to ‘lying open’. Likewise, a patio is an outdoor area that is open underneath the sky. Though, some patios also feature an overhead roof, especially in areas with a hot climate. This roof can be detached or attached to the structure of the patio itself. In order to figure out the cost of a roof added, consider reaching out to your local patio builders

Back in the day, square central patios that had galleries around them were very popular in the 15th century. This type of architecture is also very apparent in old Indian homes belonging to the Mughal empire. 

Usually, the surface of your patio can give it a very distinct look that will simply improve your outdoor experience. Other factors that include the size of the space, personal preferences, location, and building codes will affect your ultimate decision of the patio surface. 

The best patio surface options out there 

When it comes to patio surfaces, you have an endless array of choices. In this article, we talk about the most popular and timeless choices that you can rely on. These include: 

Gravel surface

Well, gravel may not be the first patio option that you will think about. Many people like to believe that patios should have a solid and uniform surface. However, gravel is a great way to create a very natural look. At the same time, it is one of the most cost-effective solutions out there. Quite luckily, it does not also look bad at all. Rather, if you decorate it just right, gravel filled areas look really attractive. 

Since gravel is a very inexpensive material, installing such a patio is extremely simple. In fact, this is something that you may even do without the help of anyone. For some people, it could be a great DIY project.  

There are a number of benefits of gravel patios. First of all, they allow good drainage. So, you will not have to worry about the water pooling up. Secondly, they are not slippery at all. All in all, they are a great budget choice. 

Concrete 

A concrete patio is a yet another suitable choice. In terms of longevity, concrete may be a much better option as compared to gravel. Though, in terms of costs, both are quite close. All in all, concrete patios are designed to last for a very long time. As a result of this, you do not really have to worry about constant maintenance. However, do know that concrete is susceptible to freezing in very cold temperatures. So in case you live in a region where it snows during the winter, concrete may not be the best surface option for you. 

Though, it is one of the classiest and most common patio choices out there that look extremely sleek. At the same time, they also come in a variety of shades that further enhance their look. 

Pavement 

Next up, pavement is another good option. This looks very similar to concrete as a result of which many people think that they are one and the same. However, these are quicker to install but are not as long lasting as concrete. Though, they look much better to those who have a taste for it. 

Ending note 

There are countless other surface options that you have. As you delve deeper, you might find an endless range of materials, shades, and textures. But to keep things affordable and simple, you can always ask your patio contractors Long Island to give you patio quotes for the above mentioned materials.