Affordable paving options for your patio
Paving is a landscape investment and its cost varies based on the material used and the design you want to feature in your patio. However, when on a budget, you would like the cost to be affordable and fair. Cast-in-place concrete is the cheapest paving option, however, to people living in regions with naturally occurring stone like slate, granite, or limestone, local stones can be readily available at a much lower price. Before paving your patio, you need to understand the basics about paving materials to make an informed decision based on your situation and where you live. Here are the cheapest paving materials to help you get started on designing your patio.
Concrete
One of the most affordable paving materials we have on the list for building your patio is concrete. It is easy to shape the poured concrete which makes it possible to create different designs and shapes to make it more unique. Hence, working with concrete is simple. Stamped concrete or concrete pavers come in many forms and sizes, opening up a variety of styling options for the patio.
Though, it is not easy to install, which is why hiring a paving contractor in Sydney is highly recommended. Concrete is durable and strong so if installed correctly, it will hold up for years. The overall price of concrete, labor included, makes it one of the most inexpensive options.
However, you have to be careful about water seeping into it; if it freezes, it will expand and will cause cracks. A sealant is also required annually to prevent it from sucking water, and a wax polish as well to keep the color from fading.
Gravel
As mentioned earlier, gravel is the most inexpensive paving material. The process of installation is also relatively easier and if you do it yourself, you can further save on the cost of labor. You only need to wheelbarrow the gravel around and spread it; the harder part is creating a border to give it a shape. Gravel is a great choice for permeability and to soften the look of your patio.
You will need to place a landscaping fabric before spreading the gravel. This is important to keep the gravel from getting plagued by sprigs, grass and weeds that can grow up through it.
However, gravel still requires high maintenance as the stone shifts considerably and will get loose; thus it will have to be tended and raked too often. Also, it is not the ideal choice if you live in a snowy area as plowing or removing sand from these driveways is quite difficult.
Pavers
Although elegant and durable, the biggest downside of natural stone patio is their cost which is compounded by quarrying and transport. The non-uniform pieces cannot provide an even floor unless each piece is individually carved out, significantly adding to the time and labor costs.
A simple solution is to buy pavers instead. Their even size makes installation a breeze for your paving contractors in Sydney, which lowers the cost. Moreover, if a section of your patios get damaged or cracked, the affected part can be swiftly replaced without redoing the whole patio.
As pavers can be made to look like natural stones, bricks or cobblestones, they can be designed in a huge variety of styles and textures. The resulting hardscapes look so great the even some high-end properties are using them for their designer patios.
Brick
A brick patio is a timeless classic look. Brick is a great option if you want to add sophistication to your patio. Although brick is not cheap as other materials mentioned in the list, it lasts for years making it ideal in the long run. You can easily cut costs on material by purchasing salvaged bricks. On the other hand, installation can be time-consuming and expensive but spending money on seasoned Paving Contractors in Sydney can prove to be cost-effective by saving costs on repairs and maintenance in the future.
Nonetheless, brick complements many other hardscapes and provides a fresh and trendy look to your patio if supplemented by wooden walkways and furnishings. In addition, brick works well in all climates but as it is porous, it can have the same water freezing problem as concrete. However, in an area that is not too cold, brick is a fantastic option.
Takeaway
Although affordability primarily determines your final choice, you should also consider the labor costs for the installation and the weather conditions in the area you live. Installation can be a DIY project as well but do keep in mind the difficulty level given the material you opt for. Choose the right style and material and you can have an extremely stylish and economical patio.
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