Choosing among, brick, concrete or interlocking pavers for your outdoor living space

Functional and aesthetics have become an important element for outdoor living spaces in our homes. Designers have come up with numerous sets of materials to make this area in the house more conducive to social or leisure activities, but at the same time, factors of the outdoors such as bad weather and exposure to a lot of other elements need to also need to be taken into the overall plan. Therefore, the choice of materials for this area of the house is imperative to the success of the design.

Architects and contractors have been using concrete for landscaping for quite some time now. Intricate walkways, garden paths, patios, driveways, and pool decks have been designed, with concrete as its base element. Concrete pavers have strongly gained popularity among designers and builders in the US because it is readily available and is cheaper than most decorative surfaces. It is also relatively easier to manage than, say, marble or tile. Furthermore, decorative concrete pavers now come in numerous colors and styles that can cater to almost any design aesthetic—from retro to modern; from minimalist to eccentric.   

You can choose to keep it simple by using stamped concrete for the patio, with colored concrete for the counter tops. You can add grills and a dining table to complete the space. If you still have a few dollars left, you can opt to buy a waterproof rug to top off the look of your outdoor living room. The outdoor floor should encase the overall scheme of the area. You can choose from plain and solid colored concrete, to stained or stamped designs. Designers soften the presence of concrete tables and counter tops with a few small furniture like woven chairs and accent pillows.

Another alternative for your outdoor space’s flooring is the use of interlocking pavers. These pavers look like uniquely shaped bricks except that instead of using grout to lock them together, sand is poured in between them to stabilize the whole layout. This type of floor actually absorbs a degree of shock from earthquakes and slight ground erosion so they are less likely to crack. Many parks in metropolitan cities are paved with these interlocking surfaces because they have a European feel to them. Commercial contractors are even asked to lay entire city blocks with this type of pavement. However, some people still choose brick pavers over the interlocking ones because like colored concrete, cricks have also evolved into various shapes, patterns, colors, and sizes. They are also relatively cheaper than the other type of paver mentioned above.

Lounging by the pool or having a barbeque by the pool side is a family activity most Americans enjoy. Having a functional and well-designed pool deck adds to the enjoyment of such events. Choosing the material for the pool deck often depends on the surrounding landscape, dimensions of the space, traffic, maintenance, and budget. When budget is a big factor, using concrete is the way to go. It gives the deck a unique look, it is low maintenance, and it costs less than any other material from your set of options. In addition to this, concrete’s versatile character allows it to mimic the look of bricks or natural stone. If you have the freedom to allot a bit more money for your pool deck, flagstones are a clean yet stylish option for the material. They come in big and small sizes and in bold or neutral colors. If you want a sleek look for your deck, this material is for you. Designers also call this material “bluestone.” The only downside to them is that they easily absorb heat upon exposure to the sun and have the tendency to get slippery.

A combination of flagstones, brick, and concrete can also be part of your options. Designers usually recommend this when constructing a new deck or when you decide to do a little pool remodeling. Updating your pool deck does not always mean tearing away the old concrete because builders now do pool deck resurfacing. A concrete overlay is applied on the original deck and is sculpted, stained, colored, and given texture depending on your preference. It is a cheap yet safe way to give your deck a new look.

Wooden decks are also gaining popularity among homeowners, however, using this material costs more and is likely to last longer.

Related posts:

1. Pavers for a Better Outdoor Living Area
2. Enhance Your Outdoor Living with Pool Deck Remodeling
3. Brick Pavers And Concrete Paver: 5 Common Questions
4. Concrete Brick Pavers Shapes
5. Why You Should Consider Brick Pavers For Your Home Exterior