We often make our home-buying decisions based on the backyard. While patios often provide a great extension to your living space, they are often the first to show their age. Concrete can be slippery, and it doesn’t hold up well under direct sunlight. If you have a patio that needs upgrading, consider these four creative ways to extend the life of your patio without concrete.
Use Pavers
Pavers are an excellent way to extend the life of your patio. They are low maintenance, easy to install, and can be found in various styles. Pavers have been used to cover large spaces, such as walkways or pool decks. Nowadays, pavers are also popular for use in patios because they have an attractive appearance that adds value to any outdoor space. Just follow essential patio paver maintenance tips to keep your patio looking great for years!
Construct an Arbor
If you’re looking for a way to make your patio more beautiful, consider building an arbor. Arbors come in a wide variety of styles. You can use cedar or redwood lumber which is durable and has a natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation. If you opt for metal instead of wood, choose stainless steel (not galvanized), which won’t rust or corrode over time.
Arbors can be used as supports for vines; they’re perfect for plants that like lots of sunlight but don’t need extensive soil coverage—such as ivy —or containers filled with herbs such as basil or mint. You can place these strategically to block the direct sunlight on parts of your patio as well.
Area Rugs
Another creative way to extend the life of your patio without concrete is by placing area rugs over the existing patio. While this may not be enough to extend its life, having a rug on top of your patio can create a more visually appealing space.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you should consider using outdoor carpeting for your area rugs. This type of material will resist fading due to sunlight and can withstand moisture better than other types of carpets.
Remove and Replace
If there is no saving your existing patio, you can remove the entire thing and replace it. Some people choose to build a deck and have the addition of built-in seating or elevated space that can serve a secondary purpose. Others may decide to create gravel patios and walkways. There are many options to consider but make sure that you are aware of the necessary upkeep of each option.
You may think concrete is the best option for your patio, but there are many reasons it’s not. Concrete is expensive, hard to maintain and clean, and can be very difficult to change if you need to make any changes down the road. With these creative options, you can create unique outdoor spaces starting now.