Brick vs. Slate vs. Stone Patio

Brick

• Bricks come in many colors that are usually centered around earth tones. Brick is plentiful and inexpensive, long-lasting, and can be laid in many different patterns to give each patio a unique appearance. The installation can be quite involved in terms of time and labor, and the job should be completed by a professional.

Slate

• Slate is a natural rock product that produces a one-of-a-kind patio since no two pieces of slate are exactly alike. Bands of gray, blue, black and green in the slate provide a depth to the floor that other materials cannot match. Slate comes in uniform tiles or can be purchased in more natural, irregular shapes. It is naturally slip-resistant and minimizes the danger of walking across a wet patio.

Stone

• Cobblestone patios provide a quaint, old-fashioned country look to a patio. For the modern homeowner, manufacturers offer new cobblestones that are carefully created to match one another, making the installation easier. Natural cobblestones come in a variety of shapes, from squares to ovals, and the colors typically come in earth tones. Kits are available to allow a homeowner to create artificial cobblestones using a mold and cement.

Considerations

• Regardless of the type of paver, a proper foundation must be installed or else the patio material will develop cracks over time. A trench is dug out below the frost line and filled with sand and gravel to provide proper drainage. The floor rests on a firm bed of sand that does not shift under the weight. It is also important that large trees are not close to the patio as the roots underneath can disrupt it.