Contemporary Patio Stone Alternatives

Clay Bricks

• While the familiar red-clay brick has a distinctly traditional look, alternative brick colors and textures contribute to contemporary design themes. Natural bricks are baked, or "fired," in a kiln, and the unique clay and mineral content of each batch results in hues that range from creams to blues, yellows and greens. Additionally, bricks are available in a variety of textures, including smooth, brushed and chipped.

Concrete Pavers

• The term "concrete paver" refers to a broad range of precast concrete building units used for paving patios, walkways and paths. Concrete paver manufacturers often produce paving units in contemporary shapes, such as a hexagon or an interlocking, key shape. Additionally, manufacturers add pigments during the manufacturing process to create a vast array of colors, including earth tones, bright primary colors, and color mixtures.

Poured Concrete

• Although many homeowners assume that poured-concrete patios, called "slabs," are drab and monotonous, modern masonry techniques can alter a slab's texture and color. The most common method of adding texture to poured concrete is called "stamping," in which masons lay flexible molded mats over wet concrete to imprint patterns and textures. Concrete stamps range from faux-stone textures to geometric or custom-shaped patterns. Additionally, concrete masons can blend pigments with concrete mixture to add color to slabs.

Glass Pavers

• Manufactured from recycled glass, glass pavers are available in many of the same shapes as concrete and brick paving materials, including rectangular, hexagonal and round shapes. The translucent appearance of glass pavers lends a unique, contemporary look to a patio or landscape. Builders can install glass pavers as the primary paving material for walkways, paths and patios, or intersperse glass pavers as accent pieces. Additionally, using recycled building materials is an environmentally responsible choice that fits with many "green" designs.