Undeniably, Australians are well known for their love of outdoor spaces. Most Australian households would have either a grassy backyard or gardens to spend some time venting out. Outdoor entertaining activities like hosting a barbeque night or playing tennis have got normalised over the years. Though Australian cities are getting into an urbanised culture, patios in Brisbane are still a common sight. With the supporting climate and endless love for recreational activities, having a patio installed would not be a bad idea. Unlike some outdoor chairs and coffee tables in an open-air setting, patios are extended living spaces installed adjacent to the main building. Such covered outdoor areas can let you enjoy mild Australian summers and windy days without any hassle.
Knowing the types
With more than 9 lakh private dwellings, Brisbane has been a city where you can easily spot houses with a patio. When it comes to installing a yard for the first time, it is pretty natural to feel perplexed. Since you get exposed to multiple options available, it gets tricky to identify the best one. Deciding factors can include budget, space preparedness and aesthetic preferences. However, to begin with, you need to understand that patios are of different types – they differ in the kind of surface material used. To make your journey easier, here is a list of the best surface materials and some tips in choosing the right one,
- Concrete
If you are looking for an economical surface material to get your patio done, there isn’t a better option than concrete. Luckily, you can also choose anything from decorative concrete if you worry about going bland with an all grey surface. Alternatively, you can go for stamped concrete if you want your patio surface to resemble brick yet have the properties of concrete. Concrete squares are highly durable and can assure you maximum longevity. Other choices within concrete surfaces include brushed, painted and tinged concrete with inlays. However, concrete yards may not suit freezing conditions and lose their surface texture. But for patios in Brisbane, concrete can be a go-to choice, as the summers are hotter and winters are only mild and dry.
- Clay Brick
Bricks have been a classic choice for patios, pavings and other outdoor elements because they blend well with the exterior environment. Bricks leave an aesthetic appeal to any patio and you can still make choices between clay and reclaimed brick- the former is often preferred. It is because clay bricks are easier to install on uneven surfaces without causing much hassle. Also, you have shape options from the classic rectangle to oval and other geometric shapes, along with different shade choices on choosing clay brick.
- Gravel
Nothing can match the uniqueness of your patio when you pick gravel for the surface. If you are looking for patio material that is pocket-friendly on material cost and installation expense, gravel is the best medium to use.
Total rainfall for Brisbane was 86.0 mm this year, and, luckily, gravel patios do not let water clog or pool up that can create slippery patio surfaces, nor do they allow the growth of weeds.
- Tiles
If you want your patio to get styled the contemporary way, then blindly choose tile for the surface. Unsurprisingly, outdoor tiles are versatile in terms of texture, shape, colour and pattern. Also, they are easy to care for and create an even surface that is comfortable to walk on. You also have distinct options to meet different climatic conditions, look and needs. For instance, porcelain tiles are the best to go for if you are looking for a stain-resistant material.