Your home’s exterior is more than just your yard. In fact, with a little thought and planning, it can be a gorgeous extension of your living space perfect for entertaining and relaxing. There are a number of different ways to spruce up your home’s exterior, but the five options below are among the most popular and versatile.
New Walkways and Stairs
Exterior walkways and stairs are designed to be functional above all else, but they can also be aesthetically pleasing and add curb appeal. Whether you want to replace an existing walkway or update some plain concrete stairs, the options are limitless. Flagstone, brick, sandstone, and even concrete can all be quite beautiful, and with the right foundations (and quality materials), they can last for generations.
Brick Patios & Masonry
Brick is one of the most classic and timeless materials found on home exteriors today. Traditional red brick is beautiful, affordable, and long-lasting, but unfortunately, it is not the best material for a patio. Bricks have some inherent irregularities that make them prone to chipping, especially around the edges. When using brick for patios, it is important to plan ahead and lay the brick on a concrete bed that will help to protect them. Various types of bricks are also outstanding choices for building outdoor fireplaces, firepits, seating areas, dividing walls, and more.
Flagstone Patios & Masonry
Flagstone is another incredibly popular material found on patios and other exterior areas. Essentially, it is a thinly-cut flat rock that is commonly used for paving, much like the paving stones you might already use as a walkway. There are several different types of flagstone, and each one’s name represents its origins. For example, Pennsylvania Blue flagstone is a cool, luxurious blue-gray, but Arizona flagstone is a gorgeous reddish-brown. While it can be easier and faster to build outdoor features and patios from flagstone, it can and does settle over time, which means the stones will need some readjustment.
Paving Stone Patios
Paving stones can also be used to build patios, and thanks to the wide variety of colors, textures, sizes, and finishes available, they are quickly becoming some of the most popular materials for home exteriors. Homeowners who want the ability to better match the current architectural styles of their homes will often turn to paving stones because of this variety. Unlike concrete, paving stones usually come with a lifetime warranty, and they can be replaced individually if one cracks or breaks.
Concrete Patios
Finally, concrete is by far one of the most popular options out there when it comes to building patios, steps, and more. Concrete is affordable and can be mixed into numerous colors, as well. Stamped concrete lasts longer than many alternative materials, and because concrete is typically poured on site, you can create curved outdoor features to your desired specifications. Though sealers are recommended for concrete to prevent erosion and add stain resistance, maintenance is relatively simple.
Any of the options above are fantastic means of making your outdoor living space more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. When you choose high-quality materials and the right contractor to do the job, you can enjoy your new space for generations, and you can even improve your home’s overall resale value in the process.
