Having a beautiful patio can add so much to your home. However, it’s important that you get it right first time. If you choose the wrong paving material, then it could look unsightly or worse still, be damaged very quickly and need replacing. Asking a professional is a great way to weigh up your options and make the best decision for your house and garden.
Set your budget
As a homeowner in Dublin, the first thing you need to do is decide how much you are willing to spend on your patio. This can be a difficult decision because there are many factors that go into it: the cost of materials and labour, if you will be doing the work yourself or hiring someone else, etc.
Think about maintenance
When you’re choosing a paving material for your patio, consider how much maintenance the patio will require. If you are looking for something that requires minimal upkeep and can be cleaned quickly and easily, then concrete pavers are probably not the best choice.
Concrete pavers require regular sweeping or hosing down to keep them free of dirt and debris. They may also need to be resealed every three years or so – a process that involves stripping off old sealant with a power washer (to avoid damaging existing surfaces) before applying new sealant overtop of them.
Colour and style
When you’re choosing a paving material, it’s important to consider how it will look in the surrounding area. For example, if your patio is surrounded by white stone and grey brickwork, then matching this colour scheme with a black or dark grey paving may not be so effective. Instead, try using light colours such as cream or sandstone which will complement both the existing materials and the style of your home.
If you have an area of grass around your patio then it might be worth considering a natural looking material such as slate or cobbles (sometimes called setts). This will help create an impression that there are no barriers between inside and outside – making it feel like part of one large garden space rather than two separate areas.
Choose your paving
You may be deciding between concrete and natural stone. Concrete is a good choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive option that can withstand heavy use, but it will not last as long as natural stone. Natural stone is more expensive than concrete but will last longer and look better over time. If you choose to go with natural stone, make sure that your patio has enough space around the perimeter so that water can drain away from the foundation of your home or building when it rains.
Natural stones like granite are great for outdoor patios because they’re durable and won’t crack under pressure like some other types might (like slate). However, these same qualities make them difficult to clean–so if you want something easier-care than granite then consider travertine slabs instead!
If you are thinking about getting a new patio for your garden and you would like the design, choosing the patio slabs, and getting your patio laid by a professional, please contact New Leaf and we’ll be happy to offer you our advice and guidance.