If your thinking about perfect evenings on the patio with friends and family, now is the time to think about building that patio to enjoy.
When it comes to creating an outdoor entertaining situation, the patio materials may be the last thing on your mind, but it is often one of the first things noticed.
If your house is new and the patio wasn't in your ranch homes plans, you may want to design the new patio around your material chosen.
Depending on your patio's use, there are a number of options available from which to choose.
Concrete is the material most homeowners first think of when they think of a patio.
Fortunately, the dated look of large grey or red concrete slabs is long past.
Today's concrete can be mixed into a number of colors and textures depending on the budget and level of professional involvement.
Some are even manipulated so as to look like natural stone for just a fraction of actual stone's cost.
It is important to understand maintenance of concrete patios in colder climates due to the possibility of fracture and hot climates as concrete generates heat.
Mild climates are ideal for concrete.
Checking your Canadian house plans for specs would be wise.
Tile patios add a decorative touch and are perfect for ornate outdoor living situations that may include pools or spas.
However, tile is expensive and can be extremely fragile in any cold.
The freeze and thaw cycle can be detrimental to concrete making it impossible to maintain.
Tile can be great for incorporating around water fixtures to break up the monotony or provide boundaries and borders to a patio floor.
Natural stone, such as granite, is lovely but like tile, is rather expensive.
A more economical approach to natural stone patios is the use of fractured pieces to create a mosaic look for less cost than whole pavers.
Wood flooring is a charming look for a backyard, but it can be tricky to weatherproof and maintain.
If you happen to have bungalow home plans you may find wood to be charming.
However, most wood flooring seems to take place in the form of a low patio deck rather than a typical walkout patio.
Interlocking pavers are the most popular trend in backyard patios.
These squares require little hardware to install, are cost effective, and can go over old concrete or other solid surfaces.
With the appearance of woods or stones, these pavers are designed to drain away moisture so as to negate mildew and rot issues.
So which material is best for you? First, take a look at the use of your patio.
Is it mostly for lounging or does it need to withstand all that comes along with kids in the backyard? Will you be able to provide regular maintenance or is it better if the patio requires very little care on your behalf? How about the space designated for the patio? Large patios are going to cost more by design.
Be aware of what materials fit into your budget.
Also, is this a project that you are taking on alone? Some materials require professional installation.
Do not take on a project that is beyond your scope of ability.
It will cost a great deal to maintain or correct a bad installation.