A patio project is one of those things that is more complex than many people anticipate. Not only will you need pavers or natural stone, but there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make an entire outdoor living space beautiful and practical. Here’s why a masonry supply store is a must when planning a patio design in York and Harrisburg, PA.
Related: HERE ARE THE TYPES OF PAVERS TO LOOK FOR IN OUR MASONRY SUPPLY NEAR LANCASTER, PA
Surface Materials
Whether you’re using natural stone, concrete patio pavers, or porcelain tile, you may need some assistance choosing the right materials within your budget, practical needs, and aesthetic requirements. Not all materials are created equal.
For example, if your patio design involves a wet area such as a hot tub area, you’ll want to focus on pavers that are non-slip when wet. Not all natural stone features a slip-proof surface, but most pavers do. Your masonry supply store experts can help with selection.
You will want to consider any vertical structures you may be building at this time as well or other features that will require pavers or natural stone if a cohesive look is a priority for you. For a cohesive look throughout your landscape, with the use of the same or similar materials throughout, checking in with the masonry supply experts can point you in the right direction for sourcing exactly what you will need for your patio project.
Various Considerations to Make
Pavers and natural stone come in such a huge variety of sizes, colors, textures, and finishes within each budget tier. Whether you’re starting from scratch where you need to choose pavers that complement your vertical features (retaining wall, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, etc.); adding onto an existing patio without making the look like an afterthought; or even just trying to complement existing landscape features like the home’s siding, you might benefit from the expertise of professionals.
Mixing and matching colors and textures is an art form, as is mixing textures between your horizontal and vertical elements. On a permanent landscape feature such as a patio, you don’t want to be faced with regret after the wrong materials have already been installed.
Wall Units
Your patio will be much more usable and beautiful if you include some vertical masonry elements, which could include an outdoor kitchen (even if it’s simply a grill station); a fire feature; a water feature; a retaining wall; raised bed planters; or pillars that support a pergola or pavilion. Like pavers, not all wall materials are created equal. Some are stone or faux stone blocks that can be used structurally. Others are intended as veneers over a concrete block structure, and can’t be used structurally. Whatever you’re building, you can rely on expert advice as to whether you will need blocks, veneer, or a combination of both.
Accessories
No patio is complete without some creature comforts. Fire pit or outdoor fireplace kits, the right outdoor appliances, water features, and outdoor structures will make your patio cozy and appealing.
Behind the Scenes
And then there’s there are the materials you will never see again once it’s in place, including drainage systems for behind retaining walls; the right gravel and sand to support your patio and other structures; edging; jointing compound; outdoor lighting that’s incorporated into masonry; outdoor audio systems; and of course tools.
Photo courtesy of Unilock
