If you want to build a patio, or if your old patio has seen
better days and is ready to undergo a makeover, the best thing you can do is
start from the floor. In this guide, you will learn about what flooring options
you have, the process of putting it up, the maintenance costs and the time
needed for each project.

Wooden decks can fit in with any style of home because of
their timeless look. If you opt for this material, we advise hiring a professional,
but you could pull it off yourself if you’re a seasoned DIY-er. The way to do this
is to install a ledger that will connect the deck to the house, then you should
set beams and joists on the concrete piers and finish off with decking laid on top.
One thing you must keep in mind is that wood requires a little more upkeep than
other materials on this list, but there are some composite decking options if
you’re not a fan of regular maintenance.

There’s an innovative material on the market that is
designed to be easy to use and maintain. Deck tiles can be easily snapped
together and you can create a new deck practically anywhere. They are also
perfect for quick cover-ups without much effort. You can do this project
yourself during one or two weekends, depending on the type of tiles you’re
using. 

Another charming and timeless option for your patio is
brick. Depending on the method of brick laying, you can do this project on your
own or hire a pro. If you choose a dry-laid method, you can finish your patio during
a few weekends. You need to dig and level the ground first, and then build a
wooden frame that will keep your bricks tightly together. Finish off with
fitting the bricks within the frame. This method is not only easy, but it also allows
you to replace any broken bricks. However, if you want something that’s going
to look perfect and last for a long time, then better hire professionals to
build you a mortared brick patio. 

Concrete is probably the most common material for patios
because it looks modern, and it’s both durable and easy to maintain. If you
don’t have any prior experience working with concrete, better hire a
professional for this project, but if you know what you’re doing, you can DIY. The
preparations are the same as for bricks: digging and leveling. Then you must
put some barriers that will determine the shape of the patio. Next comes the
filler, followed by concrete. Finally, you need to level and coat the surface.
Choose one of those premium
concrete floor sealers if you expect a lot of water and other spillage. 

If you’re aiming for a more natural look, you can choose
stone for your patio. There are different types from which you can choose, such
as bluestone or flagstone. If you go for bluestone, it’s best to hire a pro,
because bluestone can be extremely heavy and tricky to position properly. On
the other hand, if you choose
flagstone, you can do everything yourself by putting stone pieces together
like a puzzle and sealing the gaps with sand, gravel or ground-cover plants. 

This is a very versatile and practical patio flooring option.
Rubber tiles are not only cheap, but also super
easy to install. It’s also great for rainy climates because it’s
slip-resistant and easy to maintain. However, one of the problems with rubber
tiles is durability. They are known to wear in the sun and cannot really handle
very harsh environments unlike concrete or stone.

The only thing left for you is to choose your material and
start the project. No matter which type you choose, you will end up with a
beautiful patio for you and your family to enjoy.