Here are the 7 Major Types of Patios

Nothing beats quality time with friends and family by the patio. The vibes are, as they say, off the charts. If you want to add one to your own backyard, you have to narrow down which type of patio will work best for your space. So which should you choose? There are seven main types of patios: concrete, brick, gravel, tile, wood, natural stone and paver. 

1. Concrete

This is the most common type of patio out there, and it's easy to see why. Concrete is highly versatile and can take on just about any shape or design. It requires less maintenance compared to other materials, making it an ideal choice for busy households with high foot traffic. It's also quite durable. When properly maintained, a concrete patio can last up to 80 years (or even longer in some cases.) The price is reasonable, as building a concrete patio costs an average of $8 to $15 per square foot for the materials.

Best for: Busy households with lots of foot traffic

2. Brick

Brick is another popular option. This material offers improved aesthetics when compared to concrete, with enhanced curb appeal. There are plenty of color options here. Homeowners choose from simple hues like red, brown and black, but colors like gray and pink are also available. Additionally, modern bricks aren't tied to the traditional oblong shape, upping the design options. Bricks are also durable, as they are laid on top of a sand and gravel base to enhance drainage. Materials for brick patios cost an average of $10 to 20 per square foot, making this one of the pricier types available for modern homeowners. 

Best for: Matching a home's pre-existing aesthetic 

3. Gravel 

Gravel boasts a surprisingly long lifespan, given the simplistic nature of the material. The most common type of gravel used for this process is pea gravel, which is known for its durability and eco-friendly footprint. Gravel patios will last a good, long while, but they require folks to stay on top of maintenance and light repairs. The material is also perfect for budget-conscious homeowners, as building a gravel patio costs an average of $1,100.

Best for: Homeowners who want a quick and budget-friendly option

4. Tile 

Tile patios have become extremely popular in recent years thanks to their wide variety of shades, colors and designs. The aesthetic world is your oyster with this material. Tiles are relatively easy to install and shape. This type of patio is also durable, as high-quality outdoor tiles can withstand extreme weather conditions and foot traffic with ease. The maintenance requirements here are light. Just clean the patio regularly and everything should be fine, even with busy households. Building a tile patio costs an average of $4,000. 

Best for: Homeowners with unique design sensibilities 

5. Wood

Patios and wood go together like peanut butter and jelly. This building material is an especially good option for yards that make it difficult to install other patio types. Wood patios can be attached to a wide variety of foundation types, including tile, concrete, stone, brick, and rock. This type of patio also offers a classic and elegant look. However, wood does require regular maintenance and has a shorter lifespan compared to many other building materials. Installing this type of patio costs an average of $5,500. 

6. Natural Stone 

Stone is expensive, but a nearly indestructible choice for modern homeowners. There are various types of stone to choose from, each offering unique aesthetic possibilities. Flagstones, for instance, come in thick slabs with irregular shapes. Travertine stones are available in multiple colors, with a look that's often confused for marble. Most natural stones are highly durable and relatively porous, which allows for successful drainage. If you want the patio to outlive the actual house, natural stone is the best bet. Stone patios cost an average of $8,600, making it an expensive option.

Best for: Homeowners looking for supreme durability 

7. Pavers

Paver patios are highly versatile, as they are made from a variety of materials. Paver tiles are available in concrete, brick and stone, offering many of the benefits of those materials. The primary reason pavers are so popular for outdoor patios is that they are replaceable. If a few pavers are damaged, just replace them. Of course, this will require some color and design-matching. To that end, paver patios can be designed to fit just about any style and pre-existing aesthetic. Building a paver patio costs an average of $3,800, making it a relatively budget-friendly option. 

Best for: Homeowners who want to replace individual pieces rather than repair