Are there alternatives to pea gravel?

• <div><p>Alternative landscaping materials similar to pea gravel include wood chips, decomposed granite, crushed stone, and pebbles. You can also invest in specialty <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/rock-landscaping-ideas-your-backyard.htm">landscape rocks</a> such as quartz, river rock, lava rock, and Mexican beach pebble. While many of these stones will cost more than pea gravel, some are more ideal for designing an attractive garden bed or managing drainage.</p></div>

How much does it cost to install a patio?

• <div><p>The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-patio.htm#">cost to install a patio</a> is around <b>$4,000</b>, but you could spend anywhere from <b>$800 to $14,000</b> or more. Some cost factors you’ll need to consider for an accurate estimate include the following:</p><ul><li><p>Square footage of the patio</p></li><li><p>Type of patio you want (concrete, pavers, or brick)</p></li><li><p>Soil quality on your property, which can dictate if drainage is necessary</p></li><li><p>Add-on products </p></li><li><p>Local permitting costs, if applicable</p></li><li><p>Accessibility of your yard </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

What are some gravel alternatives for driveways?

• <div><p>If you’ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren’t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/choosing-perfect-material-your-driveway.htm">alternative materials for driveways</a> include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.</p></div>

Get matched with top patio pros in Durham, CA

Q: Are concrete porches less expensive than wood?

• <div><p>A concrete porch costs about $2 to $10 per square foot upfront, while a wood porch costs about $4 to $30 per square foot, making concrete less expensive upfront. However, wood requires much more maintenance than concrete, so you&rsquo;ll need to consider the costs of staining, painting, and resealing the porch every few years, which makes wood more expensive in the long run.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to have a deck or a concrete patio?

• <div><p>The average ROI you&rsquo;ll see from a deck or a concrete patio is 70%, so from a value-add perspective, they&rsquo;re about the same. However, decks are around double the price of a concrete patio, they require significantly more maintenance, and they have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, about half of what you&rsquo;d see from a concrete patio. As such, a concrete patio is a better option in terms of up-front cost, long-term maintenance, and ROI.</p></div>

Q: What are some gravel alternatives for driveways?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren&rsquo;t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/choosing-perfect-material-your-driveway.htm">alternative materials for driveways</a> include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Patio Service pros in Durham, CA

*The Angi rating for Patio Service companies in Durham, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Patio Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Patio Service companies in Durham, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Patio Service needs.

Last update on November 01, 2025

Reviewed in December 2023
We had a large paver patio installed. It looks great! I would recommend them without hesitation.
Baja Construction
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Reviewed in November 2023
Lui s and his crew did a great job on my patio and pool.
A.T., Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2023
Dillon and his crew tore out my old patio and the roots of a neighboring tree and did a great job. I am very pleased with their workmanship.
LaCombe Curb and Concrete
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Reviewed in May 2023
Gilbert did a great job pressure washing our dirty, moss covered, exposed aggregate patios. He came out quickly to give an estimate, arrived on time to the job site and completed the work with expertise. Would most definitely hire Gilbert again!
Apex Pressure Washing & Cleaning Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2023
We are very happy with the results, We were just going to add another slab to the existing patio but after discussing the project with Clint we decided to replace the existing patio with a new larger version. We even made another addition during the job on top of that addition, then Clint...
C L Allen Concrete Construction
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Reviewed in March 2019
Ben and his crew did an amazing job on my front and back yards. After our initial consult and a few follow-up conversations, Ben came up with a great design that really matched my vision. He took me to a local supply center to pick patio and ground cover materials, providing expert advice. I...
Blue Oak Landscaping
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Reviewed in May 2018
Did a very good job. Moved patio and porch furniture..cleaned and replaced them after power washing everything. They worked two hours for a very reasonable price. Would highly recommend WashCo.
Washco Enterprises - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in May 2016
They were amazing! I requested a quote online which they followed up with promptly via phone. I never once felt pressured to use their service, but based on their customer service and helpfulness I knew I wouldn't use any other company. Once my beautiful door was installed they cleaned up...
Hawkins Exteriors
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Reviewed in July 2013
He had a really good crew and they worked really hard, they came on time, and the price was lower than the other estimates that I had done. He also gave me a discount for being an Angie's List member. The patio looks beautiful. I would recommend them to anyone.
Al's Concrete
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Reviewed in June 2013
Bruce sent one of his buddy's over to take a look at my area I wanted a patio in. The guy leftt after doing all the measurements for me. I was hoping the owner would call and never did, so I called them. The person who I called informed me that the owner was not interested in doing the job.
BRUCE BERGSTROM CONSTRUCTION
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Find Patio pros in Durham

Terrascapes

Terrascapes

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

24 local quotes requested

We are a locally owned and operated company with 30+ years of landscaping experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

"N/A"

Mike G on April 2022

"N/A"

Mike G on April 2022

LaCombe Curb and Concrete

LaCombe Curb and Concrete

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

29 years of experience

LaCombe Curb and Concrete has been serving the greater Chico, CA area for over 217 years. We offer prompt and professional service and high quality workmanship to our clients. We have many happy references available. Call us today to see why we come so highly recommended!

"We are seniors on a fixed income and first quoted us $1250 and I said how about $900, he said no that was labor of at least 6 hrs. So he than said $2250, so that was $1000 for supplies? So I had a picture but unable to down load of a Home Depot bucket as the form with 5 bags of fence post mix and some rebar and a total of 2 hours labor and about $50 in supplies. He did not think that was too much because of liability, he never stated that I have 3 other people that was there at that conversation even though he denies. And he never came back to remove the bucket or the 2x4 ?s he used for the deck. It took us 10 min to remove and clean up. Not a trustworthy person."

Shirley S on September 2025

"We are seniors on a fixed income and first quoted us $1250 and I said how about $900, he said no that was labor of at least 6 hrs. So he than said $2250, so that was $1000 for supplies? So I had a picture but unable to down load of a Home Depot bucket as the form with 5 bags of fence post mix and some rebar and a total of 2 hours labor and about $50 in supplies. He did not think that was too much because of liability, he never stated that I have 3 other people that was there at that conversation even though he denies. And he never came back to remove the bucket or the 2x4 ?s he used for the deck. It took us 10 min to remove and clean up. Not a trustworthy person."

Shirley S on September 2025

Horizon Landscaping

Horizon Landscaping

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

54 local quotes requested

Full service landscape installation from design to finished project. All aspects of landscape construction covered. From small to large projects, commercial and residential.

"Very pleased with Horizon. Answered promptly when contacted. Listened to my wishes and created and executed a plan that is beyond my expectations. Very pleasant to work with- would recommend them highly."

Julie S on June 2024

Full service landscape installation from design to finished project. All aspects of landscape construction covered. From small to large projects, commercial and residential.

"Very pleased with Horizon. Answered promptly when contacted. Listened to my wishes and created and executed a plan that is beyond my expectations. Very pleasant to work with- would recommend them highly."

Julie S on June 2024

A.T., Inc.

A.T., Inc.

Customers say: True professional

81 local quotes requested

7 years of experience

Welcome to A.T., Inc. We proudly provide the highest quality of service and craftsmanship for each aspect of your project. Our depth of knowledge and experience solidify our belief that customer service stands as the highest priority. We eagerly look forward to working with you and making your vision a reality. Give us a call, text or email today, and let us get started!

"Great experience overall from initial contact through completion. Crew was courteous and professional. The wall is beautiful and the results are beyond expectation. Will highly recommend A.T. Inc. in the week."

Linda S on October 2025

"Great experience overall from initial contact through completion. Crew was courteous and professional. The wall is beautiful and the results are beyond expectation. Will highly recommend A.T. Inc. in the week."

Linda S on October 2025

Just Stamping Concrete

Just Stamping Concrete

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

60 local quotes requested

With over three decades of experience Just Stamping Concrete, Inc are second generation contractors that will work hard to bring each customer the best possible service and quality available. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We welcome your questions and thank you for your interest.

"The landscape designer was creative and knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my needs and preferences, and the end result was a beautiful and functional outdoor space."

Eliana F on April 2023

"The landscape designer was creative and knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my needs and preferences, and the end result was a beautiful and functional outdoor space."

Eliana F on April 2023

Ellis Mechanical & Industrial

No reviews yet

Ellis Mechanical & Industrial

No reviews yet

2 years of experience

Custom Fabrication, Patios & Shade Covers, Steel Erection/Framing, Metal Repairs, Gates, Fences, Equipment Repairs, Mobile Welding, Landscaping

M.A.G Construction

14012 Drexel Dr

No reviews yet

M.A.G Construction

14012 Drexel Dr

No reviews yet

7 years of experience

M.A.G Construction offers all your home repairs and improvements remodeling to new Construction we take pride in our work to meet are customers dreams of new projects or restoring something old.

kasey Murray construction

Rodriguez Landscapes

1501 Titan Way

5.00(

)

Rodriguez Landscapes

1501 Titan Way

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Please Contact Us For More Information

Showing 1-10 of 28

Patios questions, answered by experts

A concrete porch costs about $2 to $10 per square foot upfront, while a wood porch costs about $4 to $30 per square foot, making concrete less expensive upfront. However, wood requires much more maintenance than concrete, so you’ll need to consider the costs of staining, painting, and resealing the porch every few years, which makes wood more expensive in the long run.

Alternative landscaping materials similar to pea gravel include wood chips, decomposed granite, crushed stone, and pebbles. You can also invest in specialty landscape rocks such as quartz, river rock, lava rock, and Mexican beach pebble. While many of these stones will cost more than pea gravel, some are more ideal for designing an attractive garden bed or managing drainage.

The average ROI you’ll see from a deck or a concrete patio is 70%, so from a value-add perspective, they’re about the same. However, decks are around double the price of a concrete patio, they require significantly more maintenance, and they have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, about half of what you’d see from a concrete patio. As such, a concrete patio is a better option in terms of up-front cost, long-term maintenance, and ROI.

The average cost to install a patio is around $4,000, but you could spend anywhere from $800 to $14,000 or more. Some cost factors you’ll need to consider for an accurate estimate include the following:

Square footage of the patio
Type of patio you want (concrete, pavers, or brick)
Soil quality on your property, which can dictate if drainage is necessary
Add-on products
Local permitting costs, if applicable
Accessibility of your yard

If you’ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren’t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel alternative materials for driveways include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.

The Durham, CA homeowners’ guide to patio services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Sunken pavers can cause trip hazards and drainage issues, but in many cases, you can fix them yourself. This guide walks you through how to fix sunken pavers using basic tools and materials.