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Balconies and patios are both outdoor living spaces, but that’s where the similarities end. A balcony is an open space built on the second story of a home, while a patio is a structure built directly on the ground in front of or behind a house. Patios tend to be larger than balconies and are often made from concrete, stone, or brick. Decks and patios share a similar nature but still have distinct differences.

If you used regular jointing sand, you can typically walk on the repaired area right away. If you used polymeric sand, wait at least 24 hours before walking on it and 48 to 72 hours before driving over it, depending on the weather. Polymeric sand needs time to fully cure and lock the pavers in place.

It’s technically possible to install your own patio, but we don’t recommend it. Installing a patio is labor- and time-intensive, and getting the end product to look professional demands patience and experience. Not only can mistakes lead to unevenness in your patio and expensive repairs, but not grading the surface properly can cause issues with water management, potentially leading to leaks in your home, foundation damage, and flooding. It’s more expensive to hire a patio company, but it’s usually well worth the investment to avoid costly mistakes.

A simple square paver patio is the easiest long-lasting patio to install. With this basic shape, you won’t have to worry about curvatures in the design or having to cut pavers to fit. You could also opt for the gravel patio, but as noted, it can be messy and you will have to refill the gravel regularly as shoes and pet paws drag it out of its intended area.