Patios are an important part of your backyard so consideration of the right material is required before building one. Although every patio is different based on personal preferences, choosing the right material according to the climate can be difficult. We have shortlisted the best patio materials you should consider for hot and cold climates. They will be durable for your climate if they are installed by patio contractors. This will help you avoid confusion and get straight down to building the patio of your dreams.

Best Patio Materials for Hot Climate

Vinyl

Vinyl is a good material when it comes to patio materials for a hot climate. You might be surprised to hear this but vinyl can withstand a certain amount of heat and does not heat up to the point where it could cause burns. This is another important factor you need to keep in mind especially if you have kids walking barefoot on the floor.

Furthermore, vinyl is low maintenance but depending on the design and size of the patio, it could become expensive. For it to look as good as new, you will need to perform regular inspections and ensure there are no tears, damage cracks, etc.

Additionally, you have to keep in mind that vinyl does absorb heat. This means, that if your region experiences extreme weather conditions, it might become unbearable for you to walk on it as well. However, the reason vinyl is popular is because it does not require extensive labor and cost when compared to its counterparts.

Therefore, the decision to opt for vinyl depends on the intensity of the heat your part of the region experiences. But, on the cost side, it is a lot more affordable.

Concrete

You might be surprised to hear that concrete is one of the best options for hot climates. There are many reasons for this. To begin with, concrete is comfortable to walk on and does not absorb heat as wood and other materials. And concrete is highly weather-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. It won’t crack or fade easily.

This means concrete is highly durable but that comes at a cost. Concrete patios are highly labor intensive and can be difficult to build if budget is a problem. Even if the materials are affordable, the labor costs can take a toll and might make it difficult for a homeowner to afford one.

On the other hand, concrete patios are very easy to maintain and will last decades before needing a replacement. If in case there are any cracks or damage, you can easily fix them using a sealant.

Brick

Brick patios are another popular choice for all the right reasons. Bricks like concrete neither absorb heat nor crack easily. Perhaps the best thing about bricks is that you can choose from a variety of colors and sizes and building a brick patio isn’t that complicated when compared to a concrete patio.

In addition to that, you can choose from different finishes that will help you come up with a unique patio design.

Best Patio Materials For Cold Climate

Natural Stone

If you are looking for the best patio material for cold climates, natural stone is going to be the best option. Natural stone offers unparalleled beauty and is unique and organic in appearance. Natural stones come in a variety of different types such as bluestone, slate, and granite. These stones are extremely durable for outdoor patios, especially in cold climates.

You need to keep in mind that fluctuations in temperature cause patios to contract and expand. This might lead to cracks. That said, natural stone can withstand such changes and does not require frequent repairs. From a safety perspective, natural stone is also slip-resistant, if you have elderly visiting the patio quite often.

Finally, a natural stone patio can also be sealed to lock in the shine and prevent staining from snow and ice. You can also build a stone outdoor fireplace that will enhance the appearance of your stone patio and make it warm as well. Connect with outdoor fireplace builders Long Island for designs.

Wood

If you intend to build a deck over a traditional patio, wood is going to be the best choice. The best thing about wood is that it can withstand extremely hot temperatures and still allows you to walk barefoot on it. Moreover, a wooden deck or patio also adds to the aesthetic appeal and stands out from the crowd.

However, the problem with wood is that it requires a lot of maintenance. To keep it looking like new, you have to put in a lot of effort to not only keep it clean but also shiny. This is because sunlight and heat can cause the color to fade. In addition, wood is also vulnerable to termites and other insects.

In some cases, no matter how much you look after your wooden deck, there is nothing much you can do to help last for decades. Therefore, if looks are what you want, there is nothing compared to a wooden patio or deck. However, there are some downsides as well that need to be considered.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is a type of concrete known for being affordable and versatile. It is a popular choice for those who cannot afford concrete patios but want to make their patios look like them. Stamped concrete mimics the appearance of natural stones, bricks, and wood. Any kind of design and texture can be imprinted on freshly poured concrete to create stamped concrete.

But you should ensure that a stamped concrete patio is properly sealed. Then, it can withstand harsh winters. And, on top of that, it is also low on maintenance.

How Do I Pick The Right Option?

Picking the best patio material depends on external factors and personal preferences. Materials made to withstand harsh winter conditions will not be able to survive harsh hot weather conditions. Additionally, patios require maintenance as well. Another noteworthy factor you need to keep in mind is that the material selection might also depend on the location and space available.

It might seem logical to opt for concrete if the patio space is big but not if it is only a few steps. In such a case, opting for vinyl or some other cost-effective option will be a smart move. At the same time, if the patio is covered by a shade, you do not necessarily need to opt for natural stone or other similar material type.

Since the patio is not going to be directly exposed to the sun, the material will last longer. Furthermore, it won’t heat up that much as well. That said, you can choose wood for your patio too.

If you are still confused, you should get a second opinion from an expert. They should give you the best advice having considered all the factors.

Conclusion

Choosing the best patio material depends on your budget and design preferences as well apart from the climate factor. Concrete and natural stone are some of the best contenders for cold climatic regions. Meanwhile, concrete and brick will offer the best value in hot regions. Ask patio builders Long Island for suggestions as well to get a longer list of patio materials right for your climate.