The surface material you choose for your patio installation significantly impacts the look and feel of your yard, as well as its functionality, cost, and long-term maintenance. At Johnson’s Landscaping, we’ve worked with just about every kind of patio material available. Here’s our breakdown of four popular choices: pavers, flagstone, concrete, and gravel.
Paver Patios
The Advantages of Pavers
Pavers are one of the most versatile options for patios. They come in a nearly endless array of styles, sizes, and colors, allowing you to easily match them to your landscape or the style of your home.
One of the biggest advantages of pavers is that they’re easy to repurpose. Because they sit on a compacted crushed stone base, they can be lifted and re-laid if you ever decide to reconfigure your patio.
Pavers also handle moisture well. In shaded areas, some organic buildup may require occasional power washing, but polymeric sand in the joints helps block weeds and minimize maintenance. Unlike concrete, which can crack over time, pavers are forgiving and can be repaired one unit at a time. That flexibility is beneficial if your patio is near tree roots or on shifting soil.
Pavers are considered pedestrian-friendly thanks to their grippy texture. Installation is relatively fast, once the base is prepped, the pavers can be laid quickly. While pavers may cost a bit more than concrete, they are typically much less expensive than a natural flagstone patio installed with mortar.
The Disadvantages of Pavers
The main drawback is minor upkeep. Over time, some joints may need to be re-swept with sand, and although polymeric sand is resistant to weed growth, it isn’t completely weed-proof.
Pavers are also likely more expensive than concrete options, although it depends on the style of concrete pavers.
Concrete Patios
Advantages of Concrete
Concrete patios are one of the cheapest options around for patios. Concrete can be customized with stamps, stains, and textures to mimic more expensive materials, such as brick or stone, providing homeowners with ample design flexibility.
Concrete installations are quick, particularly when paired with new construction where a lot of concrete is already in the plan. Plus, concrete patios hold up well over time. They require little more than an occasional cleaning and resealing to keep them looking fresh. You can even mortar natural stone onto a concrete slab later if you want to upgrade the look in the future.
Disadvantages of Concrete
However, there are some limitations. If a concrete patio isn’t colored or stamped, it can look plain or industrial.
Cracks are a common issue, not because of poor quality, but simply due to natural shifting over time. Unfortunately, patching concrete is never seamless; new sections will always stand out against aged areas.
Sun exposure also affects color, and patios with partial shade often develop uneven tones. If repairs are needed, they tend to be more labor-intensive and visually obvious.
Flagstone Patios
Advantages of Flagstones
Flagstone is the gold standard. Charlie Johnson, co-owner of Johnson’s Landscaping Service, Inc., often calls flagstone “the Cadillac of paver materials.” When mortared onto a concrete slab, flagstone patios offer both strength and elegance. The installation process involves a concrete base, a mortar bed, and then the flagstone itself. The result is a stunning, durable surface with excellent weed resistance and pedestrian appeal.
Many homeowners consider flagstone the most attractive patio option. Its natural variation and texture give it a timeless, upscale feel. Because flagstone is thin, it often blends more easily with existing thresholds and doorways, minimizing elevation issues. Repairs are also manageable, and the patio will last just as long as a properly installed paver patio.
Disadvantages of Flagstone
That said, this beauty comes at a price. Flagstone on concrete is more expensive than other patio types. Even dry-laid flagstone on a gravel bed tends to be pricier than most paver options. All types of flagstone installation require thorough excavation and preparation, which contributes to the cost.
Some minor challenges include the potential for efflorescence, which is a white streaking caused by minerals in the cement. This is purely cosmetic and can be cleaned with a wire brush and diluted acid.
Sealing is an option, but because flagstone is porous, it may wick moisture from below, which can eventually compromise the sealant’s appearance.
Gravel Patios
Advantages of Gravel
For homeowners looking to stretch their budget, gravel is the most affordable material by far. It allows you to cover a large area at a relatively low cost and still achieve a casual, natural look.
Gravel is easy to install, highly pedestrian-friendly (especially when using smaller-sized or rounded stones), and there’s no concern about cracking or slipperiness.
Gravel doesn’t stain, doesn’t need plowing or shoveling in the winter, and requires minimal maintenance aside from periodic top dressing. It’s widely available and easy to source, making it a good option for do-it-yourselfers as well.
Disadvantages of Gravel
However, gravel does come with trade-offs. It’s not suitable for wheelchair use, and large stones can be uncomfortable to walk on. Leaf litter and weeds can accumulate if not properly maintained. Landscape fabric helps in the short term, but after a year or more, weed growth is likely to surpass that of other patio materials. Cleaning gravel is more challenging, and options are limited by what’s locally available.
Which Material is Right for Your Patio?
Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. If you want design flexibility and easy repairs, pavers are an excellent choice. If you’re going for pure elegance and long-term durability, mortared flagstone might be worth the investment. Concrete is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners seeking a fast and functional patio. And gravel offers a charming, rustic look without breaking the bank.
Still unsure which patio material is right for your space? Johnson’s Landscaping Service, Inc. has been helping homeowners in Northwest D.C., Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, and Olney make smart landscaping decisions since 1960. Reach out today and let our experienced designers help you create a patio that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
