Choosing the best patio materials: Pros and cons explained

Everyone is now focused on outdoor living like never before. Homeowners are now eager to expand their open-air living space, and a big patio is centre stage for outdoor entertaining. The patio has evolved from a place solely for the occasional braai to a true extension of the home. With the growing emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, outdoor spaces are now treated, designed, and decorated similarly to indoor areas. It’s important to choose high-quality materials that resist stains, scratches, fading, and more, while also remaining visually appealing.

Solid wood

Solid wood delivers the most warmth and authenticity in patios. The trade-off for the natural beauty of any solid-wood patio is the regular upkeep required. There are pros and cons to solid wood.

Pros:

The advantages vary by species. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant species of wood with attractive colouring and grain patterns. Tropical hardwoods like mahogany combine beauty and durability, making it relatively easy to work with.

Cons:

All wood needs to be refinished every year or so, or it will change colour and crack, raising the risk of splinters. Even with diligent maintenance, the lifespan of a wood patio is usually around 15 to 20 years. Wood decking is also on the expensive side, compared to other materials.

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Plastic

Can be referred to as vinyl patios. This synthetic option made from PVC or polyethene is not as common, but it’s worth a look if you’re on a tight budget.

Pros:

Besides its low cost, using plastic on your patios does a decent job resisting the weather, and it doesn’t need to be heavily maintained. The material is also lightweight and relatively easy to move around if needs be.

Cons:

The biggest negative to plastic materials is that no one would ever mistake them for real wood. The material can also be a little slippery, and because it’s flexible, sagging can be an issue in the long run.

Aluminium

Though aluminium is less common in patio materials, its popularity is on the rise.

Pros:

It’s super durable. Although it might dent if you drop heavy objects on it, aluminium makes for an incredibly firm patio. Aluminium material patios require very little maintenance.