The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Paved Patio

There are lots of ways to create a patio. But one of the best ways is to use paving. With paving you can create a long-lasting and low maintenance patio that will look great in your garden.

However, paving isn’t for everyone and does have a few downsides. To help you decide if a paved patio is for you, we’ve made a list of its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Easy to customise

Lots of people use paving to create patios because it comes in a large range of materials, colours, shapes and sizes. Paving gives homeowners the scope to create a unique and attractive patio. Patio paving is available in a range of materials, including clay brick and concrete. You can create a patio with just one type of material or use several materials and colours to make an eye-catching pattern.

Long-lasting

Another advantage to paved patios is that they’re long-lasting. You should make sure that it’s installed correctly and look after it. If you do these things your paved patio could last at least 20 years.

Low maintenance

Paving is also a great patio material because it’s low maintenance. The only regular things you’ll need to do to keep your paved patio looking good are give it a sweep and a brush every so often. You should also keep a look out for weeds popping up between the pavers and pull them up if you find any.

Easy to repair

Paved patios are easy to repair. This is mainly because they’re made up of lots of small parts. If you need to repair it, instead of having to replace the whole thing or create an ugly patch on your patio, all you have to do is remove and replace the damaged pavers. You can leave the rest of your patio as it is. This will save you time and money and keep your patio looking good.

Disadvantages

Fragile

Unfortunately, some types of patio paving can be fragile. They can crack or break under intense pressure. So if you’re planning on moving heavy things around on your patio, like furniture or BBQs, make sure that you use pavers that are strong enough to withstand this.

Expensive

Another disadvantage to paving is that it can be expensive. A paved patio will cost you more than a gravel one. So if you’re on a budget, paving may not be the best patio material for you.

So a paved patio can be a great choice. But if you’re not sure or want to explore your other options, take a look at our articles on gravel, concrete and natural stone.