If you’re leaning toward adding a patio, you’ll need to think about which material to use. Among the most popular for contractors to install are bricks, concrete and stone. Being an old house lover, I’m a big fan of “real” bricks, the clay ones that have been around for a long time. There also are concrete pavers shaped like bricks that can do the trick with any home improvement project.

Patios: Color is Important
If you’ve never shopped for bricks before, look out. The contractors may try to warn you, but the color selection is almost too much. From red to orange, blue to gray, the choice of colors is almost unlimited.

Take a few samples home and live with them for awhile. Also, realize the boxes often come with mixed color ranges, so if you want mostly red or orange, ask the contractor to focus on those bricks. You may have extras left over or have to buy another section of bricks, but if color is important, it’s worth it.

Selecting Materials for Your Patio
With any patio material, look for a color that will blend in with your exterior housing material or create a contrast. Also coordinate the color with your driveway and walkways so it all blends together.

If you prefer concrete, there is the poured slab type, which definitely should be done by a contractor, and the concrete squares you can find at a home improvement store. Either should do the trick–it just depends on your remodeling budget and tastes.

Natural stone is another great product and one that many high end contractors use. Stone can be pricey, however, so talk with your contractor about ways to contain the cost. Perhaps you do a concrete patio with a raised stone flower bed along one side?

Shop around, look at pictures, and talk to a few contractors. This is a big home improvement investment, so take your time and get the look you want.