Concrete Patios built out of concrete should be constructed out of 4 inches of 2000 psi concrete with ½ inch rebar placed every 24 inches on center going in both directions. The Soil under should be well compacted. Brick Traditional brick patios should be built over a 4-inch concrete slab. The bricks are now set in a mortar bed and leveled one at a time. Then all the spaces between the bricks are filled with a grout. This is can be rather expensive because one is building two surfaces. Interlocking brick patios are far more economical because they are set in sand instead of in mortar over concrete. Flagstone Flagstone is a generic term for thin flat rock that is used for paving flat surfaces. Flagstone is named from the location of the quarry it comes from. Arizona red is a reddish sand stone; Pennsylvania blue is a grey blue. The cost of the stone is proportional to the shipping distance. It is best to pour a concrete slab and set the stone in mortar on the slab. However, in the interest of economy the stones can be set directly over the soil. They will move and shift over time and will have to be readjusted from time to time. Stamped Concrete A stamped concrete patio should first be prepared with 4 inches of concrete with ½ inch rebar going both ways. The "stamping' happens after the concrete has been poured and just before it sets up. There are several methods of stamping. The most common is to use a rubber mat like material with the desired pattern molded into one side. The molded pattern is placed down on the concrete leaving the desired pattern in the concrete. The procedure is repeated over the area to be stamped. Control joints are placed in the concrete in the effort to have the cracks follow the joints. This does not always happen and the cracks can appear anywhere in the newly finished concrete. Concrete is usually colored before it is poured. There are standard colors that can be added to the concrete at the ready mix company as it goes into the truck. The colors are not 100% predictable and may vary slightly from the color chosen.   Pavestones The price of pavestones is more affordable today than before. The techniques have improved and the skill in laying the stones has been expanded. When one compares similar aspects of a stamped concrete patio done correctly costs are usually less. However when the advantages of each are compared the paving stones far outweigh the concrete.  Concrete will crack and pavestones will not; concrete will fade and the exact colors can not always be predicted, whereas paver colors can be seen and chosen before they go in; concrete has no warranty against cracking, paver has a lifetime warranty; concrete cannot be repaired without noticing the repair marks the paver can be replaced without seeing any evidence of the repair; concrete is an artificial copy where each pavers are a unique unit. Concrete cannot be replaced but pavers can, therefore pavers are by far the best patio material for the money. Brick pavers offer beauty and long-term performance to home and landscape. There are many patterns, colors, and textures to enhance the character and value of your home. To get the most out of your brick paver project, consider the following aspects before you start. Patios, walkways and driveways should be wide enough to accommodate people, lawn furniture, or in the case of driveways, cars and foot traffic. Walkways should be at least 36" wide. A wider walk lends more grace to an entrance. People enjoy walking on paths with gentle curves, and brick pavers can define and enlarge space for shrubbery beds. Designing patios is like planning a new room. What part of the day will it be in the sun or shade? It it going to be blocked from the wind? How will the landscaping fit in? How easy is the access from the house? Are steps needed? Consider the flow of foot traffic and the amount of space needed to accommodate a patio table and chairs, gas grill, etc. A minimum of 350-400 sq. ft. would be needed, but a more generous size is recommended, especially if the homeowner likes to entertain family and friends. Custom design service is available for all your brick paver needs. The beauty of your project will make you feel that your research was worthwhile.

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