Who doesn't love a relaxing summer evening on the back porch, soft light radiating from glass-encased lights, fireflies dancing through the dusk? The epitome of relaxation for many people includes having your morning coffee on a beautiful porch at sunrise. For others, it's sitting around a comfortable outdoor table at dusk with a glass of sweet iced tea or lemonade, watching the flickering pillar candles, and talking to friends.
Patios and outdoor rooms are more popular than ever before. Installing a stylish custom brick patio is an inexpensive way to expand your outdoor living space and boost your curb appeal. Bricks can transform boring cement driveways, walkways, steps, and porches into beautiful works of art. Brick is versatile and can adapt to match your home's unique style through retaining walls, shaped walkways, flower beds, and outdoor fireplaces. This home improvement lasts forever, is easy to maintain, and never goes out of style.
The base of bricks is sand, but many people choose to install the classic brick-and-mortar on a concrete base instead. Correctly installed, they won't crack, sag, or shift and will require little to no maintenance. Many people opt for bricks over black top, concrete, stamped concrete, or stone due to its thickness and durability.
None of the alternatives to brick are as aesthetically pleasing, and most are expensive. Alternative patio options will crack or separate, requiring resealing and regular maintenance. Also, if cracking does happen to occur, or if you are having new plumbing installed, it is easy to replace individual pieces without tearing up the entire patio.
When you're planning your exterior renovation, map out the natural high traffic walkways. Your new brick walkways and patios should be in the places that people intuitively go anyway. If you're having trouble identifying what you want, start collecting magazine cutouts of brick walkways and patios that appeal to you. Your installation crew can also help you determine what the best possible layout, both aesthetically and structurally.
When you meet with your installers, ask them where the runoff rainwater will drain and whether the root system from nearby trees will affect it. Make sure that anything that is tightly installed next to your home will not interfere with the foundation or water runoff. The last thing you need is a crack in your foundation or a flooded basement.
If money is an issue, consider covering an existing patio with brick. It is less expensive, uses fewer materials, and you already know if drainage or tree roots are going to be a problem. Whether you are installing a new patio or replacing an old one, bricks won't disappoint you. Your beautiful home will have heightened curb appeal, as well as the potential for entertaining on your expanded living space. Brick renovations, a timeless and trustworthy option, will enhance your home like no other.
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