The Perfect Santa Barbara Patio
The patio originated as part of the Spanish or Spanish-American architecture. It comes from the Latin word patere which means “to lie open.” A patio is an outdoor space that’s open air that can be attached to a structure and also can include a roof or pergola.
In the 15th century square central patios surrounded by galleries were popular in many Spanish homes. During the post-World War II era, concrete patios became popular and at times brick, and gravel were added to enhance the look.
There are many different types of material used in today’s patios. Choosing the material that is best for your outdoor living space can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider like size of your outdoor space, size of the patio you would like, budget, style of your home, and personal preference. We would like to provide some insight to help you make the best decision for your Santa Barbara patio.
Gravel Patio
Gravel isn’t usually the first option people think of for a patio. Many people think that a patio needs to be perfectly flat and uniform like a solid surface. It is possible to create a really nice patio out of gravel. This is a quick and inexpensive way to solve your patio needs.
If you want to have a patio in your Santa Barbara home and you would like to do it yourself, then gravel is going to be one of the simplest options. Gravel is generally an inexpensive material and getting it is pretty easy. There are many different options at Santa Barbara Stone. It is also relatively simple for most people to install this type of patio. Many people have successfully installed gravel patios without even having very good DIY skills.
Other than being inexpensive and relatively easy to install, gravel patios have other good benefits. Gravel drainage is excellent so you won’t have to worry about water pooling up in your patio area after rain. It works well as a weed deterrent as long as you install it thick enough because it basically chokes the weeds and makes it improbable that they will grow.
If you or your family likes to be barefoot outdoors then gravel might not be the best option for your home. It can be pretty but walking on it can hurt and be annoying. Gravel can also be difficult to maintain because it is always shifting and you can lose some of it over time due to winds or other factors.
If you want to install a patio as easily and inexpensive as you can, then gravel is going to be your best option. It’s not the best patio experience but it’s much better than dirt and weeds. The gravel itself can actually be very pretty and used in the right area, it might be a good option.
Concrete Patio
Concrete is another inexpensive option for a new patio for your Santa Barbara landscape. Gravel may be more inexpensive but it can be pretty close. Generally speaking, concrete is probably a better option in terms of longevity. It is generally easier to maintain when you compare it to gravel.
You can count on concrete to last you for a really long time. As long as it is installed by a professional and you maintain the patio properly, it will look great for many years.
You can also use a concrete slab as a base for a patio. It’s also possible to put decorative tiles or other materials on top of the concrete. It would be more expensive but it would give your patio a more ornate look. If you are looking for a practical durable patio, concrete is a great option.
Flagstone Patio
Flagstone is a very beautiful and popular option in Santa Barbara. If you’re willing to invest more than concrete because you love the look of flagstone you will be very pleased with your beautiful patio. There are many different types of flagstone to choose from and they all have different qualities. You should be able to find the perfect color that will fit the style of your house and enhance the look of your outdoor space.
Working with flagstone can be a bit difficult, though. We highly recommend working with our landscaping professionals, because working with flagstone can be very difficult. Mountain View Landscaping will be able to install your flagstone patio properly while ensuring that everything is completed in a timely fashion.
Flagstone is very heavy making it difficult to work with. The heavy nature of the stone makes it impractical for untrained people to work with it. It is really important to seek out professional help unless you have experience and the proper tools.
Flagstone patios can be a little on the pricey side as well. It is likely going to be one of the most costly options that you could consider for your new patio landscape. If you have a small budget, this might not be the best option. If you love the look of flagstone it will definitely be a beautiful patio.
Paver Patio
Pavers are another simple option that can make installing a patio by yourself a little more manageable. Pavers are actually made to interlock with one another, but it isn’t as easy as it might seem. The good part is that you don’t need to use concrete to install your patio.
There are many different styles of pavers to choose from, so finding the option that fits your style should be easy. There are pavers that resemble bricks and pavers that resemble cut stone. It is a very versatile patio surface material that is going to look great.
If you are planning on installing pavers on your own there are a couple things to understand. You will need to make sure the ground underneath the pavers is totally flat. Generally sand is used to provide an easy bed for the pavers to sit on. Also unless you have chosen to make a very square patio with square/rectangle pavers you will also need a cutting tool.
Pavers come in many different price ranges as well, so make sure to talk to a professional landscaping company to ensure you choose the best options. Pavers also work very well for driveways, because they are very sturdy and can be designed to fit different layouts.
Santa Barbara Landscaping Services
As professional landscape designers in Santa Barbara, Mountain View Landscaping works with Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Carpinteria, and Summerland homeowners to design, build and maintain patios, walkways, driveways. We can help with all your landscaping needs. If your yard can use a little something new or maintenance, call us today to learn how we can help you develop a beautiful outdoor living space and surround your home with lush growth all year!
Our Many Santa Barbara Landscaping Services
There is no reason to settle for an ordinary yard especially living In Santa Barbara. Turn your yard into the outdoor living space of your dreams by working with our experienced team.
We believe that the hardscapes in your landscaping design are just as important as the living softscape elements. Hardscapes will make your gardens look even better.
One of the reasons we all enjoy living in Santa Barbara is because of the amazing year round weather. Enjoying your dream oasis makes your house a home that you can proudly appreciate.
Artificial grass is one of the best ways to ensure your outdoor living space looks perfect year round. Artificial grass provides many benefits including: reduced water usage, low maintenance, very pet friendly, and a safe place for children to play.
Landscape maintenance is important for the health and beauty of your outdoor space. If you can’t stay on top of your landscape maintenance throughout the year give us a call.
