Cheap Alternatives to Flagstone Patios

When it comes to choosing a surface material for a patio, homeowners are often drawn to flagstone because of its elegant appearance. Its expensive price tag, however, also deters many people from selecting it, especially for use on larger patios. Fortunately several alternative patio materials yield a similar look and feeling to flagstone without breaking the bank.

Stone veneer is a composite material made of a thin layer of real flagstone on top of another less costly paving material, usually concrete. Stone veneer is lighter than flagstone and is easier to cut, so no special equipment is required to trim the veneer to fit oddly shaped patios. In addition, stone veneer is as durable as flagstone and requires relatively little maintenance. It is an ideal option if you are on a budget and are considering making your patio a do-it-yourself project.

Pavers are masonry stones made from concrete, but they are easier to install, more durable and less prone to cracking than poured concrete. Concrete pavers are available in a wide range of colors and shapes -- opt for a style that mimics the look of natural stone if you truly want to emulate the look of flagstone. A concrete paver patio is extremely low maintenance, typically requiring only sweeping and an occasional hosing down or pressure-washing.

Stamped concrete is poured, but before the concrete sets, it is stamped with a pattern that can help it resemble a variety of natural paving materials, including flagstone. Dye or stain is usually added to stamped concrete to make its stone-like appearance even more authentic. The benefit of a stamped concrete patio is that it is stronger than real flagstone and -- because it is one large sheet -- you will not have to deal with cracked or loose individual stones in future years.

For a warm, traditional look, consider using brick. Brick provides an extremely durable patio surface because it is set in mortar. It may be installed on top of either a concrete or sand base. The uniform size and shape of the brick allows you to create simple patterns, and its red hue complements the green of a garden area extremely well. Brick's warm earth tones instantly give your patio a welcoming vibe that translates into an appealing outdoor entertaining area.