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Fire pit made with patio pavers A new patio not only adds to the value of your home, it gives you a pleasant outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come, and it’s a great home improvement project, even for DIY beginners.

The first choice you need to make is the patio floor material.

There’s an incredible range of beautiful patio pavers, bricks and patio tiles available these days, so you can really let your imagination run wild.

You also have a choice of patio paver design patterns, including the very simple stacked bond pattern, running bond, the classic basket weave paver design, the more formal zigzag herringbone patio brick pattern, or wild, natural, rustic stone paver patterns.

Choosing the right patio tiles, bricks and pavers for your patio.

You can choose from a wide range of easy and durable patio bricks, elegant stone pavers, concrete pavers which simulate the look of natural stone, or versatile patio tiles.

There are several important factors to take into account when you’re choosing your patio paving materials. Of course, it’s important to choose a paving style which suits the architectural style of your home, whether traditional or more contemporary.

Take into account the cost of the pavers, bricks or patio tiles themselves, and the installation if you’re having it done professionally, or if you’re doing it yourself, choose patio paving materials and paver design patterns which are appropriate to your skill level.

Practical considerations like the climate in your area are also important, as some patio paving materials absorb heat and reflect glare more than others, and some withstand extremes of heat and cold better than others.

You don’t necessarily have to choose tiles, bricks or pavers for your patio floor. Poured concrete is very easy to lay, and will usually last longer than patio bricks or pavers. If you’re thinking concrete has to be bland, gray and soulless, check out the new color bonding products and molding techniques, which give poured concrete the texture and character of patio paving.

For more information on making your own patio, please read this article on deck and patio design software.