Materials Guide · Plain English
The Patio Materials Guide
Pavers, stamped concrete, natural stone, brick and decking compared in plain English, so you can choose with confidence.
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Pick a Surface, See the Trade-Offs
Interlocking concrete pavers
Pavers are individual units set on a compacted base with sand in the joints. They come in many colors, shapes and patterns, and an individual paver can be lifted and replaced if the surface ever needs repair.
Good to know
- Huge range of colors and patterns
- Repairable one piece at a time
- Strong on a proper base with edge restraints
- Good traction with textured finishes
Keep in mind
- Joints need occasional sand and weed care
- Base prep is what makes them last
Bottom line: Best all-round choice for patios, walkways and driveways. See the service
Stamped and colored concrete
Stamped concrete is poured in place and imprinted with patterns that imitate slate, stone or brick, then colored and sealed. It gives a continuous surface with the look of natural materials.
Good to know
- Seamless, continuous surface
- Slate, stone and brick looks
- Integral color and sealed finish
- Great for pool decks and entries
Keep in mind
- Can crack, so joints and base matter
- Needs periodic re-sealing
Bottom line: Best for a seamless, stone-look surface. See the service
Flagstone and limestone
Natural stone is quarried and cut or left irregular, so every patio is one of a kind. Flagstone and limestone suit Tennessee’s landscape and age beautifully.
Good to know
- Unique color and texture
- Timeless, natural character
- Pairs with stone walls and fireplaces
- Very long-lasting
Keep in mind
- Irregular surfaces need skilled setting
- Typically a premium material
Bottom line: Best for a natural, one-of-a-kind look. See the service
Brick pavers and masonry
Brick has a warm, traditional look that echoes many Middle Tennessee homes. It is used for patios, walkways, walls, columns and fireplaces.
Good to know
- Classic, traditional appearance
- Matches brick homes
- Durable and low-maintenance
- Works for walls, columns and fireplaces
Keep in mind
- Color choices follow what is available
- Skilled laying and mortar work matter
Bottom line: Best for traditional and historic homes. See the service
Composite and wood decks
For elevated spaces, decking is the surface. Composite resists rot and splinters and needs no staining, while wood offers a warm natural look that can be stained to taste.
Good to know
- Composite: no staining, low upkeep
- Wood: warm, natural, repairable
- Railings and stairs designed together
- Ideal for sloped and wooded yards
Keep in mind
- Wood needs staining or sealing
- Footings and framing are critical
Bottom line: Best for elevated and sloped yards. See the service
General characteristics. Individual products and finishes vary, so we walk through the details with you on site.
Free Interactive Tool
Try the Patterns
Preview patterns and colors before you decide.
Planning aids only. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere until you choose to send it to us.
Built to Last
Why Tennessee Patios Need a Good Base
Whatever surface you choose, what lasts is what is underneath. Middle Tennessee’s clay soils hold water, and our rain and freeze-thaw cycles move the ground around, so a compacted stone base, good drainage and edge restraints do most of the work of keeping a patio level.
That is why we spend our time on the parts you will never see. A patio that is prepared well tends to stay flat, drain properly and look good for years.
Free Interactive Tool
How Much Material?
Planning aids only. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere until you choose to send it to us.
Pavers or stamped concrete?
Both look great. Pavers are repairable and have joints, and stamped concrete is a seamless surface with the look of stone. Our materials guide and Pattern & Color Studio help you compare.
What makes patios last in Tennessee?
A compacted base, good drainage, edge restraints and quality materials. Middle Tennessee’s clay soils, heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles make base preparation and drainage especially important.
Can you match my home’s brick or stone?
We can match or complement existing materials so a new patio, wall or fireplace looks like it has always belonged. Bring photos or invite us to look in person.
What patio materials do you build with?
We build with interlocking pavers, natural stone, brick and stamped or poured concrete, and decks in composite or wood. We help you choose based on your style, your yard and your budget. See our materials guide.
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Let’s Build Your Outdoor Living Space
Leave us a message with a few details about your project and we will contact you shortly. Or call now and talk to a patio specialist.
- Nashville and 21 Middle Tennessee cities
- info@musiccitypatio.com
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Music City Patio & Outdoor Living, a division of Music City Builder Group, designs and builds custom patios and outdoor living spaces in Nashville and across Middle Tennessee.
Call us today615-357-7797- Nashville, Tennessee
- info@musiccitypatio.com
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