Each product has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. When laying a new patio surface, you have several options. Paving stones, for example, are formed bricks which come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours, and are fairly simple to install. The stones can be placed in a number of different patterns to further personalize your yard. There is however the possibility that weeds could grow between the cracks over time. They are priced per brick, and start under $2 each. Flagstones are naturally sourced stones in irregular shapes that also come in many colours, but can be more difficult to piece together and may require a lot of cutting. Depending on size, expect to pay at least $6 per piece. Poured concrete, on the other hand, will give you one uniform surface in any shape or size you require, with no cracks for weed growth, but usually needs to be poured by a professional and generally only comes in one colour. A 50-square-foot patio will cost around $130-$150 if you buy the concrete in bags, plus labour costs for laying it.

Gord Trenaman, the general manager of Homescapes Complete Residential Landscaping in Calgary, likes teak patio tiles at $30 per square-foot or cut sandstone tiles at $35 per square-foot, because either can be laid right over an existing concrete patio.

“Being tiles they can be installed in almost any space,” he says. “They instantly transform the sterile coldness of concrete into the warm foundation of an outdoor living room.”

If a retaining wall for raised flower beds is a landscaping feature you want to include, there are again many options which will allow you to match colours and styles to your home and other outdoor features. The most popular, and easiest to use, are interlocking stones which give you the option of setting a repeating pattern or a more random appearance. They have limits on how high you can build, and you may want to consult with a professional before installing. Prices for these can be as little as $2 per brick, plus labour.

Adele Goodwin, owner of Edmonton’s EarthWorm Landscape Design Co. and a designer and horticulturist, recommends a product called Rosetta Stone for retaining walls and steps because of their natural look, which she says is also particularly suited to building waterfalls for a backyard pond. They are also engineered to sit flat for easier installation. A personalized quote is required to price out your project with this product.

An important choice is whether to do the work yourself, or turn the job over to a professional. This depends largely on what sort of project you have in mind, as well as how much time and money you are willing to spend. Goodwin believes that certain tasks should only be handled by the pros.

“People should hire for grading corrections so the water flows properly across their garden,” she says, “[as well as] for retaining walls and paver work so the sub base is prepared properly for long term stability.” She also mentions tree and stump removal as two things that homeowners shouldn’t try to do for themselves.

Trenaman believes that for extensive projects, an expert’s help is invaluable in creating a space the client will enjoy. “A landscaping company offers much more attention to detail on the architectural elements and the placement of things with the intent of creating flow and maximizing the enjoyment of the client’s outdoor room,” he says.

As far as advice for people considering a patio renovation goes, Goodwin has this tip. “I encourage people build the patio where they really want to sit in the garden,” she says. “Often I see patios build up against the wall of the house next to the utilities, basement windows and concrete, either baking in the sun or freezing in the shade. Moving the patio out into the garden allows for a variety of more interesting and pleasant experiences.”
There’s no time like the present to get started on your patio project if you want to be able to enjoy it this summer. The possibilities are endless—just ask yourself, where do you want to be spending those hot, sunny summer days?