Ultimate Guide to Patio Textures

A dream home with a spacious backyard can be a blank canvas, ready for your personal touch. But as exciting as a new outdoor patio can be, the process includes many important details and decisions. Are you ready to make smart (and beautiful) choices?

The selection of patio textures is one of your big decisions when designing your outdoor oasis. Envision your ultimate patio: whether you picture family barbecues, cozy evenings with friends, or lazy Sunday afternoons spent lounging outdoors, your choice of patio texture will play a major part in setting the stage for your vision.

Why? Because your patio’s texture is where form and function collide. From the elegant durability of natural stone to the practicality of concrete, each option offers certain stylistic and functional benefits—and, at times, drawbacks. It’s important to understand the complete picture before you finalize your choice of hardscape materials.

Join us as we explore the variety of patio textures available, helping you decide which surface will best bring your outdoor-living dreams to life:

Natural Stone

Elegance and Durability

Natural stone is one of the most popular choices for patio surfaces due to the unique, natural patterns it delivers when installed. Natural stone is also durable, making it suitable for patios that will receive a lot of foot traffic.

But keep in mind that different types of natural stone offer a wide array of textures, ranging from smooth, polished marble to rougher, more irregular slate. 

Varieties and Considerations

Bluestone, limestone, sandstone, and granite are some of the most common types of natural stone used in patio design. Each type has its own textural qualities and color variations, so as you’re considering your options, be sure to speak with a hardscape specialist who can fully communicate the benefits and drawbacks of each option—including how each fares in our part of Michigan. 

For instance, sandstone offers a gritty texture, ideal for slip resistance in wet areas like pool decks or fountain surrounds. Granite, on the other hand, provides a polished, sleek surface that's great for a modern aesthetic. 

It's important to note that natural stone can be expensive and may require regular sealing to prevent stains and weather damage. Again, seek expert guidance before making selections or planning for long-term care.

Pavers

Aesthetic Variety

Pavers are manufactured in a number of textures, which can simulate the look of bricks, cobblestone, or other paving materials. Pavers are available in a variety of finishes that include smooth, embossed, tumbled, or even etched surfaces. 

This variety allows homeowners to choose a texture that matches their home’s style and their personal preference—without compromising on durability.

Installation and Maintenance

Pavers are easier to install than some other materials and can be replaced individually if they are damaged, because the interlocking design helps maintain the overall structure of a patio even if one paver needs to be removed. 

However, this material might require some regular maintenance to fill in sand between pavers or control weeds that could grow in joints.

Concrete

Versatility and Customizability

Concrete is a highly versatile material for patios, largely because it can be poured into any shape and textured or colored in numerous ways. It can mimic other materials like brick, slate, or even wood when stamped or stained, providing a cost-effective alternative with considerable creative flexibility.

Texture Options

The basic texture of concrete is smooth, but it can be modified to be slip-resistant or to have a decorative finish. Exposed aggregate concrete, where the top layer of cement paste is washed away to reveal the stones within, is popular for its texture and grip. Brushed concrete provides a rougher feel and can prevent slips and falls by adding necessary traction.

Brick

Traditional Appeal

Brick patios offer a classic, timeless look that is particularly well-suited to traditional architectural styles. But just because bricks and traditional looks go hand-in-hand doesn’t mean you should limit your thinking! Brick actually offers an array of options, including a wide range of colors that can add to the visual interest of your patio.

From a texture standpoint, brick is a solid and relatively safe option, since the texture of brick is typically slightly rough, providing good traction underfoot. 

Weather Considerations

While brick is durable and wears well with time, it can be prone to moss and algae growth in shady, moist environments. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing are recommended to maintain its appearance and prevent the bricks from becoming slippery when wet.

Gravel

Casual and Versatile

Gravel is one of the most affordable patio materials. And it’s also relatively easy to install. It provides a crunchy texture underfoot and adds a casual, rustic look to any garden setting. While you may not prefer gravel for a large patio, it can be a nice addition to your overall landscape—perhaps for a rustic garden path or a secluded seating area in a grove of trees.

Maintenance and Utility

While gravel is low-cost and provides excellent drainage, it can shift over time and might require occasional raking to keep the surface level and even. It's also not ideal for furniture, as the uneven surface can make tables and chairs wobble.

Choosing the right patio texture depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Each material offers unique benefits and challenges, so consider how each might complement your outdoor living space and lifestyle. Whether you opt for the natural elegance of stone, the versatility of concrete, or the myriad options offered by interlocking pavers, the right texture can enhance the beauty and functionality of your patio for years to come.

If you're unsure which patio texture is best suited to your specific needs, consulting with a professional hardscape contractor is an excellent first step. The team at Decra-Scape is here to help.

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with Roofed Shelters with Open Sides

When it comes to enjoying gorgeous Michigan spring and summer weather, it doesn’t get much better than sipping morning coffee in the comfort of a shaded gazebo or hosting a lively backyard dinner under a spacious pavilion. 

These scenarios can become your everyday reality with the addition of a roofed shelter to your yard.

To help you get started on the process of making a roofed shelter part of your home landscaping, we’re sharing some information on the various designs and functionalities of roofed shelters, along with some of the benefits of integrating roofed shelters like gazebos and pavilions into your landscaping plans.

Types of Roofed Shelters

Roofed shelters with open sides come in a variety of styles. The most popular options are: 

• Gazebos

• Pavilions

• Pergolas

Gazebos, which are typically octagonal or round, are standalone structures that many homeowners choose to place in a garden or near water, to provide a picturesque shelter. 

Pavilions, on the other hand, are rectangular or square and serve as covering for larger gatherings, as they provide ample space under a sturdy roof. 

Pergolas, with their slatted roofs, provide partial shade, making them ideal for those who prefer a balance of sunlight and shade, or who don’t have a ton of space to build a huge roofed shelter.

Each of the above types of shelters can be made with a range of materials, and the choices you make will influence both the look and longevity of your covered outdoor space. Wood is a top choice that seamlessly integrates with most garden landscapes. Metals like aluminum or steel are durable and can have modern appeal. Vinyl offers a low-maintenance option, and is available in various colors and finishes. And stone can make an appearance in many roofed shelters as well, often in pillars, walls, flooring, or foundations.

Design Ideas

Integrating a roofed shelter into your yard takes a bit of thought. The placement and look should harmonize with the existing surroundings and meet your family’s needs. 

Because these structures can serve as a central focal point in a garden, location and design are important factors in long-term usability. 

Gazebos

Gazebos are ideal for intimate gatherings or solitary retreats, because they are quintessentially romantic and serene. When placed near a water feature like a pond or a small lake, a gazebo becomes a perfect spot for a tranquil morning cup of coffee or a quiet, reflective moment in nature. If placed correctly, the reflection of the structure on the water can amplify the beauty of the landscape, turning your yard into a picturesque scene.

For traditional homes, owners often choose to build a wooden gazebo with ornate details, such as carved posts and intricate railings. This enhances the classic look of the property. And if the gazebo is painted to match the trim of the main house, it creates a cohesive aesthetic throughout the property.

Pavilions

Pavilions, with their larger, more open structure, are built to allow homeowners to host larger  social gatherings and can even serve as functional living spaces. Positioned adjacent to a pool, a pavilion can transform the area into a vibrant entertainment hub, ideal for pool parties, family barbecues, or casual get-togethers. 

Pavilions have a robust roof that serves to provide shade from the hot sun and shelter from storms, which allows the space to be useful in a range of weather conditions. Adding amenities like outdoor kitchens, bars, or built-in seating can turn a pavilion into a multi-functional space that maximizes the outdoor living experience.

Metal-framed pavilions with clean lines and minimalistic design can complement the contemporary architecture of modern homes. 

Pergolas

While pergolas are generally not completely roofed, this open-air cover can be a positive feature, as slatted tops provide both sun and shade. Pergolas are often strategically placed over patios or along walkways, enhancing the usability and aesthetics of these spaces. 

The structure of pergolas can also support growing vines that eventually create a natural roof, so many homeowners place pergolas near gardens. 

Pergolas made of cedar or redwood can beautifully compliment rustic or country-style homes. For modern homes, aluminum or vinyl pergolas in bold colors can make a dramatic statement and help to enhance the modern style.

Gazebos, pavilions, and pergolas can all be tailored to fit a specific style and meet the functional needs of your home and outdoor-living space. By carefully considering the placement, material, and design, you can enhance not only the beauty and utility of your outdoor spaces, but also the overall value of your property.

Customization Options

Turn a basic structure into a personalized retreat by adding some creative customizations:

Curtains or blinds can provide privacy and protection from insects. Built-in seating can enhance comfort and space efficiency. Soft, ambient lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while brighter lights are essential for functional spaces like kitchens or reading nooks.

Adding Curtains or Blinds

Incorporating curtains or blinds into your roofed shelter gives privacy to the occupants and allows you to enjoy the outdoor space without the gaze of neighbors. Curtains and blinds also provide protection from insects, which is especially useful during evenings or in areas prone to bugs. 

Aesthetically, curtains can add a touch of softness to the structure, and you gain the flexibility to choose fabrics that match outdoor decor. Opt for weather-resistant materials like polyester, which can withstand sun exposure and moisture. 

Blinds made of bamboo or outdoor-rated fabrics can offer a more structured look; they look great in contemporary settings.

Installing Built-In Seating

Built-in seating is an excellent way to maximize space within a roofed shelter, especially in pavilions and gazebos, where entertainment and relaxation are priorities. Whether you choose bench seating that wraps around the interior or individual seats with storage underneath, built-in options make the space more functional and streamlined—and increase the usability of the space.

Cushions can be added to built-in seating for comfort. Choose outdoor-friendly fabrics to help ensure longevity and ease of maintenance. 

Enhancing with Lighting

For areas intended for relaxation or social gatherings, adding outdoor lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. LED strip lights hidden in the rafters or solar-powered lanterns hanging from the beams can provide a gentle glow. 

For spaces like outdoor kitchens or reading nooks, adding bright, functional lighting can make the space more usable. We recommend installing adjustable LED spotlights or pendant lights that can illuminate specific areas effectively. Also, consider task lighting over counters or cooking areas.

Enhancing with Greenery

One of the most cost-effective and impactful ways to customize your roofed structure is by adding live plants as part of your structure and landscaping. Adding greenery can enhance the natural beauty of the shelter and help it blend into the garden environment.

If you have a pergola, incorporating climbing plants such as ivy, grapevines, or wisteria can create a lush, green canopy that offers additional shade and a rustic charm.

Additional Customization Options

There are many other ways to personalize your roofed shelter. For example:

Fans and Heating Elements: Ceiling fans can provide air circulation, which is essential during hot weather. Similarly, outdoor heaters can extend the usability of the space into cooler seasons.

Sound Systems and Entertainment: Integrating a sound system can turn a pavilion into the ultimate entertainment area. Look for waterproof speakers that blend into the design.

Decorative Elements: Adding artwork, sculptures, or water features within or around the shelter can elevate the visual interest of the space. Choose decor that reflects your personal style and complements the style of your home.

By carefully selecting and integrating these customizable elements, your roofed shelter can become more than just a functional space; it can transform your yard into an oasis that reflects your personal style and meets your specific lifestyle needs.

Construction Tips

Building a roofed shelter requires careful planning. Before you break ground, make sure you consider the foundation and make sure that it is stable and appropriate for your soil type. Wood structures may require treatments to prevent rot and pest infestation, and metal frames might need rust protection.

We recommend that you consult with a professional before you start a roofed structure project, especially if it’s large or complex, or if you’re not sure where to begin. By working with professionals, you can ensure that your shelter is safe, well-crafted, and compliant with any local building regulations.

Need assistance? The team at Decra-Scape would love to help with your gazebo, pavilion, or pergola project.

For more inspiration, check out ourgallery of our work, read more on theblog, or catch up with us on Instagram.

6 Great Paver Colors for Red Brick Homes (and One Color to Avoid!)

Imagine you're remodeling your backyard, excited to transform it into a vibrant outdoor living space. After some consideration, you decide to install pavers—but not just any pavers: you want materials that perfectly complement the red brick exterior of your home. 

As you browse through various options, you realize how crucial this color choice is. Each shade and material offers a distinct mood and aesthetic, from the earthy tones that echo the natural landscape to bold, sophisticated blacks that make a standout statement. 

For red brick houses specifically, choosing paver colors that complement or contrast with the rich red tones of your brick is a significant—and not altogether easy—choice. It’s one that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space, but with the strong statement your brick already makes, selecting the right pavers can be challenging. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Gray Pavers

Gray pavers are a popular choice for red brick houses due to their neutral, understated elegance. They provide a modern look that doesn’t compete with the strong character of the brick but instead complements it. 

Grays can range from light silver tones to deeper slate colors, each providing a different level of contrast and sophistication. Pairing gray pavers with metallic or glass accents in outdoor furniture can enhance the upscale aesthetic.

2. Charcoal or Black

For those seeking a dramatic flair, charcoal or black pavers offer a bold contrast that is both striking and elegant. These darker shades help define spaces like driveways and pathways with clarity and precision. 

Incorporating elements like stainless steel features or white decorative stones can further accentuate this contrast, helping the red brick stand out while maintaining a high-end feel.

3. Sand-Colored Pavers

Sand-colored pavers are an excellent choice for brightening outdoor spaces and creating a soft, inviting contrast against red brick. This color, reminiscent of beach sand, imparts a classic and timeless look that is versatile and appealing. 

Complement these pavers with lush green landscaping and floral arrangements to enhance their natural beauty and create a serene outdoor retreat.

4. Brown Pavers

Brown pavers are ideal for harmonizing with the warm tones of red brick. Choosing a shade of brown that is either significantly lighter or darker than the brick can add depth and interest to your landscape without overwhelming the senses. 

This color choice works well with wooden accents or bronze outdoor fixtures, adding to the earthy, cohesive outdoor environment.

5. Red or Terracotta

While matching red or terracotta pavers with red brick might seem redundant, selecting a shade that is distinctly darker or lighter can accentuate the brickwork without overpowering it. 

This approach can achieve a harmonious but distinct look, especially when paired with greenery and natural wood elements. The result is a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

6. Multi-Colored Pavers

Multi-colored pavers that incorporate shades of gray, brown, and red can effectively tie the color of the brick into the broader landscape design. 

This option provides a cohesive and integrated look that connects the architecture of the home with its natural surroundings. Multi-colored pavers are particularly appealing in eclectic or cottage-style gardens where variety and color variation are celebrated.

Avoid Green

When choosing paver colors for a red brick house, it’s generally a wise move to avoid the color green. While this might seem like a natural choice for outdoor spaces due to its prevalence in nature, green can clash dramatically when placed directly next to red brick, or as a paving option around it. 

Red and green are complementary colors on the color wheel, which means they are opposites and create a high contrast. This contrast can be visually jarring in larger applications, such as pavers, where the goal is to complement the home’s exterior rather than compete with it.

Green pavers can also detract from the warmth and natural beauty of red brick, creating a “separated” look. Instead of enhancing the red brick, green can overpower it, making the outdoor space feel disjointed and less welcoming. Vibrant or even muted tones of green could disrupt the aesthetic flow from the natural red brick to the landscaped environment, leading to a clash of styles and colors.

In outdoor design, it's typically more effective to use green in the landscaping itself, weaving the color into your landscape through natural plants and foliage rather than via hard surfaces like pavers. This approach allows the green to act as a backdrop or accent, enhancing the red brick's warm tones rather than conflicting with it. 

Opting for neutral or complementary colored pavers, such as the grays, charcoals, sands, or multi-colored options mentioned above, will create a more cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space.

Consider the Mortar Color

When selecting pavers, remember to consider the color of the mortar in your red brick house. The mortar’s shade can influence how well the pavers complement or contrast with your home. And always view paver samples next to your brick in natural lighting, to accurately assess the compatibility of colors.

By thoughtfully selecting the color of your backyard pavers, you can enhance the beauty and appeal of your red brick home, creating a breathtaking outdoor space to complement your house. Whether you choose a subtle complement or a bold contrast, the right paver color can transform your backyard into a gorgeous and functional extension of your home.

If you're unsure which paver color is best suited to your red brick house, consulting with a professional hardscape contractor is an excellent first step. The team at Decra-Scape is here to help.

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.

Ideas to Transform Your Side Yard into a Patio, Retreat, or Play Space

Often overlooked, the side yard holds untapped potential for extending your living space or adding a bit of fun to your yard. Transforming this narrow strip can revitalize how you enjoy your outdoor space, whether you're aiming for relaxation, play, or a bit of both. 

Here are some creative ideas to turn your side yard into a charming and functional patio or outdoor oasis.

Patio Expansion

If you find your current patio too cramped, consider expanding it into the side yard. This not only gives you more space to relax and host but also enhances the overall appeal and usability of your backyard. 

A well-designed patio extension can include various seating options, from cozy lounge chairs to a full outdoor dining set, offering additional space to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

And expanding the patio into the side yard is actually easier than it might sound!

A hardscape professional can easily extend your existing patio surface by laying down matching pavers, ensuring a seamless transition between the old and new sections. It’s a relatively simple process that can drastically increase the total size of your patio, provide ample room for additional furnishings, and bring some your backyard living around the corner, enhancing your home’s sense of welcome.

To improve the ambiance further, outdoor lighting can be installed to bring a warm glow well into evening hours. Or, to add an extra dose of nature and privacy, place planters filled with evergreens, flowering plants, or lush seasonal greenery around the perimeter. 

Personal Retreat

Speaking of privacy, imagine a mini-retreat right in your side yard. With your expanded outdoor space, one part of your yard could be transformed into a tranquil escape—perhaps complete with an outdoor chaise, a soothing fountain, and a privacy fence to create a secluded haven. It’s the perfect spot for morning coffee or your evening night cap.

Here are some items to consider in an outdoor space intentionally designed as a personal retreat:

Comfortable Seating: Place very plush lounge chairs under the shade of a tree or pergola.

• Soothing Water Feature: Install a small fountain in the center of the area, or off to one side. The sound of flowing water provides a calming atmosphere and masks external noises.

• Lush Plantings: Think landscape design! Surround your upgraded side yard space with tall grasses, flowering shrubs, and a mix of perennials to create a spa-like environment.

• Privacy Fence: Construct a high privacy fence using natural wood or decorative panels. This creates a welcome sense of seclusion in the side yard.

• Personal Touches: Add accessories like soft outdoor cushions, a small side table for books and drinks, and subtle outdoor lighting for evening relaxation.

Remember, the secret to elegant side yard living is to bring the indoors out! So think like you would inside the house, and include homey touches in your personal retreat.

Game & Sports Corner

If your side yard is relatively flat, it might be perfect for a play zone. 

Consider installing a jungle gym or a sandbox for the little ones. For older family members or friends, games like horseshoes, bags, or lawn bowling can provide hours of entertainment—even if space is limited. Keeping such lawn games on hand, or setting space up specifically for these activities, ads both functionality and fun to your outdoor space, making your side yard a lively hub for gatherings.

A popular example of this is a bocce ball court. This game court is relatively easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and can fit into relatively narrow spaces, making it ideal for a side yard. The court's surface can be created using crushed stone or fine gravel, bordered with wooden beams to keep everything in place. 

Bonus Tip: Make the Most of Every Inch

Turning a side yard into a functional space allows you to keep the main areas of your backyard open for larger gatherings—or simply enjoying the view. 

Here are some ideas to make the most of these often underutilized areas:

Vertical Gardening: Utilize vertical space by installing trellises or garden panels where you can grow climbing plants or hang potted herbs and flowers. This not only saves ground space but also adds more green, organic beauty to the space.
Multi-functional Furniture: If your side yard space is limited, invest in furniture that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, benches with built-in storage can provide seating while hiding garden tools or outdoor games. Foldable or stackable furniture can also be a great option, offering flexibility when the space is needed for other activities.

Defined Areas: Divide the side yard into distinct areas for different activities, such as a small seating area for relaxation, a narrow path lined with fragrant plants for a walkway, and a corner for a mini vegetable or flower garden. Organization makes the space feel larger and more structured.

Slimline Storage Solutions: Consider slim sheds or storage solutions that fit snugly against a fence or wall, minimizing the footprint they occupy. These can be used to store bicycles, gardening tools, and other outdoor essentials, keeping them out of sight and orderly.

Mirrors and Lighting: Strategically placed mirrors can make a small space appear larger, and they add an interesting visual element—especially outdoors, where they’re less expected. Combine this with good lighting to make the space usable at all times of the day and create a cozy ambiance during the evening.

Pathways and Paving: Design pathways that encourage flow from your main outdoor living space into the side yard. This can make the side yard feel more integral to the overall outdoor design, rather than an afterthought. For visual continuity, use pathway materials that complement the rest of your yard.

Your side yard doesn’t have to be a forgotten space. With a little creativity and planning, it can be transformed into an exciting extension of your home.

Need more inspiration and someone to take the lead? Contact us today to learn more about our products and schedule a consultation to let us help you achieve your backyard goals. 

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.