Types of Patio Finishes

Since summer is a short-lived experience every year in Quebec, most of us try to squeeze the most out of the season by designing outdoor spaces to fully enjoy sunny days. Building a patio is a good idea should you want to have an outdoor seating area, paired with a table, barbecue, and sunshade. 

On top of the decorative aspects of your patio, such as furniture, the surface will need a good finish. Decks most often act as a link from the house to the yard, and for this reason alone, they must be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming. 

Should you be looking for the best finish in order to build a top-notch patio that is within your budget, note that there are numerous available options, and it is always best to be meticulous in your decision-making. 

Types of Patio Materials

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Composite Patio

Made from wood fibre residue, recycled plastic, and artificial polymer, composite wood patios are available in various wood look-alike tints. This type of material is rather durable and can withstand humidity, rot, and fungi. Composite wood floors are known for their non-slip quality and long-lasting sleek look even when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. As for regular maintenance, sweeping the surface with a deck brush will suffice. It is also recommended to use a waterproofing product on its surface annually. 

The main downside to composite wood patios is that this type of material is heavy, and thus not easily moved. Also, since it is a good long-term investment, composite wood is rather on the expensive side. 

Patio Stones

Concrete patio stones naturally make for an elegant and exotic look. Not only is this an interesting enough and cost-effective option, but several shades and textures of stone are available to choose from. 

Stone patios are great for harsh Quebec winters, and problems related to warping and rotting will definitely be at bay. Concrete patio stones are an eco-friendly option as they are a natural material with no hazardous chemical compounds used during the manufacturing process. Patio stones are very much revered for their low maintenance; a simple pressure wash will suffice. The only thing we could warn you against is choosing slippery pavers, as some patio stones tend to be on the slippery side.

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Recycled Plastic Patio Surface

Recycled plastic patio surfaces are made from virgin or recycled polyethylene. If properly installed, this material will easily adapt to climate changes Quebec is especially known for, and these slabs are also very durable and have thermal shock resistance. A patio surface made from recycled plastic does not require any kind of specific maintenance, however, can become very slippery under the effects of rain. This type of material is available in a wide range of colours. 

Polymer Patio

This entails composite wood, petrol, and recycled plastic. The quality of this mix of materials makes for a sturdy and low-maintenance finish. However, the plastic compounds make this surface material extremely hot, which can render it quite unpleasant to the touch. 

On the other, the wood portion has a tendency to rot once humidity settles in, which will be impossible to remedy. This material is not scratch-resistant and cannot be sanded down to eliminate visible signs of wear and tear. Also, it is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. 

Wood Surface Patios

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Ipe Wood Patio

In Brazil, ipe wood is also known as ironwood. This is a particular species of wood, as it does not contain any knots due to its fine texture, which bestows a high level of durability and sturdiness.

Ipe wood simply requires a yearly oil treatment in order to revitalize the colour of the finish. An ipe wood patio will last roughly 40 to 50 years, which is quite exceptional on its own. And, not only is this type of wood durable, but it is also very resistant.

Red Cedar Wood

A red cedar surface finish hails from a much larger-than-average tree. Its large frame allows for surface wood planks to be free of knots for the purpose of making high-quality patios. The red cedar is much denser than other materials, which strengthens the surface against cracks and extreme weather conditions. It requires no chemical products for treatment. And, as a bonus, its fine and straight grain will protect it from cracking and warping. 

With a lifespan hitting more or less 30 years, it requires no maintenance. However, should one wish to paint or stain it, the chosen colour will need to be maintained every three years. It is also possible to allow the cedar to age free of intervention. That way, the wood will gray before assuming a steady colour long-term. 

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Teak Wood Patio 

At its base, teak trees measure more or less 30 metres and are originally from Southeast Asia. This particular specie is used to produce a semi-hard, oily, and durable dark brown wood coating. On account of its tight grain, the wood fibres are rigid and very straight, which results in an easy-to-work material, all the while offering a super smooth finish. 

The previously mentioned list of attributes, as well as the natural oleoresin found in teak, make it a particularly weather-resistant wood. However, to maintain its optimal appearance, this type of patio surface requires a complex and diligent maintenance routine. 

Trex Wood

Trex wood patios are a really good option should you wish to build an all-wood patio while still being eco-friendly. Trex composite is made from both recycled and salvaged wood, therefore no trees need to be cut down. Both types of materials serve to complement the strengths and weaknesses of the other.

Plastic acts as the wood’s protective shield against cracking and warping caused by moisture and insects. On the other hand, wood has a non-slip finish which also protects the plastic against the force of UV rays. A combination of plastic composite and wood makes this patio finish one of the most resistant on the market. It requires no maintenance and is available in a wide range of colours. Trex wood patios are usually purchased alongside a 25-year warranty. 

Once you have made up your mind regarding the desired patio material, we highly suggest you call upon a certified professional to remodel your patio. To further design your backyard, check out the different garden trends and our guide to different shed materials and prices.