If you are thinking about laying a new patio but are stuck on what to do and are a little short on cash, you may have considered concrete patio slabs as an option and are wondering if they are a good option for your patio.  There are both pros and cons to using this material for your patio project and here are a few things to consider before you make your final decision.

Price

Concrete slabs will be one of the less expensive options you have for building your patio.  They are not nearly as expensive as natural stone or even brick, so if money is tight but you still want to be able to enjoy a patio in your backyard, then this can be a great option. 

Installation

Installing a concrete slab is relatively quick, since the area is simply prepared, leveled and compacted and then the concrete is poured within the frame of the patio space and is left to set and harden.  In contrast, using natural stones, pavers or bricks requires a good deal of installation time, since the pattern needs to be laid out and each individual piece needs to be laid, leveled and set.  That is one of the main reasons why the cost of laying a concrete slab compared to individual stones or bricks is so much lower.

Versatility

The nice thing about selecting a concrete slab for your patio is that it allows you to have a useable and functional patio space now, even if you are a bit short on cash, but down the road if you have more to spend on your backyard and garden décor, you can simply lay a new patio right over the existing slab, since it will serve as a nice level base for your patio.

Design

Not all concrete slabs have to look like industrial and boring looking slabs of concrete.  You can get a beautiful and elegant looking patio by opting for stamped concrete over a basic poured concrete slab.  While this option will cost you more than a simple poured concrete patio, the design options are endless and the end product can look as nice as any patio made from natural stone or pavers.  Stamped concrete starts with basic concrete and then is finished off to look like natural stones, complete with grout lines, variations in finish and even tiny cracks.  The result is beautiful, easy to maintain, and less expensive than individual natural stones and is a great “middle of the road” cost option for your new patio.