The weather might still be cold and damp, but it will not be long before the sun is out, the days are longer, and you can spend more time in the garden. To really make the most of your outdoor space, why not update your patio in time for spring?

Here are the different styles to consider before you book your patio services in Derby.

• Pavers

When thinking about pavers, a combination of pink and grey interconnecting slabs probably spring to mind. While this is still a popular look, there is much more choice these days when it comes to choosing concrete pavers for your patio.

Interlocking pavers are still favoured, as they do not need grout or mortar to hold them together. However, those who are hiring professionals to do the work do not have to worry about the work or materials entailed to install the flooring.

These days, you can choose different colours, textures, shapes and sizes for your pavers, and can even pick ones that resemble stone, bricks or wood. One of the main reasons why homeowners opt for pavers instead of these alternative materials is because they are durable and strong. They are known to last many years, regardless of different temperatures, which is ideal for a home in Britain!

• Tiles

A style that is becoming more widely used is tiled patios. These look smart and elegant and, as you can choose colours and patterns that you want, they will really bring your backyard to life during the summer months.

Another reason why many people love them is because they are easy to clean, and can fit in with the rest of your home aesthetics.

However, tiles need to be installed over concrete slabs as these provide a base. Additionally, they can become very slippery in wet weather, so care needs to be taken when walking on them if it has been raining.

To avoid this, unglazed ceramic tiles are a better choice, as they are less slippery.

• Brick

Brick patios have been around for decades, and the reason why homeowners still choose this material for their outdoor space is because it has a classic look to it. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for those with a period property who want to carry on the historic character to the garden.

You could have your entire patio made out of brick, or you could use it to create interesting designs, such as paths or edging.

Love The Garden suggests it is a great option for gardens with alternative shapes, saying brick could be used to create patterns into circular patios. It went on to say: “With a curved patio in particular, brickwork can look very stylish.”

Flagstone

Another traditional choice for patios is flagstone slabs. As they are decorative and can be found in a variety of colours and stones, they add charm to a garden and can be used to create a really picturesque area.

The slabs are typically between one and three inches thick, which means they are heavy to handle. Therefore, it is a good idea to hire professionals in patio laying for this job. They will also ensure there are even spaces between stones so the patio looks its best, and will be able to install the flagstones in as short amount of time as possible.

• Gravel

Gravel is growing in popularity as a patio choice these days, mainly due to the fact that it can be more cost-effective than fitting slabs or bricks. Another reason why loose materials – including crushed stone, bark or rubber mulch, decomposed granite and even sand – are being used more frequently for patios is that homeowners in areas where there is regular drought are swapping their lawns for other natural-looking materials.

Turning outdoor space into a patio can be done quickly and easily by covering it with gravel. Additionally, it is great at draining water – ideal for those in wet areas – while it is also known for preventing weeds from the patio, as gravel makes it difficult for them to grow.

However, those considering a gravel patio need to be aware of some disadvantages too. These include the fact it is difficult to maintain as it can be constantly moved, while it also needs to be replenished every so often.

House Logic also says gravel is a good choice for those who wants to combine different materials. Designer Chris Fenmore told the publication: “I often like to use four-inch troughs separating masonry from concrete that can be filled with gravel beach rocks, or ground cover. They provide a bit of relief from the hardscape and nice detail, adding to the custom look of the yard.”