The Best Patio Materials for Chicagoland Backyards

At Diamond Decking, we’ve built patios for homeowners in every corner of the North Shore — from the lakefront views of Wilmette to the forest-lined yards in Riverwoods and Barrington. One question we hear all the time:

“What’s the best patio material for my backyard?”

Whether you’re in Glenview, Northbrook, or Naperville, the answer depends on your goals — style, durability, budget, and how much maintenance you're willing to do.

Here’s what every North Shore homeowner should know before choosing a patio surface.

🌿 Concrete Patios – Budget-Friendly but Limited

Concrete patios are affordable and quick to pour, but they don’t always age well in Illinois.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost

• Quick installation

Cons:

• Prone to cracking from freeze/thaw cycles

• Limited design and color options

• Harder to repair without replacing large sections

If you're in Schaumburg or Mount Prospect and want something fast and simple, concrete is worth considering — but it’s not our top recommendation.

⚡ Paver Patios – Versatile, Durable, and Stylish

In suburbs like Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Lincolnshire, we build patios using pavers from Belgard and Unilock because they offer the best blend of style and strength.

Pros:

• Custom design patterns (herringbone, basketweave, random)

• Easy to replace individual pieces

• Withstands heavy use and seasonal changes

Cons:

• Slightly higher initial investment

• Requires expert leveling and drainage work

For homeowners who want a premium outdoor space with features like fire pits or seating walls, custom paver patios are the clear winner.

🪨 Natural Stone Patios – Timeless, Elegant, and Durable

If you’re in Winnetka, Glencoe, or Riverwoods and want your patio to be a true focal point, natural stone is unmatched. Each stone has unique tones and textures that give your space an upscale, organic feel.

Pros:

• One-of-a-kind appearance

• Extremely durable

• Adds luxury value to your home

Cons:

• Highest cost per square foot

• Can require sealing and careful installation

Stone patios are often combined with outdoor kitchens or multi-level layouts for stunning hardscapes that last decades.

Paver Patio Installation in Winnetka

💡 Which Patio Material Is Right for You?

If you live in Northbrook, Evanston, or Naperville, choosing the right patio comes down to more than just budget. You also need to consider:

• Drainage and soil movement

• Design style and home architecture

• Maintenance preferences

• How you plan to use the space (entertaining, relaxing, cooking, etc.)

At Diamond Decking, we walk you through each option and help you design the perfect outdoor space for your home and lifestyle. Whether you want paver patio installation in Wilmette or patio restoration in Chicago, our team delivers professional results built for Midwest weather.

📍 Where We Build Patios

We proudly serve:
Glenview, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Long Grove, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Evanston, Highland Park, Naperville, Barrington, Schaumburg, Chicago, Riverwoods, and Mount Prospect.

If you’re searching for a patio contractor near you, our experienced team is ready to help bring your outdoor vision to life.

🧱 Why Choose Diamond Decking for Your Patio Project?

✅ Specialists in paver and stone patios
✅ Built with top materials like Belgard, Unilock, and natural flagstone
✅ Local experience with grading, drainage, and climate conditions
✅ 5-star service from initial design to final walkthrough

Your patio isn’t just another project — it’s an extension of your home. We treat it like one.

👉 Ready to get started? Contact Diamond Decking today for a free quote and personalized patio consultation.