Just like inside your home, outdoor flooring options are diverse, vary in cost, and give a definitive style to a space. If the thought of hosting friends and family this Spring and Summer has you thinking about upgrading your outdoor spaces to create the ultimate hang-out spot, you’re in the right starting place. The first step is to choose what surface you’re going to use for your patio, and depending on your budget and preferences, the following options may be the right fit.

1. Gravel: Gravel may not be the first thing you think of when you imagine a patio, but you can actually make a really nice and cost-efficient area with it. Gravel is generally an inexpensive material, so getting your hands on it will be relatively easy, plus, even people who are not that handy find it simple to install. Gravel also has fantastic drainage and can keep weeds from growing! It’s not all positives, though, many people find it hard to make gravel comfortable—walking on it can be annoying, and you can forget walking around barefoot! In addition, it can be difficult to maintain as it is always shifting around in adverse weather conditions.

2. Stone: If you have the money to spend, flagstone is a stunning addition to any outdoor area. However, this is no layman’s job—you’re going to want to hire a professional to install a flagstone patio, as there are many factors that go into picking out the right stones, reshaping them, setting them correctly, and the sheer weight of them. The biggest downside to flagstone is the cost, but the longevity, aesthetics, and comfortability will be worth it if you can bear the brunt of the expenses.

3. Concrete: Concrete is one of the most affordable ways to install a patio on your property, and it looks great too! You can rely on a concrete patio lasting many years with relatively easy maintenance, but one thing to be aware of is freezing and thawing cycles damaging the surface. Like most materials, cracks from water freezing and dethawing are common, so you’re going to have to be diligent about making small repairs so the entire thing doesn’t weaken over time. Concrete is very diverse, too—you can go for the plain concrete look (which is in of itself sleek and stylish) or opt for putting other decorative ornates over it like tiles.

4. Bricks: Bricks are such a classy addition to your home’s outdoor spaces. This is one of the more expensive methods to surface your patio, but it’s going to have a significant impact on your home’s style! Clay bricks can either be new or reclaimed and shouldn’t be too difficult to install. There are many setting options to cater to your specific style, so go crazy with geometric shapes to make it your own!

5. Pavement: Many people consider pavement and concrete to be the same thing—technically, they’re not! Most people utilizing pavement hire professionals to do the work, but it’s normally an easy process for them to complete. It isn’t impossible to DIY, however, if you don’t have the right experience, it might end up looking bad. Because pavement and concrete are similar, they have similar problems. Look out for wintry weather cracking and weakening pavement, and make sure to do regular maintenance to fix cracks and remove weeds.