How to Choose Pavers for Your Patio Redesign

The Expert Guide to Selecting the Right Patio Pavers

The right patio pavers will have you rushing to enjoy your yard, not to mention, inspire the occasional awe from the glass, perhaps, while enjoying your morning coffee. In fact, according to experts, not only do the right patio pavers provide the perfect space for grilling, dining, and hanging out, but it can also increase your home's value.

But given the vast array of paver options available, just how do you go about selecting the right ones for your backyard patio? Well to begin, review the following guide, which was created to tell you everything you need to know about selecting the perfect pavers for your yard.

Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Backyard

Whether you are installing pavers for the first time, or you're attempting a patio redesign, understanding the different aspects that go into selecting the right pavers will help ensure your project is a success. Let's begin by looking at the different paver types.

The Different Paver Types

• Brick pavers - invoke an old world charm that gives your yard a historical look. They are also strong and stain resistant, which means they'll last for a while, and they can be made from other materials, including dyed concrete and clay, to suit your preference.
• Concreate pavers - are strong and durable, and they also come in various styles, including interlocking patterns, and colors. It is also one of the most budget-friendly options. Experts suggest to prevent a boring concrete look, consider the stamped concrete design for added appeal.
• Natural stone pavers - compliment your yard with a natural look that is suitable for just about any outdoor decor. They also come in a variety of types, including bluestone, slate, flagstone, and limestone, for added character.For best results, try selecting a material that is the same material you have on your house. You should also avoid installing the stone in areas that utilize heavy equipment as the stone can crack under the weight.
• Porcelain pavers - are similar to indoor porcelain tiles; however, they are durable and more dense to withstand the outdoor elements, including freezing temperatures. They are also resistant to stains, and they help prevent slipping. They are also sturdy enough to withstand heavy loads, which makes them suitable for use in high traffic areas, such as the patio. They also come in various styles, such as wood and stone replications, as well as different sizes, including planks, for a modern feel.
• Timber pavers - also known as decking, enables you to easily construct your patio, and they are also available in wood alternatives, which are designed using various molds and patterns to perfectly mimic the natural look of real wood, for easy maintenance.
• Custom paver patio - If you still can't quite find the look you are seeking for your patio, many companies also offer custom paver options, which can really give your patio a unique look. Custom pavers can be designed to include their own custom features, including color, imprints, and shapes. You can even select custom lettering for a more signature look.

Choosing the Right Material

Different pavers behave differently in different climates. For instance, when stone and tile pavers get wet, they can become slick and slippery, which can make them risky to walk on. Furthermore, when the weather becomes hot, some stones tend to retain heat, which means they can scorch your feet when maneuvering them barefoot.

On the other hand, timber and Terracotta pavers tend to remain cool in hotter temperatures. Meanwhile, porcelain tiles work great in any weather, as do stabilized-based asphalt pavers.

Choosing the Right Style

You should also consider the style you want for your backyard patio, such as rustic, traditional, or playful etc. While stone, concrete, and timber pavers provide a more rustic feel, you may consider something like smooth tiles or brick if you are looking to add a more formal touch to your space.

Take a good look around your yard at the existing features, such as the hardscape accessories, outdoor fireplace, and other patio installations, to help you determine which style will work best with your space.

Choosing the Right Design

Pavers can be installed in various designs to suit the specific characteristics of your space.

Some of the most common paver designs include:

• The herringbone design - which features a V-shaped weaved pattern, can be used in oddly shaped areas to help accentuate its uniqueness.
• The stacked bond design - also called the jack-on-jack design, is a simple design that features even rows or columns of bricks. This universal pattern can be used to make smaller spaces appear larger. It also works well for contemporary spaces.
• The basket weave pattern - invokes a casual cottage-like feel, with its vertically and horizontally placed bricks that are set in tile pairs. This design works well on its own, or you can also incorporate it into another design.
• The running bond pattern - is another simple design that works great for patios. Using this design, the pavers are evenly laid to create a curve. They also make a great choice for compact areas.

If you'd like, you could also opt for a custom paver design for more personalization.

Choosing the Right Size

The size of the pavers will also affect its final look. For instance, smaller pavers tend to make your space appear much larger than it is, while larger pavers tend to make the space look smaller. So be sure to select a paver size that is befitting to the size of your space.

You could also try mixing paver sizes for an added flair.

Choosing the Right Design Color

Just as important as selecting a compatible design for your patio, it is also equally important to pick a paver pattern design color that will not take away from your home. In fact, experts suggest selecting a simple color for your pavers to help prevent them from overpowering your space.

You should also consider the emotion you wish to invoke in your space. For instance, if you are seeking a more relaxed feel, you may prefer a softer color, such as gray. Lighter colors tend to enlarge the space, while warmer tones, such as timbre, imparts a rustic feel to the area.

For a more modern appeal, try mixing and mingling different paver sizes and colors.

Consider the Maintenance

You should also keep in mind that different paver types require different maintenance. For instance, some pavers that have been dyed, usually contain a coating that has to be re-applied every couple of years so that it maintains its color. And then some pavers, such as brick pavers, are more porous, which means they retain moisture which creates the perfect environment for moss growth. Therefore, they need to be cleaned more frequently so they don't allow moss to develop, which can make your pavers slippery when they are wet.

Consider the Costs

The costs for pavers vary based on different factors, including the paver type, the installation, and the size of your yard, which will affect the overall cost. Therefore, before embarking on your project, be sure to measure your space in order to get a general idea of the paving materials needed, which help to determine your costs prior to the project. By doing so, it will help you understand the exact options that are available to you, which will help you with choosing the right pavers according to your budget and put you more in control of the final outcome.

In the end, for many people, the cost of your project or patio redesign will probably be the major determining factor in deciding the right pavers for you. However, working with a good company can help ensure you get as close to what you want as possible and at the right cost. Many companies also source their products directly from the manufacturer, which enables them to pass lower costs onto their customers. You could also attempt to install the pavers yourself. However, keep in mind, if the pavers are installed incorrectly, it can lead to various issues, such as uneven paving, which can be hazardous. Furthermore, the costs to have the incorrectly installed pavers repaired can be more expensive late. Lastly, when in doubt about the perfect paver type or paver design for your yard, you may also consider custom pavers or designs, so be sure to inquire about custom options during your consultation.