Redefine You Outdoor Living Space with Thoughtful Paver Patterns

One of the common expressions that comes up in discussions about paver patios, pool decks, or walkways is, "There are limitless possibilities." Hyperbole aside, there are a staggering number of different options for paver designs when you consider aspects such as color, textures, pattern options, and more. Added all up, and there really are options for just about any design you can dream up. And really, any landscaper who can tell you, with precision, the number of actual possibilities there are, has been spending more time doing math than landscaping; beware of those people.

In this post, then, we are going to discuss some different ways in which you can redefine your outdoor living space by incorporating well-designed paver patterns.

Deciding on Pavers and Patterns
In the early stages of planning, most people tend to have an idea of the types of colors and textures they are looking for in pavers. This could be inspired by a walkway or patio you've seen in your neighborhood, on television, or even on Pinterest.

Deciding which pattern to implement usually comes after decisions regarding color and texture. You may have already noticed that some pavers comes in certain shapes and sizes, which makes them ideal for use in certain patterns or designs. So, if you have a very particular pattern in mind, you may have to keep some wiggle room with regards to the choices you make with color and/or texture. Refusing to be flexible in your choice of pavers may lead to increased labor costs if cuts need to be made so that the pavers you <really want will also fit the pattern you really want.

Pro Tip: Keep it proportional. When it comes to deciding on pavers for your project, larger pavers look better with larger spaces (e.g., large patio or pool deck), while smaller spaces look better with smaller pavers (e.g., patios or walkways).

Creating Illusions with Pavers
There are several popular patterns that can create unique illusions in your patio spaces, they include, among others:

• Basketweave
• Herringbone
• "I"
• Running bond

Beyond that, your space's appearance can also be changed by the angle at which you lay the pavers. For example, if you opt to lay your pattern at a 45&deg; angle, it will draw more attention to the pattern itself, apart from the surrounding space. If you lay your pattern at a 90&deg; angle, though, it will blend into the surrounding area better. So keep those things in mind.

Another aspect to keep in mind is that if you decide on complex pattern, that will also draw more attention to the hardscaping itself; yet, pavers that appear to be placed more randomly will fall with a more natural look in the surrounding space.

Mix It Up
If you are using pavers to reimagine a large space, mixing up the paver patterns is a great way to to keep it from looking like a "sheet of pavers" was just laid across the space. They can help you to define different area of a larger space, such as spaces for cooking, dining, entertaining, and the like. Working border pavers into your design is a good way to design a unique pattern in a larger space.

Border pavers are ideal to keep the edges of your patio or pool deck looking clean. They can also be used to outline features, like flower beds, in a way that makes every feature appear part of a unified design.

To add pool deck coping, step treads, or even adding bordering to a raised patio, consider contrasting bull-nose pavers.

Create Focal Points
There are a few ways to add focal points to your patio with patio paver kits. A common example would be a circle kit, which is a popular option for defining a dining space on a patio. Circle kits work best in larger spaces. They can be implemented as a stand alone design or in tandem with other pavers/kits to create more ornate patterns. Fan patterns are also a popular option. You can even consider pre-assembled kits that mimic popular designs, which can include family crests or traditional European architectural staples, if that is your style.

In Conclusion
Perhaps you saw a patio that you feel in love with. Maybe you are just thinking of practical, enjoyable ways to update (and add value to) your home. Whatever the reason, adding a paver patio can add years and years of your enjoyment to your home. Therefore, it's important to take the time in the planning stages to ensure you get a design you are sure to love now and for years to come.

If you are considering adding pavers to your landscape, give us a call at (517) 990-0110 or contact us online today. Our experienced and helpful staff would love to help you plan out a new paver project!

---