Concrete, natural stone, and brick pavers are commonly used to create a more beautiful outdoor space. An increasing number of residential and commercial property owners are using pavers to construct driveways, patio spaces, and pathways in their yards.
Read on to learn more about the paver materials and design considerations that are offered by most landscape design companies.
Paver Materials
- Concrete:
Concrete pavers come in a range of sizes, colors, and textures and are typically moderately priced. A series of interlocking pavers makes it easy to produce a harmonious design. Further, pavers offer aesthetic details that can’t be obtained with the use of concrete slabs.
- Brick:
Brick pavers are a classic choice for property owners. When compared to concrete and asphalt, they are less prone to cracking. As far as cost is concerned, brick pavers are moderately priced.
- Natural Stone:
Natural stone pavers can be made of marble, granite, or flagstone. The cost of natural stone is typically higher than that of other paver materials.
- Asphalt:
An Asphalt is an excellent option for property owners looking for the lowest cost paver solution.
Paver Design
When designing with asphalt pavers, it is important to consider the look of each paver, as well as the final result, whether it is a driveway, path, or patio. When creating the overall design, we consider:
- Shape:
Will the patio or driveway have a curved shape or more angular line? This decision is typically based on the area in which we are building and the homeowner’s personal preferences.
- Pattern:
Do you want the driveway or patio to have a distinct border? Do you want one pattern combination or multiple pattern combinations?
Do you prefer the pavers to be lined up side-by-side or offset? Paver contractors can go over each of these possibilities during your design consultation.
- Spacing:
Instead of using interlocking pavers, many homeowners choose to have individual pavers set in rocks or with grass growing around them.
In addition to the overall look of the design, each paver has its own set of physical characteristics:
- Color:
Your design can incorporate one color, or base color and border color.
- Texture:
Pavers come in smooth or textured surfaces.
- Size and Shape:
The size and shape of the pavers should complement the space and overall design.
Overall, when you are trying to select the pavers that are right for your home, consider what the pavers will be used for. Some pavers are better suited to borders and edging that do not get a lot of traffic.
Others are capable of supporting greater amounts of weight, and therefore can accommodate vehicles and pedestrians. Be sure to talk to your paver contractor to determine which pavers are best for your property.
Complementary Hardscaping Features
Some of the most common hardscaping features that are found with the use of pavers include:
- Pools and hot tubs:
The ideal home is equipped with a fabulous pool and hot tub. Pavers of all types may be used to surround the pool and create a modern patio area near the pool.
- Decks:
A wood deck may be built in combination with the placement of pavers. Most landscape contractors can create outdoor spaces that incorporate the traditional look of wood and the contemporary look of pavers.
- Outdoor kitchens:
An outdoor kitchen is a great complement to a pool, deck, and paver patio. Today’s outdoor kitchens don’t just include a barbeque. They often include a stove, sink, preparation area, dishwasher, cupboards, and just about any other amenity that can be found in an indoor kitchen.
Brick Pavers
As stated, pavers come in several colors and materials. The most popular kinds of pavers are made of brick, used to enhance the look of sidewalks and driveways.
Brick pavers are also simple to clean and only require a scrub brush, and some soap and water. You can pick brick pavers in a variety of designs too. Choices include fan-shaped, w-shaped, x-shaped, and rectangular and keyhole designs.
Expensive Yet Long-lasting
Pavers are made of sandstone, bluestone, granite, and limestone as well. Such pavers are typically quite pricey. These kinds of pavers are usually used for patios and sidewalks or around pools or fountains.
You can choose pavers made of these materials in a variety of geometric designs. Choose from hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal or square styles. These types of pavers are exceptionally durable and can last well over several decades.
An Eco-friendly Paver
Another type of paver is a turf paver. These hollow pavers are installed using a grid system with a concrete or recycled plastic foundation.
Upon installation of this grid, also referred to as a “honeycomb” system, gravel and topsoil are added inside. The pavers making up these grids encourage the growth of grass over the structure, which creates an incredibly strong pavement made of turf or grass.