What are Pavers?<\/strong><\/h2> Pavers or paving stones are a landscaping material designed to be used outdoors. Typically made of concrete, stone, or brick, they are set<\/a> on a prepared stone, sand, or mixed base. Some have an open-cell design to allow for permeability, but most are designed for water to drain between them.<\/p> Common Uses for Pavers & Patio Bricks<\/strong><\/p> - Pathways<\/li>
- Driveways<\/li>
- Edging<\/li>
- Garden features<\/li> <\/ul> <\/div>
- Fire pits<\/span><\/li>
- Patios<\/li>
- Swimming pool area<\/li>
- Stepping stones<\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div>
Brick pavers<\/strong> are sturdy, traditionally made from clay and baked in a kiln. Red is the most common color but dyes can be used to change the look. Traditional brick comes in one shape; brick pavers can be curved or rounded. <\/p> - The benefits of brick pavers:<\/strong> Low maintenance, durability, and strength. However, like all bricks, you should expect them to fade over time.<\/li> <\/ul>
Concrete pavers <\/strong>are made of concrete poured into molds, allowing them to be shaped. They are often used commercially. <\/p> - The benefits<\/strong> of concrete pavers:<\/strong> Low cost, easy installation, and easy maintenance (pressure washing cleans them).<\/li> <\/ul>
Stone pavers<\/strong> come from quarries, not a manufacturing plant, making them a natural product. Most are limestone, bluestone, flagstone, or granite. Because of the expense of mining, the cost is greater.<\/p> - The benefits<\/strong> of stone pavers:<\/strong> The look, for people who want a connection to what can be seen in nature. Low maintenance. Colors that don\u2019t fade.<\/li> <\/ul>
If your job is large enough, say a driveway or a paver patio, you should consider permeable pavers<\/a>. These catch rain or runoff, store it below, then slowly release it into the soil. Use of them helps the environment, especially in urban and suburban areas. <\/p> Backyard Landscaping Ideas With Pavers<\/strong><\/h2> Your backyard<\/a> is where you want to hang out on a cool evening or a bright sunny day. Maybe you want to entertain friends in a custom outdoor living space, or maybe you want a winding path through your garden where you can commune with nature.<\/p> Whatever activities you\u2019ve got planned, pavers can help make your backyard the perfect staging ground.<\/p>
1. Go for a Rustic Look Around a Fire Pit<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"patio](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/fire-pit-patio-flicker-ccby2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Media Director<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Create an outdoor space with a little extra spark in the form of a fire pit<\/a>. You can use pavers of different shapes, textures, or colors in your patio design to complement your fire feature. For example, the rustic design pictured above uses rough-looking brick pavers to match the natural stone fire pit in the center. Fire pit installation costs<\/a> $750<\/strong> on average.<\/p> 2. Build a Paver Pathway to Your Patio<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"covered](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/covered-patio-flickr-ccby2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Texas Custom Patios<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Adding a cover or pergola to your backyard patio is a good way to make it look and feel like its own space, separate from your home or the rest of your yard.<\/p>
For the same reason, it\u2019s a good idea to build your outdoor patio a bit away from the house, like the one pictured above. Then, you can have a paver pathway<\/a> leading to the seating area.<\/p> Once you\u2019ve chosen the pavers you want to use, you can pick matching materials for your other hardscapes, like the natural stone columns and retaining wall pictured.<\/p>
3. Create a Pool Deck of Pavers<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"pool](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/pexels-pixabay-261410-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a> \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/span><\/p> If you have an in-ground swimming pool<\/a>, consider installing a budget-friendly, stylish pool deck made of pavers. You can use geometric concrete pavers, like the ones pictured, or any other shape and material that suits the look you want for your pool area.<\/p> 4. Mix Pavers and Mulch for Color and Texture<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"Mulch](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/garden-g24fa287a5_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Cldratler<\/a> \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/span><\/p> Even if you don\u2019t have a lot of room in your backyard<\/a> or the budget for an outdoor living space, you can still use pavers to elevate your landscape design. Pavers are perfect for creating a pathway through your garden. The garden path pictured above uses irregularly shaped pavers with mulch filling the gaps to create a cottage-like aesthetic.<\/p> 5. Add Paver Shapes for an Ordered, Geometric Look<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"drought-resistant](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/paver-rock-garden-flickr-ccby2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A pathway isn\u2019t the only way to upgrade your garden design with pavers. Give your basic garden a modern, elegant look by including geometric pavers lined with a ground cover material<\/a> such as river rocks or pea gravel. This can be a good DIY project.<\/p> Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Pavers<\/strong><\/h2> The goal for front yard landscaping<\/a> is much different than that of backyard landscaping. Whereas you want a place to unwind in peace in the backyard, the front yard is all about curb appeal.<\/p> Pavers are a helpful tool for impressing guests, neighbors, and potential homebuyers. They can make your front yard\u2019s landscape design look more organized, polished, and attractive.<\/p>
1. Use Pavers as Edging Between Gardens<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"Rain](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/paver-edging-flickr-ccby2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Center for Neighborhood Technology<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Just as the rain garden<\/a> pictured above uses concrete pavers as a border, you can use pavers for landscape edging. Geometric pavers will create a clean outline for your garden bed, while irregularly shaped flagstone pavers will give it a quaint, vintage look.<\/p> 2. Go With Circular Pavers for a Whimsical Look<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"pavers](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/landscape-path-pathway-grass-lawn-walkway-1149050-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere<\/a> \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/span><\/p> Pavers truly come in any shape or size you might want. Circular pavers make great stepping stones that are easy to incorporate into any part of your landscape and have a whimsical look.<\/p>
3. Make a Decorative Walkway in Your Yard<\/h3> ![\"paver](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/track-lawn-flower-walkway-pond-backyard-854044-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere<\/a> \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/span><\/p> Maybe you want your home to have a wilder appearance. Pavers could still be the right fit for you. Just arrange them in a spaced-out pattern with grass or ground cover plants<\/a> filling the gaps. You can create a pathway with this design, like the one pictured, or simply use the pavers as decoration.<\/p> 4. Direct People to Your Door with Pavers<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"pathway](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/pathway-gcd6762baf_1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: babylass<\/a> \/ Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/span><\/p> One of the most popular paver projects for a front yard is a wide walkway leading to the front door. A paver walkway like the one pictured above is just one of the design ideas that will welcome guests into your home and, as an added bonus, keep them from walking through your lawn or garden.<\/p>
5. Create a Distinctive Driveway With Pavers<\/strong><\/h3> ![\"Driveway](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/paver-driveway-flickr-ccby2-1.jpg\")
Image Credit: Arto Brick<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Your driveway takes up a big chunk of your front yard. Why not make it an interesting part of your landscape? Set your home apart from all the others in your neighborhood with a driveway or carport made of pavers<\/a>.<\/p> Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Project<\/strong><\/h2> Once you\u2019ve decided how you want to landscape a yard, it\u2019s time to figure out which type of paver is best for your patio design project. As you consider your design ideas, there are three basic questions to answer when you\u2019re searching for the perfect pavers for your outdoor space.<\/p>
1. What\u2019s the Aesthetic of Your House and the Rest of Your Landscape?<\/strong><\/h3> You want to make sure you choose pavers that will look good with your house and your existing landscape features.<\/p>
For example, if you have a brick house, you might choose to edge your garden beds with brick pavers. If your home has stone veneer siding, you might want a matching cobblestone paver pathway.<\/p>
2. How do the Pavers Feel Underfoot?<\/strong><\/h3> If you\u2019re building a landscape feature that people will regularly walk on, such as a pathway or an outdoor living space, you\u2019ll want to choose pavers that are comfortable for walking.<\/p>
A rough or uneven style of paver might make people trip. On the other hand, a surface that\u2019s too smooth might get slippery (especially if you\u2019re building a pool deck or a garden that will be watered regularly).<\/p>
Take action: Consider your specific project and choose the paver texture that you think will work best.<\/p>
3. What\u2019s your Budget?<\/strong><\/h3> Some pavers are affordable for just about any homeowner, while others can get quite expensive. Your price range will determine which pavers are options for you.<\/p>
Concrete pavers and decomposed granite are both inexpensive options that would work for any paver project you have in mind. Local stone will cost less than materials that have to be shipped.<\/p>
Luxury materials with high price tags include limestone, bluestone, flagstone, or granite and other natural stone pavers.<\/p>
What is the Cost of Using Pavers?<\/strong><\/h2> ![\"cost](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/cost-of-pavers.png\")
<\/figure> There are quite a few variables when it comes to installing pavers, but LawnStarter has done a major review<\/a>, and found this:
<\/p> - National Average: $4,537<\/strong> (for a 400-square-foot paver patio) or $11.34<\/strong> per square foot
<\/li> - Typical Range: <\/strong> $3,476<\/strong> to $8,872<\/strong> (for a 400-square-foot paver patio) or $8.69 to $22.18<\/strong> per square foot
<\/li> <\/ul> Curious to know how much other paver projects cost?
<\/p>
- A pool deck<\/a> ($7 to $36<\/strong> per square foot)
<\/li> - A driveway<\/a> ($10 to $30<\/strong> per square foot)
<\/li> - A walkway<\/a> (same as an outdoor patio, $8.69 to $22.18<\/strong> per square foot) <\/li> <\/ul>
The guide also discusses the costs of the different materials and locations, and whether it is DIY or professionally done. <\/p>
FAQ About Landscaping With Pavers<\/strong><\/h2> What Should I Put Under my Pavers?<\/strong>Make your paver base<\/a> out of crushed stone. Crushed gravel is a common choice. On top of that, a layer of bedding sand is often recommended.<\/p> <\/div> How Do I Prevent Weeds From Growing Between Pavers?<\/strong>Applying polymeric sand to the seams between your pavers is the most effective way to prevent weeds.<\/p> <\/div>
What Can I Do if Weeds are Growing Between my Pavers?<\/strong>If you already have weeds growing between your pavers, there are eco-friendly weed killers<\/a> that won\u2019t damage the pavers:Concrete pavers are the cheapest option at about $2.50-$5 per square foot.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
When to Call a Landscaping Professional<\/strong><\/h2> The DIY process of installing pavers might be a little too complicated for homeowners. It involves excavating and using tools (such as a hand tamper or plate compactor) that most people don\u2019t have on hand.<\/p>
If you\u2019re working on a larger project that you want to last for many years to come, such as an outdoor patio or driveway, you should definitely consider hiring a local professional landscaper<\/a> or landscape architect to install it for you.<\/p> Pavers can be both functional and attractive, but you don\u2019t want to have regrets later. Review the possibilities for installation, use, and maintenance, then act. Pavers are designed to last a lifetime; with planning, it won\u2019t be a lifetime of regrets.<\/p>
<\/p>
Ask The Experts<\/h2>
Common Uses for Pavers & Patio Bricks<\/strong><\/p> Brick pavers<\/strong> are sturdy, traditionally made from clay and baked in a kiln. Red is the most common color but dyes can be used to change the look. Traditional brick comes in one shape; brick pavers can be curved or rounded. <\/p> Concrete pavers <\/strong>are made of concrete poured into molds, allowing them to be shaped. They are often used commercially. <\/p> Stone pavers<\/strong> come from quarries, not a manufacturing plant, making them a natural product. Most are limestone, bluestone, flagstone, or granite. Because of the expense of mining, the cost is greater.<\/p> If your job is large enough, say a driveway or a paver patio, you should consider permeable pavers<\/a>. These catch rain or runoff, store it below, then slowly release it into the soil. Use of them helps the environment, especially in urban and suburban areas. <\/p> Your backyard<\/a> is where you want to hang out on a cool evening or a bright sunny day. Maybe you want to entertain friends in a custom outdoor living space, or maybe you want a winding path through your garden where you can commune with nature.<\/p> Whatever activities you\u2019ve got planned, pavers can help make your backyard the perfect staging ground.<\/p> Create an outdoor space with a little extra spark in the form of a fire pit<\/a>. You can use pavers of different shapes, textures, or colors in your patio design to complement your fire feature. For example, the rustic design pictured above uses rough-looking brick pavers to match the natural stone fire pit in the center. Fire pit installation costs<\/a> $750<\/strong> on average.<\/p> Adding a cover or pergola to your backyard patio is a good way to make it look and feel like its own space, separate from your home or the rest of your yard.<\/p> For the same reason, it\u2019s a good idea to build your outdoor patio a bit away from the house, like the one pictured above. Then, you can have a paver pathway<\/a> leading to the seating area.<\/p> Once you\u2019ve chosen the pavers you want to use, you can pick matching materials for your other hardscapes, like the natural stone columns and retaining wall pictured.<\/p> <\/span><\/p> If you have an in-ground swimming pool<\/a>, consider installing a budget-friendly, stylish pool deck made of pavers. You can use geometric concrete pavers, like the ones pictured, or any other shape and material that suits the look you want for your pool area.<\/p> <\/span><\/p> Even if you don\u2019t have a lot of room in your backyard<\/a> or the budget for an outdoor living space, you can still use pavers to elevate your landscape design. Pavers are perfect for creating a pathway through your garden. The garden path pictured above uses irregularly shaped pavers with mulch filling the gaps to create a cottage-like aesthetic.<\/p> A pathway isn\u2019t the only way to upgrade your garden design with pavers. Give your basic garden a modern, elegant look by including geometric pavers lined with a ground cover material<\/a> such as river rocks or pea gravel. This can be a good DIY project.<\/p> The goal for front yard landscaping<\/a> is much different than that of backyard landscaping. Whereas you want a place to unwind in peace in the backyard, the front yard is all about curb appeal.<\/p> Pavers are a helpful tool for impressing guests, neighbors, and potential homebuyers. They can make your front yard\u2019s landscape design look more organized, polished, and attractive.<\/p> Just as the rain garden<\/a> pictured above uses concrete pavers as a border, you can use pavers for landscape edging. Geometric pavers will create a clean outline for your garden bed, while irregularly shaped flagstone pavers will give it a quaint, vintage look.<\/p> <\/span><\/p> Pavers truly come in any shape or size you might want. Circular pavers make great stepping stones that are easy to incorporate into any part of your landscape and have a whimsical look.<\/p> <\/span><\/p> Maybe you want your home to have a wilder appearance. Pavers could still be the right fit for you. Just arrange them in a spaced-out pattern with grass or ground cover plants<\/a> filling the gaps. You can create a pathway with this design, like the one pictured, or simply use the pavers as decoration.<\/p> <\/span><\/p> One of the most popular paver projects for a front yard is a wide walkway leading to the front door. A paver walkway like the one pictured above is just one of the design ideas that will welcome guests into your home and, as an added bonus, keep them from walking through your lawn or garden.<\/p> Your driveway takes up a big chunk of your front yard. Why not make it an interesting part of your landscape? Set your home apart from all the others in your neighborhood with a driveway or carport made of pavers<\/a>.<\/p> Once you\u2019ve decided how you want to landscape a yard, it\u2019s time to figure out which type of paver is best for your patio design project. As you consider your design ideas, there are three basic questions to answer when you\u2019re searching for the perfect pavers for your outdoor space.<\/p> You want to make sure you choose pavers that will look good with your house and your existing landscape features.<\/p> For example, if you have a brick house, you might choose to edge your garden beds with brick pavers. If your home has stone veneer siding, you might want a matching cobblestone paver pathway.<\/p> If you\u2019re building a landscape feature that people will regularly walk on, such as a pathway or an outdoor living space, you\u2019ll want to choose pavers that are comfortable for walking.<\/p> A rough or uneven style of paver might make people trip. On the other hand, a surface that\u2019s too smooth might get slippery (especially if you\u2019re building a pool deck or a garden that will be watered regularly).<\/p> Take action: Consider your specific project and choose the paver texture that you think will work best.<\/p> Some pavers are affordable for just about any homeowner, while others can get quite expensive. Your price range will determine which pavers are options for you.<\/p> Concrete pavers and decomposed granite are both inexpensive options that would work for any paver project you have in mind. Local stone will cost less than materials that have to be shipped.<\/p> Luxury materials with high price tags include limestone, bluestone, flagstone, or granite and other natural stone pavers.<\/p> There are quite a few variables when it comes to installing pavers, but LawnStarter has done a major review<\/a>, and found this: Curious to know how much other paver projects cost? The guide also discusses the costs of the different materials and locations, and whether it is DIY or professionally done. <\/p> Make your paver base<\/a> out of crushed stone. Crushed gravel is a common choice. On top of that, a layer of bedding sand is often recommended.<\/p> <\/div> Applying polymeric sand to the seams between your pavers is the most effective way to prevent weeds.<\/p> <\/div> If you already have weeds growing between your pavers, there are eco-friendly weed killers<\/a> that won\u2019t damage the pavers: Concrete pavers are the cheapest option at about $2.50-$5 per square foot.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> The DIY process of installing pavers might be a little too complicated for homeowners. It involves excavating and using tools (such as a hand tamper or plate compactor) that most people don\u2019t have on hand.<\/p> If you\u2019re working on a larger project that you want to last for many years to come, such as an outdoor patio or driveway, you should definitely consider hiring a local professional landscaper<\/a> or landscape architect to install it for you.<\/p> Pavers can be both functional and attractive, but you don\u2019t want to have regrets later. Review the possibilities for installation, use, and maintenance, then act. Pavers are designed to last a lifetime; with planning, it won\u2019t be a lifetime of regrets.<\/p> <\/p>
Backyard Landscaping Ideas With Pavers<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Go for a Rustic Look Around a Fire Pit<\/strong><\/h3>
2. Build a Paver Pathway to Your Patio<\/strong><\/h3>
3. Create a Pool Deck of Pavers<\/strong><\/h3>
4. Mix Pavers and Mulch for Color and Texture<\/strong><\/h3>
5. Add Paver Shapes for an Ordered, Geometric Look<\/strong><\/h3>
Front Yard Landscaping Ideas With Pavers<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Use Pavers as Edging Between Gardens<\/strong><\/h3>
2. Go With Circular Pavers for a Whimsical Look<\/strong><\/h3>
3. Make a Decorative Walkway in Your Yard<\/h3>
4. Direct People to Your Door with Pavers<\/strong><\/h3>
5. Create a Distinctive Driveway With Pavers<\/strong><\/h3>
Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Project<\/strong><\/h2>
1. What\u2019s the Aesthetic of Your House and the Rest of Your Landscape?<\/strong><\/h3>
2. How do the Pavers Feel Underfoot?<\/strong><\/h3>
3. What\u2019s your Budget?<\/strong><\/h3>
What is the Cost of Using Pavers?<\/strong><\/h2>
<\/figure>
<\/p>
<\/li>
<\/li> <\/ul>
<\/p>
<\/li>
<\/li> FAQ About Landscaping With Pavers<\/strong><\/h2>
When to Call a Landscaping Professional<\/strong><\/h2>
Ask The Experts<\/h2>