Popular Houzz Series
Popular Houzz Series
Appears in
See also
Fun HouzzFrom The ProsHouzz Around The WorldProject Of The WeekStickybeak Of The WeekQuizzesCreatives At HomeAt Home With...Best Of The WeekRoom Of The WeekDesigner Profiles3 Things I Wish My Clients KnewHow Do I...Buyer's GuidesExpert EyeInnovation AlertSo Your Style Is...Spotted!Picture PerfectBefore & AfterBudget BreakdownHome TimeMade Local
How Do I... Choose the Right Pattern for My Pavers?
Concrete and stone pavers add warmth and a firm foundation to your outdoor area – here's how to choose the right layout
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, Jason Hodges, well-known landscaper from Better Homes and Gardens and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador, talks us through the different paving layouts you can choose from, and which works best where.
Latest paver trends
The most popular paver looks right now include:
Tip: When choosing the colour of your pavers, factor in the colours of your roof tiles, guttering, bricks and render.
The most popular paver looks right now include:
- Greys – from light grey through to charcoal.
- Black.
- Warm neutrals.
- Mix-and-match layouts where pavers of different shapes, sizes and even colours are combined for an eye-catching look.
- Pavers with exposed aggregate that sparkles in the sunshine (these have a textured finish that makes them great for slip-prone areas; they’re also good at hiding stains).
Tip: When choosing the colour of your pavers, factor in the colours of your roof tiles, guttering, bricks and render.
Paving Patterns to Choose From
Stretcher bond: This is the most common paving pattern and it’s easy to see why – it’s DIY-friendly, requires minimal cutting and leaves little wastage. It’s a traditional pattern that replicates the classic look of brickwork, making it an appealing choice for brick homes.
Stretcher bond: This is the most common paving pattern and it’s easy to see why – it’s DIY-friendly, requires minimal cutting and leaves little wastage. It’s a traditional pattern that replicates the classic look of brickwork, making it an appealing choice for brick homes.
Stackbond: With its chic appearance, this pattern is a good choice for patios, courtyards and entertaining areas where you want a finished look.
It’s fairly easy for a DIYer to lay. Carefully set down each paver by one corner and be careful to lay them in a straight line, as this pattern will highlight any little imperfections, wobbly lines or uneven surfaces.
Tip: Want to make your small courtyard feel bigger? Choose large-format pavers and lay them in a stackbond pattern.
It’s fairly easy for a DIYer to lay. Carefully set down each paver by one corner and be careful to lay them in a straight line, as this pattern will highlight any little imperfections, wobbly lines or uneven surfaces.
Tip: Want to make your small courtyard feel bigger? Choose large-format pavers and lay them in a stackbond pattern.
Mixed stone: Mixed-stone layouts, where you mix pavers of different shapes, sizes and colours, are gaining in popularity as homeowners look to add character to their outdoor spaces. It’s also a great layout for families as the colour variation in the pattern hides stains and marks far better than a solid colour. This organic layout can be more forgiving for beginner DIYers.
Herringbone: This smart, eye-catching pattern features smaller-format pavers laid on a 45- or 90-degree angle. It’s a good choice for those who want to make a feature of their outdoor flooring. While this layout has been out of the spotlight for the past few years, it has begun creeping back in – expect to see more of this pattern in backyards soon.
Basket weave: This pattern that features rectangular pavers looks great alongside the facade of brick homes, and is great for adding a touch of character to a plain outdoor area. To create a basket-weave pattern, lay two pavers in the same direction; swap direction every second set; and repeat.
Tips for paving success
- Leave a three-millimetre gap between pavers – this is where the jointing sand is swept over the surface once you’ve finished laying your pavers.
- Some areas and paving patterns will require half-pavers to fill small gaps, and this involves cutting with a brick saw. You can hire a brick saw from most hardware stores.
- Operating the saw requires caution, so hire or buy the necessary safety gear and proceed slowly and carefully. Better still, hire an experienced tradesperson.
- With paving patterns that feature cut pavers, I like to run a header course around the entire paved section so I don’t end up with a little paver on the edge of the overall pattern.
- Take your time when screeding (or levelling) your base or ground before you lay the pavers; it’s the most important part of the job and will ensure you achieve a polished finish.
- When screeding, allow for a very gentle fall so water runs off pavers when it rains, rather than pooling on top of them.
- After laying pavers, sweep the surface with jointing sand. This will help prevent pavers from rubbing and chipping.
Tell us
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And remember to like, share and save this story. Join the conversation.
More
Find a landscape designer near you
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And remember to like, share and save this story. Join the conversation.
More
Find a landscape designer near you
Pavers come in all manner of shapes, colours and sizes. You can also lay them in a variety of different patterns to give your alfresco area a unique appearance.
Here are the main paving patterns, colours and trends to know about.