How to choose pavers involves several factors, particularly when looking to improve your outdoor space. Are you considering style, durability, and budget? Do you need advice on which materials withstand the elements in Hilliard, Ohio? Here’s a quick guide:
- Style and Aesthetic: Match paver colors with your home’s existing features.
- Climate Suitability: Consider paver materials that resist moisture and temperature changes.
- Budget Planning: Factor in materials, installation costs, and long-term maintenance.
In today’s hardscape market, choosing the right patio pavers can significantly improve your home’s value and appearance. With an overwhelming array of styles and materials, such as concrete, clay brick, and natural flagstone, it’s crucial to make informed selections that align with your budget and aesthetic goals.
I’m Pete Marsh, founder of Blue Oak Patio and Landscape in Hilliard, Ohio. With over two decades of experience in hardscape design, my expertise lies in guiding homeowners like you through the process of how to choose pavers that suit your specific needs and lift your outdoor living spaces.
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How to Choose Pavers
Choosing the right pavers involves more than just picking a style that catches your eye. It requires considering your environment, budget, and installation preferences. Let’s explore what you need to know.
Consider Your Environment
Climate and Weather Conditions
Your local climate plays a big role in deciding the best paver material. For areas with heavy rain, like the Pacific Northwest, permeable pavers are a smart choice. They allow water to pass through, reducing puddling and runoff problems.
If you’re in a sunny place like Arizona, consider the impact of sun exposure. Dark pavers absorb more heat, making them hot to the touch. Lighter colors, on the other hand, stay cooler and are more comfortable for bare feet.
In colder regions, such as the Northeast, freeze-thaw cycles can be a concern. Materials like concrete pavers and clay brick are durable and can withstand these cycles without cracking.
Budget and Installation
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Your budget will influence whether you tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. DIY installation can save money, but it requires time and skill. If you’re handy and have the time, smaller projects like a garden path might be manageable on your own.
Hiring a professional installer ensures expertise and saves you from potential headaches. They can handle complex designs and larger projects, like a patio or driveway, with precision.
Cost Range
The cost of pavers varies widely based on material and style. For example, a 120-square foot patio of brick pavers can cost between $1,200 to $1,800. On the other hand, Panorama Demicombo Pavers might cost around $400 for a 100-square foot area.
When budgeting, remember to include costs for preparation, installation, and any additional features like lighting or landscaping.
By understanding your environment and budget, you can make informed decisions about the best paver materials and installation methods for your project. This groundwork sets the stage for selecting the right paver colors and patterns, which we’ll explore next.
Selecting the Right Paver Colors
Choosing the perfect color for your pavers can transform your outdoor space, and it’s a crucial step in the design process. Let’s explore how to pick colors that improve your home’s style and create the desired visual effects.
Complement Your Home’s Style
When selecting paver colors, consider the architectural style of your home. Whether your home is traditional, rustic, or modern, the right paver color can improve its charm.
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Traditional Homes: Opt for classic colors like warm browns or deep reds. These hues complement brick or wood exteriors and add a timeless feel to your space.
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Rustic Homes: Earthy tones such as terracotta or sandy beige work well. They blend seamlessly with natural surroundings and emphasize a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
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Modern Homes: Cool grays and sleek blacks are ideal for a contemporary look. These colors create a clean, sophisticated appearance that aligns with modern design aesthetics.
Warm vs. Cool Tones
Understanding the impact of warm and cool tones is vital for achieving the desired ambiance.
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Warm Tones: Colors like rich browns, golden yellows, and rusty reds fall into this category. They evoke warmth and energy, making them perfect for creating a lively, inviting outdoor area. For example, Unilock Umbriano® in Summer Wheat is a warm tone that brightens up any space.
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Cool Tones: Shades of gray, blue, and even some purples are considered cool tones. They offer a calming, relaxed vibe, ideal for spaces meant for unwinding and relaxation. Consider Unilock Richcliff® in Dawn Mist for a chic, neat look.
Visual Effects and Sun Impact
The color of your pavers can significantly affect the visual perception of your outdoor area. Lighter colors can make a space feel larger and airier, while darker tones can create a more intimate and cozy environment.
Sun exposure also plays a role in color selection. Dark pavers absorb more heat, which can make them uncomfortable to walk on during sunny days. Conversely, light-colored pavers reflect sunlight, keeping them cooler and more comfortable underfoot.
By carefully choosing colors that complement your home’s style and considering the effects of warm and cool tones, you can create a visually appealing and functional outdoor space.
Patterns and Layouts
When it comes to paver patterns, the layout can make or break your outdoor space. Not only do patterns influence the visual appeal, but they also affect how people move through the area. Let’s explore some popular patterns and how mixing colors and textures can improve your design.
Popular Patterns
Herringbone, Flemish Bond, and Ashlar Pattern are three classic choices that each bring a distinct style to your hardscape.
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Herringbone Pattern: This pattern is laid at a 45-degree angle to the lines of the structure, creating a dynamic, zigzag look. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas because it provides a strong interlock, making it both stylish and functional.
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Flemish Bond: A more traditional choice, this pattern alternates between short and long pavers. It offers a balanced and harmonious look, ideal for spaces that aim for a classic aesthetic.
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Ashlar Pattern: Known for its more random appearance, the Ashlar pattern combines different sizes of pavers. This layout is great for adding texture and complexity to larger areas, giving them a more natural and less structured feel.
Mixing Colors and Textures
Incorporating multicolored pavers and textured surfaces can add depth and interest to your design.
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Multicolored Pavers: Using a variety of colors can break the monotony and add dimension. For example, combining tan and gray can create a sophisticated blend that draws the eye and complements various architectural styles.
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Textured Surfaces: Textures can improve the tactile experience of your space. Rough or jagged textures are not only visually interesting but also provide extra traction, which is useful around pools or in areas prone to wet conditions. Textured pavers can also create subtle shadow effects, adding a layer of visual intrigue.
By thoughtfully selecting patterns and combining colors and textures, you can achieve both visual harmony and practical functionality in your outdoor area. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional, modern, or rustic feel, the right pattern and color combination will ensure your space is both beautiful and welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing Pavers
When it comes to selecting the right pavers for your outdoor space, there are several common questions that often arise. Let’s address some of these to help you make informed decisions.
What to Consider When Buying Pavers?
When buying pavers, start by considering the architectural style of your home. Your pavers should complement the existing design rather than clash with it. For example, traditional homes might benefit from clay brick or flagstone, while modern homes could look stunning with sleek concrete or porcelain tiles.
Durability is another key factor. If your region experiences harsh weather conditions, opt for materials like natural stone or clay brick, known for their resilience. Also, think about the intended use of the space. High-traffic areas require robust pavers that can withstand frequent use without wearing out quickly.
Which Paver Pattern is Best?
Choosing the best paver pattern depends on your space’s intended use and traffic flow. For areas with heavy foot traffic, like driveways or main walkways, patterns like Herringbone are ideal due to their strong interlocking design. This pattern not only improves stability but also adds a dynamic visual element.
For more decorative areas, consider patterns like Flemish Bond or Ashlar. These patterns can add elegance and complexity, making them perfect for patios or garden paths where aesthetics are a priority.
Do Dark Pavers Get Hot?
Yes, dark pavers can absorb more heat and become quite hot under direct sunlight. This can be uncomfortable for bare feet, especially in sunny climates. If your outdoor area receives a lot of sun, consider lighter-colored pavers to reduce heat absorption. Light gray or tan options are popular choices that can help keep the surface cooler.
If you love the look of dark pavers but are concerned about heat, you might consider using them in shaded areas or mixing them with lighter tones to balance aesthetics with comfort.
Conclusion
At Blue Oak Landscaping, we believe that your outdoor space should be a reflection of your style and a place where you can unwind and enjoy nature. Choosing the right pavers is a crucial step in achieving this vision. With over 25 years of combined experience in hardscape design and construction, we have the expertise to transform your landscape into a beautiful, functional area.
When designing your outdoor space, consider how different elements will come together to create a cohesive look. Our team specializes in crafting unique solutions custom to your home’s architecture and environment. Whether you’re drawn to the classic charm of clay brick or the sleek lines of porcelain tiles, we can guide you in selecting materials that complement your home’s style and withstand local weather conditions.
Design Expertise is at the heart of what we do. We understand the nuances of color, texture, and pattern, and how they can influence the atmosphere of your outdoor area. Our design experts can help you choose between warm, earthy hues and cool, modern tones to improve your space’s aesthetic appeal. We also offer guidance on incorporating popular patterns like herringbone or ashlar to add visual interest and harmony.
Creating a stunning outdoor space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With our professional assistance, you can steer the complexities of paver selection and installation with confidence. We are committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and ensuring that your outdoor space is both beautiful and durable.
Ready to start your project? Visit our blog for more hardscape ideas and inspiration, or contact us to discuss how we can bring your vision to life. Together, let’s create an outdoor space that you’ll love for years to come.
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