Trends in pavers, patios, & concrete design seem to change with the wind and the seasons. But the fundamentals never change. In this post, we’ll explore the basics and draft some ideas to get your backyard project started.
Pavers and concrete come up often in any serious backyard hardscape project. Pavers can be used to build patios & walkways and are the fundamental unit that starts a larger design.
People love the look of individual smaller pieces that can create different textures and patterns to liven up the outdoor space.
The possibilities are endless when you consider involving multiple paver styles for a border around the main field or any decorative inlays. Pavers can be reset down the road if you experience any settling or need to complete a repair in the same area.
Over time pavers do require a little more attention to maintenance than concrete due to needing to redo the polymeric sand every 5 to 7 years.
A standout inlay that creates a bold focal point, adding a custom touch to any patio.
A classic, linear design that gives a clean and traditional look, making spaces feel longer or wider.
An old-world style that adds charm and texture, often used for a more decorative, historic feel.
A mix of varying sizes and orientations for a more natural, flowing design that blends seamlessly with the landscape.
Concrete can be formed to fit the needs and customizations of any outdoor projects. There is the standard broom and edge finish concrete, which you most commonly see on standard driveways, walkways, and patios.
An exposed aggregate finish is a popular decorative upgrade where you expose the top layer of pea gravel in the concrete by removing the finer sand aggregate during the curing process. This finish is consistent and works great for projects with lots of visible vertical faces on steps or curbs where you want to have the same look as the surrounding flat surfaces.
A stamped concrete finish provides the most opportunity for customization with endless natural or patterned stamps. The only drawback to concrete is that in the end all concrete inevitably gets a crack or two.
The most common paver style we see today is a 3 sized paver pattern with a big rectangle, little rectangle, and square that fit together modularly to create a random pattern. A darker accent border can be laid around the perimeter of the main paver field or slightly inset for more detail.
There is a wide range of sizes and textures that work with this 3 size pattern with an accent border depending on the amount of area you have to work with. A growing trend we are seeing more in the industry is the more modern look of a single larger rectangular paver laid in an offset pattern with a similar paver laid around the perimeter as the border.
Another paver trend that is growing in popularity due to its functionality is the creation of permeable paver patios that capture the water that falls on the surface of the patio. The joints between permeable pavers are a little bigger and then instead of a polymeric said there is a polymeric chip swept in that allows the water to pass through the joints. The base of these patios is specially constructed with open graded base to capture the water and drain it in a controlled manner.
When planning your backyard project, it's essential to consider the long-term benefits and maintenance requirements of your chosen materials. Pavers offer flexibility in design and repair, making them a popular choice for those who value aesthetics and adaptability. On the other hand, concrete provides a durable and cost-effective solution, ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance option. By understanding the unique advantages of each material, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
