When you are exploring your options, it is best to read about multiple garden paving ideas.
There are so many different ways you can make your patio unique. From patterns to colors, to types of stone, patio pavers can serve a variety of needs.
Keep reading to learn about five garden paving ideas you should try at home. Then, check out my nine tips to make sure your project is a success.
1. USE MULTIPLE COLORS
For those who like to be on the cusp of the latest trends, multi color patterns are very popular. This design took off with the addition of more Asian imported materials. These stones created more vibrant color combinations than previously possible.
Your real estate agent may tell you to steer away from bold colors. One of the side effects of being on trend is looking dated later. If you want your home to maintain its resale value, consider what buyers might be looking for in your area.
2. CREATE A MEDITERRANIAN PARADISE
A great garden paving idea for those living in coastal areas, or those that want to pretend they do, is creating a Mediterranian-inspired patio. There are many red pavers that can be laid in traditional patterns. One excellent choice is limestone with an antique finish.
3. LAY COBBLES AND ROCK
Combine chunks of Connecticut bluestone with the smooth surface of decomposed granite and your patio will have a timeless and woodsy feel. This effect looks especially nice when used near gardens that have boulders and other stones. The combined effect is very natural looking.
4. DRY GREEN DESIGN
For years people have complained about drainage issues and environmental impact when discussing patio stones. Today those in arid climates can use an innovative dry green design to make the most of their limited water supply by planting grasses strategically within designs.
5. BLENDED GARDEN PAVING IDEAS
Using minimal color for your palette can be a good way to maintain the natural beauty of a space. Using simple patterns and contrasting colors you can create a relaxed, yet defined outdoor living area.
Keep reading to get some advice before you start your project.
9 TIPS FOR PATIO PAVING
1. HAVE SOME EXTRA PAVERS AROUND
Whether it is during the cutting process, or through simple wear and tear, pavers can get broken. You should always purchase extra bricks or stones so that you can quickly replace any damaged ones.
If you have already laid your pavers and you need to remove a cracked one, you can get them out with good leverage using a pry bar.
Or if you don’t have one of those laying around you can use two flathead screwdrivers. Wedge them in the crack on one side of the broken paver. Push down on the handle and this should cause it to lift up.
2. THE DENSER, THE BETTER
To set patio pavers in place a layer of sand is applied. The granules build up in the crevices between stones. They should be compacted repeatedly until water does not wash away the sand so they will stay in place and allow your patio to drain properly.
Dense sand is also a great way to prevent weeds from growing in between your beautiful design.
3. MAINTAIN YOUR EDGE
No matter which of the garden paving ideas you select, you will want your design to be flawless.
To create some of the more complex patterns multiple cuts may be required on the same stone.
It is possible to use a cold chisel for this, but renting a wet saw isn’t prohibitively expensive. In the end, this rental can save you a lot of time and reduce the amount of strain laying pavers causes on your body.
4. VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Like any product made from natural materials, stones and bricks used in these garden paving ideas will have color variations. These slight changes in hue can help to create a more fluid looking design. If they all were perfectly uniform, your patio could end up resembling a checkerboard. It’s best to avoid this patchwork appearance.
5. THE BRICK STOPS HERE
No matter how well you pack in the sand, pavers are known to shift as they settle.
It is important to set up a very firm perimeter to outline your design. This can save you a lot of stress later when you don’t have to redo everything. These borders are especially important in climates with an intense rainy season. Even the most solid pavers are porous and subject to the same erosive forces that shaped rivers.
6. THINK LIKE NOAH
Everyone thought he was crazy when he built the Ark. But when the storms blew in, Noah was happy he had built a sturdy ship.
Your patio may not be saving the animals of the world from extinction, but it will be weathering some pretty severe storms.
Plan ahead by creating a level foundation that slopes away from your home. Experts recommend that you allow a quarter inch elevation drop every two feet.
7. WACK THAT BASE
Nothing is more rewarding than the satisfaction of properly packing your foundation.
By renting a Wacker plate compactor, you will be able to create a level base for your paver design. A tamper could also be used.
8. BLOCK OUT THE WEEDS
For years people had to go outside periodically and pluck individual weeds from the ground.
Today, due to innovations in agriculture technology, we can eliminate weeds with much less effort.
Beyond the traditional elimination sprays, landscaping cloth can create a great barrier for your unwanted vegetation.
You should add about ten percent to your square footage estimation to allow for variations in the topography of the area you are covering.
9. DIG DEEPER AND DOWN
If you want a long lasting end result, digging deep to lay your foundation can be a great choice. The goal is to get below the root level of the vegetation. If you can get about six inches below this level then you can be assured you will have minimal weeds erupt between your pavers.
It is a good idea to give your local utilities and cable companies a call before you use any garden paving ideas.
They can come out with flags and cans of spray paint to mark where each of their lines is running underground. Having this information before you start digging can save you a lot of hassle in the end.
GO OUT AND TRY SOME GARDEN PAVING IDEAS
If you enjoyed learning about these garden paving ideas, you should check out some pictures of paver patterns.
When you are ready to make a purchase, contact Bayside Pavers.