How to Select Pavers For Your Project

Posted on | by Bayside Pavers

Whether you’re renovating your driveway or designing a new pool deck, picking the perfect pavers is a critical step in any hardscape project. But, where to begin? For starters, it’s helpful to break the process into two key parts: structural purpose and visual design. Beyond these focal points, you might consult a team that specializes in concrete pavers for further guidance. Let’s take a closer look at the process of picking pavers for your upcoming process:

Determining Structural Purpose & Function

The most important element of any paver project is sound structural materials which are generally specific to your individual process.

  • First, consider the use-case for your project. If you’re designing a driveway, you’ll need to ensure you use materials of load-bearing capacity to ensure they can handle frequent vehicular traffic. Small concrete pavers tend to be a great solution as they maintain their integrity and are easy to repair if need be.

  • Second, examine frequency of use. Will these new pavers be used for a high traffic walkway? Large, durable concrete pavers will be your best bet. Surrounding your new pool? A safe, porous material that absorbs minimal heat will go a long way.

  • Lastly, look forward to what maintenance will be required for this space. When picking pavers for your project, it’s helpful to pick a low maintenance material that is easy to maintain, especially for those high traffic areas. For example, porcelain pavers are a great solution for pool surrounds as they’re easy to hose off and don’t show as much dirt and bacteria as other materials.

Dive Into Design Features

Once you’ve outlined the structural needs for our upcoming paver project, it’s time to analyze the aesthetics. Looking at the size, shape and surrounding spaces helps to propel this part of the process forward:

  • First, take a look at the size and shape of your space. If you’re designing a rather small patio, you might use larger pavers to make the space feel bigger. The shape of a space will also inform potential paver patterns as certain spaces will require more cutting, an aspect a paver design team can help optimize.

  • Now, it’s time to talk about texture. It’s important to compare the texture of your pavers with surrounding textures such as siding, roof tiles or patio furniture. A rough paver texture or smooth, uniform surface will have a huge impact on the overall finished look of your space.

  • Lastly, consider color. All in all, start by picking a paver color that complements your home and adjacent focal points such as your roof. Are you considering nearby renovations beyond this specific paver project? Lay out any potential paint colors to ensure they’ll complement your paver color. Don’t forget to think about lighting in this specific space. If the area gets a lot of sunlight, a darker paver color may be the best choice. If it’s darker, a lighter paver can help brighten the space.

All in all, picking pavers for your project should be a fun, exciting process. With this information in mind and the assistance of an experienced design team, you’ll be enjoying your finalized paver project in no time.