Many people view their backyard as another part of the home. They use this area to relax, entertain family and friends, play sports, and more. To get the most out of this space, many homeowners choose to install patio pavers. They love the beauty and functionality of the pavers and appreciate being able to choose ones that complement the rest of the home. With many sizes, shapes, and materials to select from, every homeowner will find the ideal pavers for their residence. How should they go about selecting pavers?
How Will the Space Be Used?
The first consideration when choosing patio pavers is how the space is used. With this information, it becomes easier to choose the appropriate shape, size, material, and style of pavers. Consider the following when making this choice.
If the area will be used for outdoor dining, look into large pavers. The pavers should accommodate the table and chairs without making the area look crowded. Look into pavers that are easy to clean because people will spill their food and drinks. Many people choose stone or concrete pavers thanks to their durability and ability to withstand heavy traffic.
When the area is used as a place to relax and unwind, many people find they prefer small pavers with a smooth texture. These pavers make the space cozy and inviting. People will want to relax and lounge around when they come outside. Wood and flagstone are good options because they are natural and calming. Limestone and sandstone are preferred by some, however, because the soft texture is soothing.
Parents may wish to use the patio as an outdoor play space for the kids. If the patio will be used for this purpose, the pavers must provide an even, smooth surface to reduce the chances of a child tripping and getting hurt. Durability is a concern when children will be using the space frequently, as they can be hard on many surfaces. Parents might also wish to consider rubber or concrete for play areas, as they are safe and easy to clean.
Pavers may also be used for other parts of the landscape. When choosing pavers for the patio, the owner needs to decide where else they may be used. They can then ensure the pavers used for the patio won’t clash with the pavers used in other parts of the property.
When using the pavers for a driveway, ensure the selected pavers can withstand the weight of vehicles. Too much weight and the pavers may crack or break. The pavers must also offer plenty of traction so the vehicles won’t slip and slide. Compare pavers to concrete and asphalt to determine which surface will be best for the driveway.
Walkways need to be visually pleasing and functional. When choosing pavers for walkways, ensure they blend in with the surrounding landscape and the home’s architecture. As with a driveway, the walkway pavers must provide traction and a smooth surface to walk on. Consider brick or stone pavers to find the material that best achieves these goals.
Size and Shape
When the purpose of the space has been determined, the property owner must choose a size and shape for the pavers. Several factors need consideration at this time. Personal preferences and style will be the priority for many individuals, but the size and layout of the outdoor living space are also important.
Paver size affects the look and feel of this outdoor living space. When a person uses large pavers, the area looks more expansive. Small pavers, in contrast, provide a detailed look. When considering different sizes, ensure the pavers are proportional to the size of the outdoor living space. If the pavers are too large or too small for the space, the area appears awkward and unbalanced.
The shape is another thing to consider when selecting pavers. Homeowners find they can select from square, rectangular, circular, and unique shapes. Modern homes benefit from the use of rectangular and square pavers, as they provide a clean look that complements the home. Those who want a natural feel should look into circular pavers, while people who want a fun look to the home should consider pavers with irregular shapes.
Many homeowners choose to use pavers of the same shape and size throughout the outdoor living area. Mix it up by combining various shapes and sizes. Doing so makes the space more visually interesting. One homeowner might create a pattern using different sizes and shapes. Another person may choose to alternate between sizes for a natural look.
The installation process is a consideration when choosing pavers. Certain shapes take longer to install, and the homeowner must know this when selecting. Select pavers that are visually pleasing and easy to install to save time and money.
Material Considerations
Visit a local home improvement store and the variety of pavers offered for sale is impressive. Each material option offers a distinct look and feel. Most people choose concrete, brick, stone, or porcelain for patio pavers. When choosing, research the durability and maintenance requirements to ensure caring for the patio won’t become a full-time job.
Many people turn to concrete pavers because they are affordable and attractive. Choose from a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Concrete pavers are known for their durability and low-maintenance requirements. They are an excellent option for high-traffic areas.
Natural stone pavers are favorites of many people. They never go out of style and add elegance to any space. As with concrete pavers, property owners can choose from a range of colors, shapes, and textures. Regardless of where they are used, the pavers add a touch of luxury. The cost is higher than with many other options, however, and natural stone pavers require regular maintenance.
Brick pavers nicely complement traditional homes. They are durable and strong, and homeowners find they can choose from a variety of colors. The installation team has flexibility when it comes to laying bricks in a pattern, so each space is unique.
A new addition to the paver lineup is porcelain pavers. People love the durability and low maintenance requirements of these pavers. As with other styles, porcelain pavers come in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some options look like wood or natural stone.
Climate and Weather Considerations
The local climate plays a role in which pavers a person should select, as local conditions affect the durability and maintenance of these pavers. Many people don’t realize this when choosing pavers. Once the pavers are installed, they learn they have made the wrong choice. When selecting pavers, consider the following.
Extreme Weather
When people think of extreme weather, they think of tornados, hurricanes, and other major storms. However, extreme temperature fluctuations can do significant damage to patio pavers. Natural stone and concrete pavers expand and contract as the weather changes. They can end up cracking or shifting when they do. When purchasing pavers, learn whether they are rated for the local climate.
Moisture Resistant
Look for slip-resistant pavers if the area receives a lot of rain or is known for high humidity. Many homeowners find they must carefully monitor the pavers if they live in an area with high moisture levels. Mold and mildew growth will be a concern, and the owner might find it difficult to clean the pavers. Certain materials are porous and require regular sealing to avoid moisture damage. Natural stone is a good example of a paver that must be sealed.
UV Exposure
Sunlight may damage pavers just as moisture does. Colored concrete and brick are good examples of materials that fade in direct sunlight. Choose UV-resistant pavers if they will be installed in a sunny area to prevent fading.
Storms and Windy Conditions
High winds can lead to pavers shifting. Invest in heavy pavers to avoid this concern if the area is prone to high winds. Heavy rains may lead to flooding or water pooling on the pavers. Ensure there is adequate drainage to reduce the risk of this happening.
Installation Methods
The installation team may use one of two methods when installing backyard pavers. With the dry-laid method, pavers are placed on a bed of sand or gravel. No adhesives are needed, which allows more flexibility in the design. Using this method makes it easy to replace damaged pavers when needed. This installation method is less expensive than wet-laid methods.
The wet-laid method requires the use of cement or an adhesive to adhere the pavers to a surface. Installers use this technique when applying pavers to a concrete slab, for example. While the wet-laid installation cost is higher than a dry-laid installation, the pavers are more stable and will stay in place longer. This is the preferred method for high-traffic areas.
Budgeting for The Project
Homeowners find the cost of patio pavers varies. Before embarking on the project, they need to know how much they want to spend and how much it will cost to maintain the pavers. Certain materials are expensive initially but require little maintenance. Information such as this is important during the decision-making process.
Patio pavers serve as an excellent way to update an outdoor living space. However, the choice of pavers plays a role in the homeowner’s satisfaction with the completed project. Spend time researching the different options to find the one perfect for this project. Doing so allows a homeowner to get an outdoor living space that is beautiful and functional while adding to the property value.
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