The Techniques And Designs Behind Some Popular Paver Patterns

Laying pavers seems so easy and fun anyone could do it. While that is somewhat true, it’s more to this concept than just putting the pieces together like in a puzzle. If you’re using pavers for your landscape, then you first have to pick a pattern. There are lots of popular options to choose from and each one has its own defining characteristics and challenges.

DIY-Flagstone-Pathway

Circular patterns

Most often used in large driveways or patio areas, this pattern is created by laying the paver rows in a circular pattern, starting from the center. Something to take into consideration is that the pavers will have small spaces in between and these have to be filled with mortar or sand in order to obtain an even surface.

circular-backyard-paver

You can combine this pattern with others such as heringbone or basket weave, although it can be a big difficult to get the lines just right.

circular-pattern-for-your-garden

Opt for a circular pattern if you have a round seating area in the yard or garden. You can use this idea as as a starting point before you design the landscape and the areas surrounding the house.

Herringbone patterns

In this case, the pavers are organized in alternate directions, in such a way that they form a V shape. The pattern is known for being durable and this allowed it to become a classic over time. It’s used on driveways, patios and walkways and it has a strong visual impact even if it’s not particular unusual or intriguing. This pattern original from old English landscape designs.

herringbone-paver-pattern

Add a border around the flower beds or green areas to better define the walkway. Use a different color or a slightly darker shade.

creating-a-herringbone-pattern

When creating a herringbone pattern, the pavers can be laid at either 45 or 90 degrees. The angle you choose will determine the overall pattern and design.{found on amslandscapedesign}.

The basket weave

The basket weave

Ideal for those who want to create a vintage or historic look, the basket weave pattern is easy to get right. Alternate the pavers between vertical and horizontal pairs. They’ll create rows and columns and this will have a strong visual effect.

the-baske-wave-pattern

When using the basket weave pattern, you can get creative and use different colors. Or stick with only one color to get that old, worn look.{found on whitneylyons}.

The European fan

european-fan-paver-front-house

Popular all across Europe, this pattern is one of the most challenging ones. A kit can be used when laying this pattern for an easier approach. But although it’s a challenging design, it also offers some flexibility when determining the size of the fan or the color of the pavers.

european-fan-paver

This pattern is popular in both residential and commercial spaces and can be used to create mesmerizing visual effects if desired. It can also be adapted to modern settings.

The running bond

The running bond pattern

The running bond pattern is the most commonly used today and that’s mostly because it’s really easy to lay and to install. In addition, it’s also the most efficient one, producing the least amount of waste compared to all the other ones. The pavers are laid side by side and need minimal cutting.

The running bond

This is a pattern that’s ideal for small patios and which can make a small area seem bigger thanks to its simple, linear lines.

Checkered patterns

grass-and-concrete-pavers-around-pool

This is a classic and very popular pattern and it’s not usually obtained using small pavers. Usually, large square-shaped stones are used. Most often, two different colors are used in order to highlight this type of pattern.

Checkered patterns

An interesting idea is to combine large stone pavers with artificial grass squares to obtain a simple pattern with a modern and fresh twist.

Checkered patterns grass

Aside from the pattern in which they’re arranged, pavers also differ in shape and this too can help determine the type of design.

Flagstone designs

flagstone-irregular-shape

In this category you can include designs that are created using irregular-shaped stones arranged in a random pattern. The stones can range in size from 8” x 15” to 7” x 9”. Any variations within this range can work. You have a lot of freedom in this case because there’s no predefined pattern or shape you have to follow.

flagstone-pathway-pavers

Opt for a flagstone walkway if you want to create an authentic and beautiful look. This is a design that works best for rustic settings because of the inconsistencies and the lack of a clean and well-designed pattern.

flagstone-and-grass

The flagstone and grass combination is popular and always beautiful. But you have to constantly care for the grass and to make sure it stays healthy and trimmed.{found on windsorcompanies}.

flagstone-around-the-firepit

The grass areas help to better define the shapes of the stones and the lines between them. Again, this style suits mostly traditional and rustic landscapes.

Cobblestone designs

irregular-pavers

Cobblestones originally were small stones that were rounded by the flow of water. They were gathered from stream beds and used to pave the streets in old England. They are generally of a natural-occurring form although setts are also often referred to as cobbles even though they have a regular shape.

organic-natural-backyard-pavers

Given the irregularities and organic shapes, you can use cobblestones in combination with flagstone pathways and other such designs.{found on groundswelldesigngroup}.

modern-Cobblestone-design

In a modern or contemporary setting, regular-shaped pavers are preferred. Their clean and simple lines can be used to create random patterns or can be arranged in predefined patterns with symmetrical or regular designs.