When designing patios and walkways for your outdoor living space, it is important to keep a style in mind. Are you looking for something rustic, chic, simple, stark or utilitarian? What are you trying to accomplish with this space?
After making this decision it is time to choose the type of pavers that work best for your style. Most people are surprised by how many types there are to choose from. And even within these different types of pavers there are different colors and finishes that make your choices unique to you and help your yard be a standout in the neighborhood.
“Next to energy efficiency, perhaps no other market trend is changing the landscape of new-home design than outdoor living,
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Natural Stone Pavers
Stone pavers are quarried and cut and can be from a local quarry or from across the country. Natural pavers are sure to make your hardscape unique feature to your garden. The downside to natural stone is that it is more expensive and can get quite pricey if you are looking for special shapes. Examples of natural stone pavers are granite, travertine, limestone and marble. There are several finishing options as well. Some make the stone look antique while others give a much more polished look.
Brick Pavers
A visit downtown Annapolis will give you a great idea the look you can achieve with brick. It's a great look for historic houses or houses going for a more colonial look. Brick is quite a bite cheaper than natural stone and comes in many different colors and styles.
Flagstone
Like natural stone, flagstone can add a uniqueness to your garden not seen in every neighbor's yard. However, it is a quite a bit less expensive making it easier to use throughout your garden for both patios and walkways. Because each piece of flagstone is shaped different you can create a more rustic look with this paver. Flagstone comes in many colors and textures.
Concrete Pavers
These pavers are becoming more popular and make a great addition for a more modern patio or walkway. You can use them to create a grid effect with mosses or grass planted in between. Or you can add pebbles to match for a cleaner look.
Interlocking Pavers
There are many other benefits to interlocking pavers. They are easy to repair, come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and finishes and can be removed if you need to get to plumbing or other utilities buried underneath them. The downside of these pavers is they include being more expensive and the fact that weeds can grow up through the cracks.
Permeable Pavers
If you are looking for a sustainable solution for your garden, try permeable pavers. They are best used in large walkways and driveways. According to Landscaping Network, " these surfaces help ground water recharge by allowing water to flow into open spaces between the materials. These porous materials also filter pollutants and solids from the water as it percolates through the surface." The cost for these pavers varies based on a number of factors.
