How to Design a Paver Project Admin, Lee's Content Team, October 17, 2024October 22, 2024 Summary đź’¬ Request a quote today. Share your goals, and we’ll take care of everything. From assessing your property to developing a custom plan, we’ve got it all covered to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Choosing materials, designs, and features for your paver project is easy with our guidance. Our goal is to create a space that is not only visually stunning but also highly functional to suit your style and needs. Each decision shapes the look, durability, and cost, ensuring your outdoor space reflects your vision perfectly. Top Paver Projects: Backyard Patio: A natural stone patio with a random pattern, sealed with a non-slip coating for safety, and in-ground lighting to set the perfect mood for evening gatherings. Front Yard Walkway: A classic herringbone clay paver walkway, bordered by brick edging and filled with polymeric sand to keep weeds at bay. Garden Pathway: An eco-friendly pathway with permeable pavers, moss-filled gaps, and natural stone borders for a rustic, earthy look. đź“‹ Lee’s Paver Project Custom Order: Designing a paver project is an exciting and creative process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Paver projects are not only fun but also incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities to enhance your hardscape. Our commitment to personalized service means we’ll listen closely to your goals and provide expert advice on design, materials, and construction. Get Started Project Overview FeaturesOptionsType of PaversConcrete Pavers Clay Pavers (Brick), Natural Stone Pavers, Porcelain Pavers, Rubber or Plastic PaversPaver Shape and SizeSquare Rectangular, Circular/Curved, Random Sizes, Large Format Pavers, Small Format PaversPaver ColorNeutral Colors, Earth Tones, Cool Tones, Multi-tone Blends, Custom ColorsPattern or Layout DesignHerringbone, Basketweave, Running Bond, Random/Irregular, Circular/Fan PatternJointing MaterialPolymeric Sand, Regular Sand, Gravel or Pebbles, Grass or MossEdge RestraintConcrete Edging Plastic or Metal Edging, Natural Stone Borders, Brick Edging, No EdgingBase MaterialCrushed Stone/Gravel, Sand, Compacted SoilDrainage SolutionsPermeable Pavers, Slope Grading, French Drain Installation, Built-in Gutters or DrainsSealer or FinishNo Sealer, Glossy or Matte Sealer, Non-Slip Coating, Stain-Resistant SealerLighting OptionsIn-ground Paver Lights (LED), Pathway, Lights String or Hanging Lights, Spotlights on Plants or TreesAccent FeaturesIncorporate a fire pit or fireplace Water features (fountains, ponds), Built-in seating, Decorative inlays, Planter boxes or garden bordersBudget ConsiderationLow budget, Mid-range budget, High-end budgetUse and FunctionalityLight foot traffic, Heavy foot traffic, Driveway usage, Entertainment spaceSeasonal ConsiderationsSnow and ice resistance, Salt resistance, Heat resistance, Freeze-thaw durability Request a Paver Quote Seattle Paver Project Options 1. Type of Pavers Question: What type of pavers would you like to use? See also Year-Round Homeowner Guide for Maintaining Plants, Lawns, and Pests in Seattle, WAConcrete Pavers: Pre-cast concrete blocks available in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. Often used in modern designs due to their versatility. Clay Pavers (Brick): Traditional brick made from natural clay, usually red or brown. Timeless, classic look that weathers beautifully over time. More durable than concrete in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. Natural Stone Pavers: Flagstone (irregular, flat stones), bluestone (blue-gray stone), or limestone. Adds a high-end, organic look to patios or walkways. More expensive but offers exceptional beauty and uniqueness. Porcelain Pavers: Man-made, kiln-fired ceramic tiles that mimic stone or wood. High durability, resistant to stains, moisture, and frost. Great for a sleek, contemporary finish. Rubber or Plastic Pavers: Eco-friendly options made from recycled materials. Soft and flexible, often used in playgrounds or areas where cushioning is preferred. Typically less expensive and lightweight. 2. Paver Shape and Size Question: What shape and size of pavers do you prefer? Square: Traditional, uniform shape. Common in both modern and classic designs. Offers a clean, symmetrical look. Rectangular: One of the most versatile shapes, can be laid in many patterns like running bond or herringbone. Perfect for creating long, straight paths or geometric designs. Circular/Curved: Used to create a sense of flow, especially in gardens or around central features like fire pits. Creates a more organic, natural feel. Random Sizes: A mixture of different sized pavers that are placed irregularly. Adds a rustic, natural appearance, often used in stone walkways. Large Format Pavers: Pavers larger than 24×24 inches create a sense of openness and luxury. Requires fewer joints, which makes them look more streamlined. Small Format Pavers: More intricate designs and patterns can be created with smaller pavers. Common in detailed walkways, patios, and old-world-style designs. 3. Paver Color Neutral Colors (Gray, Beige, Tan, Cream): These are common choices for modern designs and minimalist aesthetics. Neutral colors blend well with most home exteriors and landscapes. Earth Tones (Brown, Red, Rust, Terracotta): Warm and inviting, these tones are great for creating a natural look. Typically used for rustic or traditional designs. Cool Tones (Blue, Slate, Charcoal): These colors give a more modern or industrial feel. Cool tones can help offset strong sunlight, making the space feel cooler. Multi-tone Blends: Pavers with variegated colors (two or more blended tones) provide depth and texture. Great for mimicking natural stone or creating a more dynamic visual effect. Custom Colors: Many manufacturers offer custom colors to match a specific design palette or branding. Typically more expensive, but provides unique personalization. See also Seattle Lawn Services 4. Pattern or Layout Design Question: How would you like the pavers to be laid out? Herringbone: A classic, V-shaped pattern where pavers are laid at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle to each other. Provides excellent stability, especially for driveways or areas with heavy traffic. Basketweave: Alternating pairs of horizontal and vertical pavers create a woven effect. Often used in more traditional or historical settings. Running Bond: Pavers are laid in rows where the seams are staggered, similar to brickwork on a wall. Simple, clean, and works well for both walkways and patios. Random/Irregular: Pavers of various sizes and shapes are arranged in a seemingly random pattern. Creates a natural, organic appearance often found in cottage or garden settings. Circular/Fan Pattern: Pavers are laid in a radial or curved pattern, often around a central focal point. Ideal for patios or areas where the layout is round or oval-shaped. 5. Jointing Material (Grout or Filler) Question: What type of joint material would you like between pavers? Polymeric Sand: A special sand that contains polymers, which hardens when wet. Fills in the joints between pavers, preventing weed growth and insect infestation. Durable and low maintenance, making it ideal for outdoor spaces. Regular Sand: Used traditionally between pavers but needs regular upkeep. Prone to shifting and may allow weeds to grow over time. Gravel or Pebbles: Adds a decorative touch by using small stones or pebbles between the pavers. Commonly used in natural or rustic settings, requires occasional replenishment. Grass or Moss: For a more eco-friendly or natural look, you can plant grass or moss between the pavers. Requires more maintenance but creates a softer, greener environment. 6. Edge Restraint Question: What type of edge restraint will you use to keep pavers in place? Concrete Edging: A poured concrete border that keeps pavers in place. Durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. Plastic or Metal Edging: Lightweight and flexible, making it easy to install. Typically hidden beneath the surface, creating a clean edge. Natural Stone Borders: Larger stones or rocks are placed around the edge to contain the pavers. Adds a natural or rustic look to the project. Brick Edging: Uses bricks set vertically or horizontally to frame the paver area. Often used in more traditional designs, especially when using brick pavers. No Edging: Some designs forgo formal edging for a more organic, natural look. Works best in garden or woodland settings, though it may lead to shifting over time. 7. Base Material Question: What base material do you prefer for stability? Crushed Stone/Gravel: The most common base material for pavers, providing stability and drainage. Often paired with a sand layer on top to level the pavers. Helps prevent pavers from shifting over time. Sand: Typically used as a leveling layer, but some simpler projects use sand alone as a base. Sand is compacted to create a smooth surface for the pavers to rest on. Compacted Soil: For very basic or temporary walkways, compacted soil can serve as the base. Not ideal for long-term projects as it doesn’t provide as much stability. See also Seattle Irrigation System Services 8. Drainage Solutions Question: How do you plan to handle water drainage? Permeable Pavers: Pavers designed to allow water to pass through, preventing runoff and reducing flooding. Ideal for areas prone to heavy rainfall or where environmental sustainability is a priority. Slope Grading: Slightly tilting the surface of the pavers to allow water to drain away from buildings or pathways. Essential to prevent standing water and maintain the durability of the paver installation. French Drain Installation: A trench filled with gravel containing a perforated pipe that redirects water away from the patio or walkway. Great for areas with poor natural drainage. Built-in Gutters or Drains: Installing gutters or surface drains directly into the paver area to direct water away. Commonly used in larger patio projects or high-traffic areas. 9. Sealer or Finish Question: Do you want to apply a sealer or special finish to the pavers? No Sealer: The pavers are left untreated for a natural, weathered look. Requires more maintenance and cleaning to avoid stains or moss growth. Glossy or Matte Sealer: Sealer adds a layer of protection, preventing water, stains, and UV damage. Glossy sealers enhance the color of the pavers, while matte finishes keep a more natural look. Non-Slip Coating: Special coatings are available to add traction and prevent slips on the pavers. Ideal for areas exposed to water, like pool decks or patios. Stain-Resistant Sealer: Prevents oil, grease, and other stains from penetrating the surface. Useful in outdoor kitchens or driveways where staining is common. 10. Lighting Options Question: Would you like to incorporate any lighting features into your walkway or patio? In-ground Paver Lights (LED): Small, recessed lights placed directly in the paver surface. Adds subtle lighting for walkways or patios, enhancing nighttime safety and ambiance. Pathway Lights: Small solar or electric lights that line the path. Commonly used to illuminate walkways or garden paths. String or Hanging Lights: Decorative string lights or hanging bulbs for patios to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Often used for outdoor entertaining spaces. Spotlights on Plants or Trees: Ground lights that highlight surrounding landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, or water features. Adds a dramatic touch, especially for garden walkways. 11. Accent Features Question: Would you like to add any design accents or features? Options: Incorporate a fire pit or fireplace Water features (fountains, ponds) Built-in seating (stone benches or walls) Decorative inlays (different color or type of pavers) Planter boxes or garden borders 12. Budget Consideration Question: What is your overall budget for the project? Options: Low budget: Focus on cost-effective materials like concrete pavers Mid-range budget: Choose higher-quality materials and custom designs High-end budget: Use natural stones or complex patterns 13. Use and Functionality Question: What will the primary use of the walkway or patio be? Options: Light foot traffic (e.g., a garden walkway) Heavy foot traffic (e.g., main path to house or patio) Driveway usage (requires heavier-duty pavers) Entertainment space (large patio for hosting) 14. Seasonal Considerations Question: Will your paver walkway/patio need to withstand winter conditions or other environmental factors? Options: Snow and ice resistance (non-slip pavers) Salt resistance (for areas where salt is used on walkways) Heat resistance (lighter color pavers for sunny areas) Freeze-thaw durability (choose pavers that can expand and contract without cracking) ✉️ Get Started: Next Steps: We’ll review your goals, assess your property, and recommend the best materials and services. Sit back while we take care of the heavy lifting and deliver results you'll love. Request a quote today! Landscaping