The Essential Guide to Choosing Patio Pavers

This summer, home improvement spending was up a whopping 22.6 percent, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. The increase was gathered from reports from home centers, hardware stores, and garden centers.

With the economy in trouble and demand high, there was a shortage in patio pavers. Now, with life in much of the country slowly getting back to normal, it may be time to take another look at your patio.

When you do, there are many considerations to factor in, including your budget, where you live, and how creative you're willing to get.

In the following post, we'll discuss some of the factors to consider when replacing your patio.

Choose the Right Material

First, you have to decide what your budget is. Patio pavers (just like almost anything for the home) can range wildly in price. And you'll have to determine if you need to hire a professional patio installer or if you're willing to tackle the project DIY style.

For example, a 120-square foot patio of brick pavers can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $1,800. Beautiful Panorama Demicombo Pavers will cost around $400 to cover a 100ft square area ($3.93/sq ft).

But the price is just one of the considerations. 

Of course, you want a paver material and style that has the look and color you want. 

After that, you'll need to choose a paver that matches your environment. Does your home experience a lot of rain? Is it exposed to a lot of sun? Are cold temperatures usual?

In the Mid-Atlantic region, consider brick or travertine pavers because of the plentiful sunlight and warm temperatures. Concrete or limestone works well under moderate conditions or under an awning or other covering. 

If you love the look of a certain landscape paver but wonder if it'll hold up, you should consider using a sealer to protect it or build into your budget replacement pieces to keep your patio looking its best.

Pick the Shape of Your Patio Pavers

One of the biggest considerations for choosing the proper shape and size of your pavement is the size of your project. Have a big patio? Use larger pavers? Have a smaller space? It's easier to use smaller pavers and more intricate designs. Like vertical stripes on your favorite sweater, wide pavers in a tight space will make the patio look even smaller.   

One popular technique is to try different patterns and shapes for your patio settings. For example, mix square and rectangle pavers for an Ashlar pattern under your seating area and then a circular paving pattern around the firepit. 

Choose the Right Color

Make sure to match the colors of your pavers to the color of your house. Designers say to take inspiration from your roof and trim in selecting matching patio pavers. The pavers' color should, in general, be a little lighter than your house. 

If you want to up the Wow!-factor on your patio, try mixing the color of the pavers. But use caution; you should keep the borders a consistent color, and make sure to not have any clashing colors.

Also, consider the environment. Muted colors work best for areas where sun fade is going to be an issue. 

Watch Your Pennies

No matter what substance, shape, or color you chose for your patio pavers you should always keep your overall budget in mind. 

Shapes and styles vary widely in price. Some patterns are more time consuming to lay than others. And some pavers will require more upkeep like regular sealings. You should always try to keep these factors in mind while planning out your patio project. 

Check out our latest inventory of materials on our paver section.