From blue stone, to concrete pavers, the choice of paving material is extremely diverse. Deciding which pavers to use can often be determined by climate, and surroundings.
Materials Available
There are many different types of stone pavers available for exterior use. Not all are appropriate for every location, however. Concrete pavers, with their dense structure, are suitable anywhere, and can withstand the freeze thaw of northern climates. Travertine and Chinese slate pavers are suitable for warmer, drier climates, as they would not withstand the freeze thaw, and could crack over time.
Quarry pavers, are fired clay tiles with a non-porous surface, perfect for any climate, and available in multiple colors, shapes and sizes to suit many styles. Blue stone is a popular material in the Northeast, and is well suited to withstanding frost heaves, provided that it is thick enough; any natural or stone paver used outdoors in northern climates should be a minimum of an inch thick, to help maintain the structural integrity.
Shapes and Sizes of Pavers
Depending on the material, exterior pavers may be available in several shapes and sizes. Many natural stone pavers are available in large slabs of 16” x 24” or larger, to help them maintain their structure. Quarry pavers can be purchased in brick shapes, such as 3x6 or 4x8, as well as hexagon, and octagon and dot patterns of up to 12” in size.
Concrete pavers can be poured in multiple shapes, patterns and sizes, from squares and rectangles, to octagons, hexagons, and other shapes in nearly any size. This makes concrete pavers the most versatile material, as they can be used anywhere, in multiple ways.
Patterns of Paving Stones
There are many ways to lay paving stones, from simple hexagon or octagon and dot patterns, to offset or herringbone patterns made of bricks. Determining what type of pattern to use, can be done by examining the material and its space.
If using quarry pavers which have a large amount of color and movement to them, consider keeping the pattern simple, and allowing the interest to come from the pavers themselves. For single color pavers, more intricate patterns can be laid.
Large spaces such as patios or driveways can handle any size of paver. Try laying a patio in large, offset or broken joint rectangular pavers, while paving a driveway in smaller pavers, laid in a concentric ring.
Walkways and garden pavers work well with herringbone patterns that help to lead the eye in the direction being followed, while providing additional grout to help provide grip for the feet.
If using tumbled, chiseled or rough surfaced pavers, consider using a broken pattern, with pavers of multiple sizes laid in a broken joint pattern over the surface. This can add interest to large spaces by keeping a great deal of movement over the entire space.
For areas that join one another, consider using the same material in different sizes or patterns as the areas change. Pave a driveway in large, rectangular pavers set in an offset pattern, while the walkway leading from it is paved in a smaller, herringbone pattern of the same material.
Be sure to always check to make sure that the material in question is rated for outdoor use, particularly in harsh climates. Choose colors and materials of pavers that are complimentary to their surroundings, and let their pattern set them apart. Visit a stone yard to find interesting or different materials, and play around with the layout to get the best effect for the space. Consider using stone or concrete pavers in place of a smooth pavement, and bring extra interest and detail to any space, today.
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