Thinking of upgrading your outdoor space with new pavers? Choosing the right paver material and style is an important decision to ensure your new patio, walkway or driveway looks great for many years to come. This guide will help you understand the various paver options available and factors to consider like size, durability, maintenance needs and aesthetics so you can select the ideal pavers for your project.
Materials
Start by determining the material you want for your pavers. Do you want concrete, clay, stone or composite? Concrete pavers are very durable and cost-effective, and they come in a variety of colours and textures. Clay pavers have a natural, earthy appeal but are more fragile than concrete. Natural stones like limestone, granite and bluestone offer an elegant, timeless look but require more maintenance. Composite materials like wood-plastic and concrete-slate blends appear more expensive at a lower price point.
Shape and Size
You’ll want to pick the shape and size that best fits your space and design aesthetic. You can get the traditional rectangular or square shapes or go with the hexagonal style if you want something more unique. As for sizes, the larger rectangular or square pavers, like 12 inches by 12 inches or 24 by 24, are the best choice if you want an airy, open feel for the area. The bigger surfaces allow for a spacious look rather than having the path or patio feel closed in. The simple rectangular or square designs are generally what most homeowners pick because they work well without being too flashy or drawing too much attention away from the overall landscape. Focus first on what will complement your yard or look best flowing with the natural surroundings.
Smaller Pavers
Smaller pavers, like 4×8 inches, work well for detailed borders or intricate patterns. Hexagonal pavers provide more design options for curving and angled edges. Make a scale layout of your project space beforehand to visualize how different shapes and sizes will look. Remember to account for joint spacing between pavers, too.
Colours and Finishes
Concrete pavers come in earth tones like sand, taupe, and gray, brighter whites, and tropical shades like teal. Clay and stone offer even more natural colour variations. Some pavers have a smooth, polished finish, while others have a textured surface or scattered hue pigmentation. Before making your selection, sample several options side by side in full sunlight to see how the colours truly appear. Bring samples of your home’s siding and brick or stone accents as references.
Style Considerations
Be realistic about how the pavers will be used when deciding on a style. Elaborate patterns or intricate edges may not hold up as well to a high-traffic driveway as a simple stacked bond installation. Pavers with an anti-slip texture are safest for steps. Also, factor in special details, such as whether you need pavers with chamfered (bevelled) or bull-nosed edges for curves or accents. Contractors can advise on the best paver types and styles for heavy vehicle weight or snow removal needs specific to your climate.
Accessories and Budgeting
Remember to budget for necessary accessories when choosing and pricing pavers, too. You’ll need edge restraints, paver sand, polymeric jointing sand or additives, landscape edging, interlocking cornerstones, and accent pavers to complete the look. Proper drainage and landscaping details are also recommended depending on the grade and slope around your project space. Get quotes from a few landscape contractors experienced in paver installations to ensure your material choices fall within budget parameters.
By taking the time upfront to thoroughly consider your project vision, site needs, budget and paver attributes, you’ll ultimately pick materials that will enhance your outdoor space for many years.
Get Expert Paver Installation Services in Toronto
Need expert advice from professional paver installers in Toronto? West York Paving Ltd. will discuss every aspect, including material selections, and you can feel confident your pavers will be installed exactly right for form and function. Do you have questions regarding pavers for your home in Toronto? Reach out to us today!