Houston Paver Patio

Prized for their durability, affordability and strength, patio pavers-or concrete pavers-have become increasingly popular among U.S. homeowners. Because they come in many shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and designs, patio pavers bring versatility to your patio design. They can be used in small garden designs, outdoor rooms, formal and informal spaces, entryways, in your deck design and...well, wherever you can think of a landscaping idea.

Patio pavers are both elegant and low-maintenance. When properly installed, they rarely crack, shift or sag. Should any paver become stained or chipped, they can be easily repaired or replaced, something not necessarily duplicated with other flooring options.

Patio Pavers: Types of Pavers

The variety of shapes and textures for pavers accounts for much of their popularity. A list would include the look of stone (think of the earthy and storied stone fences of old Ireland), flagstone (this paver mimics the interesting, irregular shapes of original flagstone), cobblestone (antiquing technology is used to give the appearance of stone used in an Old World piazza like you might find in an Italian villa), and rectangular brick (with this classic, refined look you have the flexibility to create many interesting architectural designs).

For homeowners who are interested in a green garden-"green", as in ecologically-sensitive-you can find pavers that are designed to let plants grow through them. This innovative design is actually a two-way street since it also allows water to filter naturally into the soil instead of running off. In other words, it works with nature while still permitting you to shape and maintain your landscape.

Patio Pavers: Patterns

Square, rectangular, hexagon, octagon-there are only a few of the shapes you will find for patio pavers. Once you've picked out the shape of your choice, you can then have fun choosing a design in which to lay them. Some examples:

• Basket weave. Pavers are laid in a checkerboard pattern, something that the eye welcomes and is drawn to. It is a popular choice for patios. This pattern is also known as parquet.

• Herringbone. With this design, pavers are put down at either a 45 or 90 degree angle with the angle rotating in direction with each sequence. It also is a commonly chosen pattern for patios because it is tasteful and classic.

• Flagstone. This design, also called "random", uses different sizes of pavers for a single application. When putting it down, it might feel like a giant jigsaw puzzle. It is a good choice for paths, walkways and driveways.

• Circle design. This challenging pattern, due to the degree of difficulty in creating curves, makes for a memorable effect. Usually done with the stone or rectangular brick shapes, although other shapes can be used.

• Running bond or stack bond pattern. These patterns alternate each course of pavers back and forth in the pattern commonly seen on most brick houses. Running bond is one of the most practical patterns for outdoor patios. Stack bond works well in areas with lots of foot traffic, such as walkways.

In coming up with the design for your patio pavers, remember that the same project can use two or more different colors of concrete pavers. You can mix the textures, too. For instance, for the main part of the patio you might go with a cobblestone square look in a subtle earth tone. For the edge, you could then pick the classic look of hand-hewn stone in an octagonal shape in a slightly different shade. The geometrics of the two shapes play well against each other while the two color tones naturally complement and enhance the other, both blending naturally into the landscape garden design-elegant, timeless and graceful.

Patio Pavers: Hire a Professional

Your landscaper, landscape designer or landscape architect can help you create the perfect design and match for your patio design project. Further, they can help you coordinate and integrate the look with your home's architecture and other landscape elements. Besides patios, concrete pavers have a variety of uses for the hardscapes of your landscape design, including driveways, motor courts, pathways, retaining walls, patio walls, outdoor kitchens, and decking around a luxury swimming pool.