If you’re looking to add some landscaping to your backyard, consider including pavers in your plans. These versatile landscaping elements offer all kinds of options when it comes to creating unique outdoor spaces. From your patio to your garden, we’ll walk you through all the backyard areas where pavers can come in handy.

Backyard Paver Types

Before embarking on a big landscaping project using pavers, you’ll need to decide what materials you’ll be working with. Each comes at a different price point and with various pros and cons to be considered. Here’s an introduction to the various paver options available so you can choose the right one for your needs and your budget:

• Granite pavers: Granite pavers have a slightly crystalline finish, giving them a luxurious look. They also have varied patterns that make for a dynamic appearance. Granite pavers are very durable, making them a good choice for homeowners in colder climates where freezing and thawing occurs frequently.
• Travertine pavers: Granite pavers have a slightly crystalline finish, giving them a luxurious look. They also have varied patterns that make for a dynamic appearance. Granite pavers are very durable, making them a good choice for homeowners in colder climates where freezing and thawing occurs frequently.
• Rubber pavers: Most rubber pavers are made from recycled materials, so they’re an eco-friendly option. They are also easy to install and replace. They don’t have the high-end look of some other pavers, but they are durable and affordable. Homeowners with kids often prefer these pavers since they are more shock absorbent and slip resistant compared to other types of pavers.

Make a Patio With Pavers

One of the best ways to use your pavers is to create an outdoor living space. Whether you want a small area for just a couple of chairs or a spacious patio where you can include a fire pit, gazebo, and other landscaping features, pavers provide a stable surface and a dirt- and grass-free area where you and your guests can relax.

First, you’ll want to plan out the space. Decide on the size and shape you prefer, then choose from the paver types listed above. If you’ll be placing patio furniture on your pavers, make sure to choose something that’s very durable.

Once those basic elements have been selected, you can move on to the artistic side of things by choosing a pattern in which to lay the pavers. Some of the common options include herringbone, basket weave, European fan, and running bond patterns. You can also go for an abstract look by pairing pavers of various sizes. Spacing the pavers apart is a great way to combine landscaping with natural elements if you prefer a less defined outdoor living space.

Use Pavers in Gardens

Pavers can help you create a beautiful garden in a variety of ways. They are great for creating defined spaces between various plants and flowers. In addition, you can use pavers to create walkways through and around your gardens, which increases your enjoyment of these lovely areas of the yard.

With garden pavers, you’ll probably want something with an earthier tone, such as travertine or slate. This is the best complement for the natural surroundings. And though these pavers are often used to create defined spaces in gardens, keep in mind that the lines you create don’t have to be straight. You can great flowing shapes and complement the natural shape of your yard with curved lines or sporadically placed pavers.

Poolside Paver Ideas

Pavers can add a stylish look to your outdoor pool and help to create a more defined poolside space where you and your guests can hang out. One of the main concerns with poolside pavers is how they are affected by chlorine. Generally, brick and concrete pavers are the best option because their color isn’t affected by chlorine.

Another concern for poolside pavers is slip-resistance. You’ll want your pool deck to be safe when people are exiting the pool, and if any water is present on the surface, conditions can quickly become slippery. Adding a sealant to your pavers by the pool is a smart choice. Certain sealants can create a more slip-resistant surface and also protect the pavers from prolonged water exposure.

Tips for Laying Pavers Outside

While you can hire professionals to install your backyard pavers, it’s definitely a DIY project that most homeowners can handle. If you’re starting from scratch (not just replacing old pavers), you may need to rent mechanical equipment that compacts the soils to create a level surface. Once the dirt has been compacted, you can lay down a layer of gravel about 4 to 6 inches deep. Then, you’ll add a layer of concrete sand about 1 to 2 inches deep.

Make sure your base layers are perfectly level before you start placing your pavers. Generally, you’ll want a gap of about 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch between pavers. Once all the pavers are installed, you’ll spread sand between the gaps. The final step is applying a sealant, if needed.