November 2, 2022 by The Stone Man

7 Unique Paver Patio Ideas for Your Backyard

When the dreary winter weather changes to brighter, warmer days, you tend to want to start spending more time outdoors. You may shift your attention from indoor projects to checking off your outdoor to-do list. 

At the end of your busy day, you have the chance to enjoy the warm fresh air and grill on your patio — until you notice your backyard isn’t up to entertaining guests.

Whether your flower gardens have flattened or your hardscaping needs some attention, it’s time to consider your options. One way to freshen up your backyard is to update your patio with stone pavers. They come in various styles and colors, helping you create the backyard of your dreams.  

Not sure where to begin? Consider these paver patio ideas for inspiration.

waxhaw hardscaping

What Are Pavers?

Pavers are small stones made from concrete, clay brick, natural stone, and sometimes porcelain. These stones vary in size and come in many colors, textures, and patterns. When properly installed, they create a system of durable, flexible areas that won’t break or crack.  

You can easily maintain pavers by blowing or sweeping debris off the surface as it becomes visibly dirty. Maintenance is made easier by adding protective sealers to the surface. This protective layer also slows down the natural wear process.

Wide Array of Paver Option

Paver patio ideas are practically limitless due to your vast number of options. You can learn more about the options in your area by visiting a local stone yard or paver supplier. Before choosing a paver material, it’s best if you can see and touch several stones to help you make an informed decision.

Some of the most common types of stones used to turn paver patio ideas into reality include: 

  • Travertine
  • Concrete
  • Cobblestone
  • Slate
  • Limestone
  • Granite
  • Sandstone

Pavers are often spaced apart, requiring loose materials to fill the spaces. The filler material may be pea gravel or sand.  

Paver Colors

There are probably just as many colors to choose from as there are paver materials available. However, the most popular colors used for paver patio ideas are: 

  • Copper 
  • Adobe
  • Mocha
  • Charcoal
  • Sand
  • Stone
  • Pewter
  • Bluestone

These color selections will allow you to give your project your own personal touch and create your desired aesthetic. You can match a shade from your roof to create a cohesive look in your backyard. 

Paver Shapes

Pavers are often created in blocks that can be cut into multiple shapes to accommodate your paver patio ideas. Although simple shapes, like squares or rectangles, are commonly used, practically any other shape can be used. 

Some patio designers may use a combination of shapes to break up a large area. This makes the design and overall outdoor space more attractive.

Pavers vs. Poured Concrete

When designing a patio for your home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use pavers or poured concrete. Both options have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

First, let’s take a look at pavers. One of the biggest benefits of pavers is their flexibility in design. With a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes available, you can create a truly unique look with your paver patio that perfectly complements your home and landscaping. 

Paver patios are also known for their durability, with the ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and even vehicle traffic in some cases. If a paver becomes damaged, it’s easy to replace just that one unit, rather than having to replace the entire patio.

On the other hand, poured concrete patios offer their own advantages. One of the biggest is cost, as poured concrete is generally less expensive than pavers. Additionally, poured concrete can be poured into any shape, allowing for a more uniform look. Maintenance is also relatively simple, as you can easily sweep or power wash the patio to keep it looking clean.

However, poured concrete patios do have some drawbacks. The biggest is their tendency to crack over time. While concrete is durable, it can be susceptible to cracking due to changes in temperature and moisture levels. Additionally, repairing a cracked concrete patio can be expensive and difficult, as it’s often difficult to match the existing color and texture of the concrete.

The decision between pavers and poured concrete ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your home and landscaping. If you’re looking for a patio that offers flexibility in design and easy maintenance, patio pavers are definitely the way to go. 

Make Your Paver Patio Ideas Stand Out

paver patio ideas

One of the final decisions you’ll make about your paver project is the pattern and layout. Traditional designs include rectangular and cobble-style pavers, which work well in smaller spaces. However, if you prefer to avoid standard arrangements, you may consider one of the following patterns:

Running Bond

Running bond patterns incorporate pavers laid in rows with the same orientation. You can use a classic running bond, or create your own unique one using various colors and directions.

Herringbone

Herringbone designs include rectangular pavers laid with a zig-zag pattern.   

Basketweave

Patios with a basketweave pattern use rectangular pavers that create block designs. It’s a traditional laying pattern, but you can give it a modern look by alternating color tones.

French Pattern

For those wanting something a little different, a French pattern utilizes four uniquely sized pavers to create more intrigue and depth – think of an old European stone floor. This pattern is commonly used for natural stone and travertine.

Paver Borders

A well-laid border can provide the perfect finishing touch to your paver patio. Generally these border pavers are laid in a different pattern than the bulk of your patio to delineate the space and create a pleasing contrast.

Mortared Flagstone Border

One tried-and-true type of patio paver border is mortared flagstone. These simple borders are classic for a reason.

Soldier Course

Soldier course is a popular style of patio border in which rectangular pavers are laid with their longest sides side-by-side, perpendicular to the interior pavers. In other words, the pavers look as though they are marching upright together like soldiers.

Sailor Course

Sailor course borders are similar to soldier course borders, but are created by laying rectangular pavers longways instead. Therefore, these borders are generally more narrow than soldier course pavers.

7 Paver Patio Ideas

paver patio ideas

Pavers are incredibly versatile and durable. This means they can be used in almost any outdoor setting, transforming your backyard into the zen oasis or entertainment zone of your dreams. Try using one of these seven paver patio ideas as inspiration for your own:  

1. The Garden Path

One way you can blend your garden and patio is to use pavers to create a garden path. Turn leftover patio pavers into a functional walkway that ties both portions of your backyard together. 

Garden paths are an important aspect of paver patio design as they connect different areas of the patio and create a cohesive look for the outdoor space.

Garden paths can be straight or winding, and they can incorporate curves and angles to create a more interesting and dynamic design. Garden paths can also be illuminated with lights for added safety and to create a charming ambiance at night.

Garden paths can lead to different areas of the patio such as a seating area, a fire pit, a water feature, or even to a different part of the garden. They can also be used to create a sense of privacy by separating different areas of the patio. This gives your outdoor space an eye-catching and unique appearance.

2. Reclaimed Brick

Utilizing reclaimed brick pavers is a great way to create an outdoor space using recycled materials. Bricks that have been adequately cleaned, restored, and prepared may come with a heavy price tag. However, they are an asset when you want to create a vintage-looking patio. Plus, these bricks have been through the test of time, proving their ability to withstand the elements. They have already undergone years of natural weathering, making them exceptionally robust and resistant to wear and tear.

Maintenance-wise, a reclaimed brick paver patio is relatively low-maintenance. The natural weathering and patina of the bricks help camouflage dirt and stains, making them less noticeable over time. 

3. Round Paver Patios

paver patio ideas

When you think of a patio, you probably think of the traditional square design. But you can put a twist on this classic design using specially cut pavers to create a round patio. A professional paver cutter can deliver custom pieces, so the patio design lays perfectly.

One of the primary benefits of a round paver patio is its ability to create a natural gathering space. The circular shape encourages conversation and interaction by allowing people to face each other more easily.

4. Chessboard Paver Patios

Are you looking for something with more of a modern flare? Create a chessboard patio by using two colors of your choice of paver. Alternate their placement, separating them with jointing sand. The chessboard pattern creates a visually interesting and unique look for a patio, and it also allows for easy customization and personalization.

The chessboard pattern can be used in a variety of outdoor spaces, from small courtyards to large patios. It’s a design that is easy to maintain and it can be adapted to different styles and tastes, from rustic to modern.

5. Adding Steps

paver patio ideas

Have you considered adding a few steps to your backyard patio? Steps create more dimension and separate the seating area from the lawn. You can use flat stone pieces to create a mini elevated patio with steps guiding your guests into the garden.

Practically speaking, steps offer a convenient and safe transition between different levels or areas of your patio. They provide ease of access, allowing you and your guests to navigate the space comfortably.

6. Combination Paver Patios

You don’t have to settle if you can’t decide on one design for your paver patio. You can include two or three of your favorite patterns, like herringbone or basket weave, to create a contrasting design. This will give you one of the most unique paver patio ideas in your neighborhood!

A combination patio combines different materials or elements to create a unique and visually interesting look. It can incorporate different colors, textures, and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind design.

Combination patios can also include built-in features such as fire pits, water features, and outdoor kitchens. This type of patio design allows for a lot of flexibility and creativity, and can be tailored to match the specific needs and style of the homeowner. It can also add value to the property by providing an inviting and functional outdoor living space.

7. Pinstripe Wheels

A simple design that can transform your patio space is the pinstripe wheel. The pinstripe wheel is crafted using small pavers lined in a circular wheel. This creates an automatic focal point for any decoration or furniture you place in the center of the design. 

For more pizazz, add multi-colored pavers to create borders for various parts of the circles. This gives your guests something new to discover every time they step onto your patio.

Why You Shouldn't DIY Your Paver Patio

While it may be tempting to save some money and attempt to lay your paver patio yourself, there are several reasons why it’s best to hire a professional to do the job.

First and foremost, professional paver installers have the experience and expertise to ensure that your patio is laid properly and will last for years to come. They have the necessary tools and equipment to prepare the ground properly and ensure that the base is level and stable, which is critical for the long-term durability of the patio. They also have knowledge of the best materials and techniques to use, which can help ensure that the finished product is both attractive and functional.

Another advantage of hiring a professional is that they can help you avoid costly mistakes. Even a small error during the installation process can cause problems down the road, such as uneven pavers or water pooling on the patio. A professional will be able to identify and correct any issues before they become bigger problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Finally, hiring a professional can help ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently. DIY projects can often take much longer than anticipated, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. With a professional installer, you can be confident that the job will be done in a timely manner, allowing you to enjoy your new patio as soon as possible.

Do you need help finalizing your paver patio ideas? The Stone Man can help you customize a beautiful, unique look to make your patio dreams a reality. Contact The Stone Man today!