8 Great Ways to Use Landscape Pavers
Today's Stepping Stones Define a Space While Adding Affordable Style
Growing up in South Florida in the 1980s, I was so accustomed to the same "Chattahoochee" style garden pavers that I swore I'd banish them from my existence. Twenty years later as a homeowner living in Atlanta, I've got newfound respect for garden pavers altogether.
While I personally refuse to use those same multi-colored, pebble and stone 12x12s that sucked the soul of my neighbors' yards, I have taken a liking to simple concrete pavers as well as fragmented slabs of stone. Here's a look at some successful uses of these great-looking, purposeful stepping stone alternatives.
While I personally refuse to use those same multi-colored, pebble and stone 12x12s that sucked the soul of my neighbors' yards, I have taken a liking to simple concrete pavers as well as fragmented slabs of stone. Here's a look at some successful uses of these great-looking, purposeful stepping stone alternatives.
Brunches and lunches in the garden can soar to new heights by defining the space with randomly placed pavers. It breaks up the otherwise green ground and adds a bit more solid surface for chair and table legs. Keeping grass between each paver is key; it creates an "always been there" look.
Fragmented stone slabs laid out in a circular pattern create a courtyard effect even if you don't actually have a courtyard. In addition to this, it's an excellent way to highlight a feature such as a waterfall, obelisk or statuary. Or if you're an overachiever, an obelisk with a statuary carved into it with water cascading from the top.
If you're worried about upkeep involved with watering grass between pavers, filling the space between with an accent stone is a great option. Consider skipping the mortar to allow rainwater to soak in. Hey, it's impossible to kill rocks, right?
Just a few pavers can be the saving grace for homeowners wanting a higher-end look with a lower-end budget. In this case, just six pavers complete the task of getting from the door to the walkway; the rest of the space is filled with something much less expensive and even easier to install.
Circular pavers! Of these I am a very large fan. Why? If you live in a house that's super linear, the introduction of the round shape helps break up the monotonous look. There's a trick to installing pavers: Place them where you want them to sit, dig a hole slightly more shallow than the actual height, stick each paver in place, then ensure a level fit by adding sandbox sand in any wobbly space until the paver sits nearly flush with the ground.
Rectangular pavers separated about four inches from one another can look look in sync with modern or transitional architectural. To save some cash, create a larger space between each. By the time you price it out, you'll realize the difference between 2 inches and 8 inches may be 8 full pavers, saving you hundreds of dollars...which you can then give to me to buy my own.
Using pavers out of context can give them brand new identity. In this case, the same rectangular paver used as steps surrounded by pea gravel carry on over a pond as an open bridge-alternative.
Mix pea gravel with pavers to delineate an outdoor lounge space in the landscape. Pea gravel is very affordable. Decide where you want your loungers to sit, then place them. Fill the remaining space with a layer of pea gravel roughly three inches deep, ensuring you fill the spaces between each paver. The use of gravel saves money and creates a water-permeable surface.
Tip: Invest in an electric leaf blower — things falling out of trees can easily junk up the gravel.
Next: Browse more landscape photos
Tip: Invest in an electric leaf blower — things falling out of trees can easily junk up the gravel.
Next: Browse more landscape photos