5 Tips for Choosing the Right Patio Pavers
Selecting the perfect patio pavers may seem overwhelming, with many options available today. But keeping a few key considerations in mind will help you choose pavers that complement your home’s style, meet functional needs, and provide lasting enjoyment.
At Eastman Hardscape Construction, we provide high-quality paver patios at cost-effective pricing. We work closely with our clients to ensure that the patio we construct for them is perfect.
Helpful Tips to Make the Right Patio Paver Choices
Follow these 5 tips when choosing materials for your new patio installation or remodeling project.1. Consider overall aesthetic goals - Determine the look you want the patio pavers to achieve before zeroing in on specific materials. Do you like a classic brick patio with a timeless appeal or modern porcelain pavers in cool gray tones? Or the textural beauty of natural stone? Envision how the pavers will coordinate with your home's architectural style and other exterior finishes like siding, stonework, and plantings. Also, consider the shape and layout pattern you find most appealing. Discuss options with your landscape designer to select pavers that align aesthetically.
2. Evaluate functional requirements - Beyond appearance, ensure the patio pavers suit your functional needs. Decide whether you will use the space frequently for dining and entertaining where spilled drinks or food require easy cleaning. Go with stain-resistant porcelain or natural stone, less prone to discoloration. Consider if you need freeze-thaw durability for colder climates, and concrete may be a better choice than permeable pavers. It is important to determine if slip resistance is important for poolside areas that get wet? If yes, concrete or stone offers better traction when wet than smooth tile or porcelain. Analyze your usage to pick patio pavers that perform.
3. Assess durability considerations - The durability of patio materials determines how well they withstand weather, foot traffic, shifting soil, and other stresses over time. Concrete pavers offer good durability thanks to their density and strength. Porcelain is harder and more impervious to staining or etching than natural stone. And stone types like granite and quartzite are extremely resilient options. On the other hand, more porous sandstone is prone to erosion, while bricks may crack more easily from soil movement. Realistically weigh durability against aesthetics for the best long-term patio surface.
4. Mind moisture factors - Porosity, drainage, and dampness issues factor into patio paver selection. Highly porous travertine requires diligent sealing to avoid discoloration. Non-porous porcelain won’t stain but offers no permeability. Porcelain is a smart pick for patios surrounding a pool or hot tub or subject to frequent moisture. Concrete pavers allow drainage between joints, unlike poured concrete. Permeable pavers mitigate puddling by allowing water to filter through joints into an aggregate base below. Mind your climate and moisture conditions when deciding on patio paver materials.
5. Consider maintenance requirements - Some pavers, like concrete, require little long-term maintenance beyond occasional power washing. More porous natural stone demands yearly sealing to prevent staining. Brick and concrete pavers shift over time and may need sand swept into crevices. Meticulous homeowners may favor porcelain’s total resistance to staining and weeds. Regardless of your choice, ensure your maintenance tolerance aligns with the paver material’s care requirements after installation.
Consult Paver Patio Professionals
By taking stock of these factors before selecting patio pavers, you can feel confident your choice checks the boxes for aesthetics, performance, and longevity. Consult with experienced landscape designers for input and suggestions on paver patio choices.If you need a paver patio installed, contact us and schedule a consultation. Our team will guide you and help you start your project. You can also call the Eastman Hardscape Construction experts at 615-443-0401 and discuss your project specifications.
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