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What Are The Best Patterns For Pavers And How To Design Them

One of the most appealing aspects of using paving blocks is the possibility of creating patterns for pavers. The design creation in flooring is a practice as old as the material itself. Over the years, thanks to paver technology progress, it became easier to create more and more stunning sequences.

In this article, we will talk about some of the most common patterns for pavers. Also, we will give you tips on how to use your creativity and formulate unique designs combining the beauty and utility that only pavers can offer.

How Do You Make Patterns For Pavers

To create patterns for pavers, you need to place them on the ground (already prepared for installation). One of the biggest benefits of paving blocks is that you can use pieces with different sizes and colors, and you can still create beautiful designs.

There are no limits to creativity. But, it’s necessary to realize that some patterns are easier to make than others. Some designs allow you to use pieces with different sizes. Others look better when you use blocks with the same size.

In the next section, we will talk a little more about each pattern type; and the difficulty level included to create it.

Common Patterns For Pavers

We’ll go through six different patterns to choose from, starting with the first four being more accessible, as you can do them using one size stones.

Stack Bond Paver Pattern

So the first pattern we’re going to talk about is stack bond. You can do this type of design with virtually any size, so long as you use one sized stone. 

The objective is to start with a paver and then line all the stones up, basically corner to corner, to make nice straight lines.

This pattern can be optimal because it has minimal cutting, and it’s easy to lay and keep straight and square.

Basket Weave Pattern

Picture by Belgard

The next pattern we have is the basket weave, which you can only do it with the Holland stone because of its ratios. Similar to the Stack Bond, the Basket Weave pattern is also easy to lay. But it adds a little more of design.

Basket Weave differentiates itself because you’re taking two stones, and you’re altering the direction to add a little more of design to your patio.

Running Bond Tile Pattern

The idea of Running Bond is to create some sort of offset with your stones. It’s easiest to do a half offset with rectangles or squares that there’s the most minimal cutting.

Running Bond can be a great pattern to pick from because you can make it with one-sized or multiple size stones. This design has a little more structure than the Basket Weave because the corners don’t match up; therefore, you have a little more strength.

If you are using this pattern for your driveway, for instance, it’s best if ran width-wise than length-wise.

Herringbone Pattern

Picture by Belgard

The Herringbone pattern is probably the most structural among all. You can do this design with any rectangle. But it’s easiest if you use the Holland stone because you can make a half Holland that will use the place of all of your craft.

Herringbones’ patterns are usually laid at 45- or 90-degree angles and need precision and patience with measuring and laying the bricks.

Outside edges often have to be cut, since the brick-laying process usually starts somewhere in the middle.

Pinwheel Patters For Pavers

Next, we’re going to talk about is the pinwheel pattern. For this design, you’ll need brick-cutting skills and equipment, but it’s worth it. This layout is a geometric representation of a basic pinwheel—hence, the origin of its name.

Holland stones are perfect for this type of project as you can use half a stone to place in the design’s middle and surround it with intact pieces, creating the pinwheel pattern.

Whorled Paver Pattern

Last, in our list, we’ll talk about the whorled paver pattern. Unfortunately, this design involves a lot of brick cutting and isn’t something you can finish in a few hours.

You create this layout type starting from a central area. Place half of a holland stone in the center. From there, you will put whole pieces around in the length course. Cut bricks in a triangular shape to fill the space between pavers.

Listed above are the most popular patterns for pavers types, but there are many more:

  • Five-stone pattern
  • Random layout
  • Stretcher bond
  • Grid
  • Half-basketweave

How Do I Calculate How Many Pavers I Need

To find out the number of pavers a project will need, we will use a simple area calculation.

To calculate, you just need to measure the width, length, and then multiply. For a circular shape, you have to find the radius, raise it to the power of 2 and multiply by Pi (about 3,14).

If your project is irregular, the best thing you can do is divide it into different-sized rectangles and sum up the areas.

The next step is to find out the area of a single paver (or paver pattern). Then, you have to divide the total project area by the total of a single paver (or individual repeating paver pattern).

Now you just have to find out what is the cost of pavers per square foot.

Can I Install Pavers Myself?

Yes, you can, but there are a lot of materials, cutting, and equipment handling involved. So, doing the project yourself it’s not cheaper than hiring someone to do it for you.

If you don’t feel confident doing the project yourself (or you lack the knowledge), you can always count on experienced companies and personal to help with your project.

S&S Pavers has been proudly serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota for the past 10+ years. From paver patio designs to installation and maintenance, if you live in Florida, don’t hesitate to give us a call.


FAQ

Which Paver Pattern is the Best?
The herringbone pattern is considered by many the strongest and most versatile of all. Although there is no objective way to measure the actual advantages of it, the herringbone patter has survived the test of time multiple times and is a big favorite in the industry.

What Paver Pattern is the Easiest to Lay?
Interlocked concrete pavers are, for sure, the easiest ones to install, regardless of the pattern. They come with ready-made layouts ready to be placed following a simple set of instructions. Other than those, if you go for a single sized paver, the classic stack bond is the easiest pattern you can go for.

Are Pavers Cheaper than Concrete?
That depends on if you’re talking about long term or short term investment. Upfront, pavers are more expensive than concrete, usually ranging from $10 to $25 per square foot, while concrete costs between $3 to $6 per square foot. However, pavers more than pay for themselves in the long run, being able to last for decades. Whereas concrete, even in the best case scenarios, lasts for a year tops before starting to crack.

Do You Need Paver Edgings?
Yes, absolutely. Your pavers need to be “contained” somehow. This does not need to be done with edge restrains per se, maybe you can use a natural rock formation or a retaining wall as edging. Either way, it is very important that you use edging, otherwise your pavers will shift, or even sink, in time.

Do I Need to Use Spacers for Pavers?
Proper space between pavers is not just for looks. It makes sure you have a much more stable and uniform base. Moreover, most pavers have a kind of crevice that works as a built-in spacer. In case they don’t come with that, then yes, you should acquire some spacers for your installation.

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