Coming up with the right pavers for your project can sometimes be a daunting project. Several factors indicate which kind of pavers should be used, including the architectural style and colors of the home, the existing landscape features, and proposed design schemes. Between natural stones, bricks, and modern patio pavers, there are plenty of options for your project. Are you including paving stones in your next patio project? Here is how a masonry supply can help in Sussex County, NJ.
Complement the Home and Landscape
The architectural style of the home is the starting point for your patio design. The color schemes and materials of the home will dictate the choice of materials that look best with it. That’s not to say you must stick to the design theme of the home’s era: a modern trend is to mix materials, for example using large-format pavers alongside a traditional brick-sided home.
Also, be aware of how much space will be used for the patio project and the feel you want: cozy, expansive, or somewhere in between. Even a small patio can be made to feel more spacious by using large-format pavers. And a very large patio can be made to feel more intimate by using brick pavers in a herringbone pattern.
Take color cues from the home, but don’t forget the landscape. Consider how your paving stones will look in the patio setting. Very light pavers will have more of a visual impact because they contrast starkly with lush green vegetation; and very dark pavers will integrate well into the landscape, but may also make a space feel smaller.
It’s important to take a few samples home so that you can see them in all lighting conditions during the day, as well as in wet and dry conditions since paver and natural stone colors will deepen when wet.
Textures and finishes make a difference as well. A good rule of thumb for modern landscapes is to mix smooth, sleek materials with more rustic, pronounced textures. Too much texture, or too little texture, can be boring.
Here are some materials ideas for various architectural and landscape design themes.
Traditional: Natural Stone
You can’t go wrong pairing a traditional home with natural stone surfaces. Natural stone is mankind’s first building material and today, you can still see stone structures and surfaces that were built thousands of years ago. Traditional homes and landscapes pair well with natural stone, especially if the stone was sourced locally.
If you prefer the convenience of concrete pavers, you can find many that take their inspiration from natural stones. This means you may find pavers in more expanded color combinations than you can find with natural stone.
Modern: Patio Pavers
The sky’s the limit when it comes to paver design choices. Since many modern landscapes feature sleek geometric designs with an emphasis on smooth textures, you can create visual interest and let your patio “pop” by choosing paving stones with some texture. For example, flagstone-inspired pavers can beautifully complement a smooth concrete fire feature or a retaining wall with a large format slate veneer.
For modern applications, the trend is toward using large format paving stones that create a sense of expansiveness. Fewer joint lines mean an uncluttered space and showcases the individual character of each patio paver or natural paving stone.
Our experts are standing by to offer advice on choosing materials, as well as tips and tricks that help you complete your perfect patio project including how to care for your patio and other hardscapes after installation.
Related: SUGGESTIONS FROM A STONE AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY: HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT MATERIALS IN ULSTER COUNTY, NY
