If you’re thinking about installing a new patio, then you might be wondering about what kind of pavers are available now. The last thing that you want is to have a professional patio installed that looks like it was completed with pavers from the local big-box store.
If you’re going to invest in a professionally installed patio, then you will want something that looks unique. You certainly don’t want to feel as though you have the same pavers as everyone else seems to have—you want something truly your own.
That’s why we want to share some of the landscape design trends of 2019 so that you can get a sense of what’s out there. While looking at patio ideas and new hardscape products can help you narrow down your choices and decide what you really like, in the end, you should make your decision based on what works best for you and has stood the test of time—not what happens to be “trending.”
With that being said, let’s take a look at some options to consider in order to help get you brainstorming.
Large Format Pavers
One of the paver trends we’re seeing a lot of is a larger, elongated paver. Gone are the days when a 6x6 or 6x9 cobble paver is your only option for a patio. Though there’s certainly still plenty of interest in that look, you actually have the choice of many different paver sizes and shapes.
Some say the interest in “plank-style” pavers likely comes from the subway tile trend that’s been so popular in kitchens. There’s also been an interest in mixing square and rectangular pavers in the same design for a modern look. But once again, keep in mind that it definitely comes down to personal preference.
Pavers that Look Like Stone
Perusing the outdoor design magazines or flipping through the latest home television shows will also reveal another popular trend of pavers emulating natural stone. Pavers that look like stone—in particular, slate and flagstone—are popular amongst homeowners who like a more natural look.
While there’s no question that pavers are more cost-effective than natural stone, there is certainly an argument for just opting for actual stone. Rather than mimicking the look of natural stone, you could have the real thing for what may not even be that much more money. It’s certainly worth weighing the options.
Pavers that Look Like Wood
Another trend on the horizon is pavers that resemble wood. Though this is still very new, we think you’ll begin seeing more and more of them.
Woodgrain plank pavers have almost a boardwalk appearance to them and we’re already seeing them pop up in magazines and on home renovation shows.
It’s definitely a highly unique look. Of course, you should keep in mind that trends tend to come and go. Whenever making a choice for a patio, you want to be able to feel comfortable that you’ll be happy with your paver selection for years to come. In other words, don’t just choose something because it’s trendy. Choose something because you love it.
New Paver Design Ideas
In addition to the new hardscape products that are out there, we also want to mention that patio design continues to evolve as well. There was a time when patios were being built with matching pavers and no real creativity to the design. But innovative landscape designers are creating much more interesting patio designs.
There are a few ways that this is being achieved.
Borders
Using unique borders is an excellent way to personalize a patio. Borders can be created in single, double, or even triple rows.
Banding
Instead of just delineating the edge of a patio as a border would do, patio banding might add a stripe or a pattern in the middle of the patio (or across it) for added appeal.
Patterns
The way in which the pavers are laid is also getting more creative. There are many different patio patterns that can boost aesthetics. Herringbone, diamond, running bond, or basketweave are just some ideas.
Colors & Textures
We’re also seeing a lot of interest in creating a tapestry of colors. Gone are the days where homeowners are using a single color throughout. When designed properly, several different colors might be used on the same patio. Oftentimes this can be used to delineate separate “spaces” within the patio such as visually separating a fire pit area from an eating area.
Or perhaps, this can designate an area for pedestrian use in contrast to an area intended for vehicular use. In addition to colors, texture of pavers may also be used to create visual impact. A rough or veined surface of a paver may define the style of an area as “rustic” or “natural” versus a smooth texture of a paver may be used to give a “modern” or “formal” style.
Choosing Pavers for your New Patio
Ultimately, getting the patio of your dreams has more to do with choosing a landscape contractor that takes the landscape design process seriously than it does with choosing new hardscape products.
And as we’ve mentioned, you definitely want to be careful that you’re not just choosing products that are trendy since trends are always coming and going. You want to choose paver products that you love, that suit your personal style preferences, complement your existing space, and won’t just go out of style suddenly.
A landscape designer who has their finger on the pulse of what newer materials are performing well across the country (as it’s tested with other companies) can help guide you through the process and help you determine which pavers will work best for your project. This is more than just the landscape designer who stopped by their local hardscape supplier and picked up whatever was “new,” but with no real sense in how it will endure.
Getting started shouldn’t have to feel like a daunting and scary ordeal. It should be fun and enjoyable—after all, you’re creating the patio you've always wanted.
By choosing the right landscaping company it can be just that.
With the right company, you can feel confident that you and your patio builder will be able to work together to incorporate both the design and the paver products that work best for your space. When it’s finished, your friends and family will want to know how you ended up with a patio that is so unique when everything else they’ve seen is so ordinary in comparison. You can feel good that it was your smart choices that lead you there.
If you’d like to start a conversation about how the right pavers—and patio design—can help make the perfect patio for your Reading, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 717-276-9447.
