

One of the best ways to make your outdoor space more useable is through the installation of a hardscape patio. Patios with hardscape pavers will offer you and your guests an outdoor living space that can be used in a variety of ways. Often, this patio will be home to a table and chairs for outdoor dining, and it may be home to your grill, as well. When getting ready to install a patio, you’ll want to be sure to pick the right pavers for the job. Below, we’ve highlighted a few things to keep in mind while making this decision.

The Shape of the Pavers

One of the first considerations to make on this point is the size and shape of the pavers that you are going to use. There are pros and cons to both large and small pavers. With large pavers, you’ll have a little bit less work to do during installation, but they tend to make small patios look even smaller. Generally, you’ll only want to opt for large pavers when you have a big installation to complete. On the flip side, small pavers do require quite a bit of work during installation, but they open up a whole work of design possibilities. If you feel like getting creative with the project and incorporating a unique design or some other visual element, small pavers are the way to go.

Think About the Weather

The prevailing climate in your area should have something to say about which pavers you select. Going with bricks might be a wonderful choice in a relatively dry climate, but consistently wet weather can cause problems. Concrete pavers are better suited to deal with rough weather, so lean that direction if you know that your local weather can throw a variety of tough conditions your way.

Don’t Forget About Cost

This point should perhaps have been the first one on our list, as you won’t be able to proceed with any paver that you simply can’t afford. Before the project starts, outline an estimated budget for the job which includes not only pavers, but also the other materials required to install a patio. As you browse the various paver options on the market, always note the cost and make sure that factor plays an appropriate role in your final decision.

Color Considerations

Finally, think about the color that you want to use for your pavers, as many different options are available on the market today. While plenty of colors will look great at your local garden store, remember that the colors are likely to fade relatively quickly once exposed to the hot sun for a summer. So, if you pick a paver because of the bright color if offers when new, you might be disappointed with how it looks shortly thereafter. Sticking with subtle shades is a smart choice, as such pavers should still look relatively new even after they have faded a bit.