Pavers and paving patterns. Designer Paving and Landscaping

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There's a few factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right pavers and paving patterns for your home.

Firstly, which type of paver to use? The three paver varieties commonly used by paving contractors Adelaide include Concrete pavers, Clay pavers and Stone pavers, with each possessing  their own unique colours and characteristics which may better suit a certain style or look.

Choosing the correct size and shape of the paver is often dependant on the properties size and land gradient, while the thickness is dictated by its intended application. Finally, consideration must be given towards the colour and the pattern in which its laid.

Below we have covered the relevant information to help you make the right decision.

With such a wide range of colours, sizes and materials to choose from, picking the right paver may seem a little overwhelming. To help make that final decision a little easier we've included the following information for your consideration:

 Colour co-ordination.

When it comes to making a decision on which coloured paver to use, we suggest choosing one which either matches, or works well with your homes two main colour sources, the brickwork and the roof.

 Although a colour chosen from either will work fine, we've found the integration of a secondary colour, which can be used sparingly as contrasting header course or inlay border provides many positive benefits.

Not only does this secondary colour help break up the mono toned area of paving, but also helps create a connection of the pavers to the property.

 Pavers are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from smaller formatted Clay and Concrete pavers, to large format Concrete and Stone paving. Below we've touched on the size and shapes which are best suited to a variety of paving and landscaping applications.

Paver shape 

With the exception of Crazy paving (stone paving laid in indifferent shapes and sizes) and interlocking pavers which are  predominantly used in commercial application, Adelaide pavers are manufactured into square and rectangular shapes. Both shapes can be laid separately or combined to produce a wide range of paving patterns, borders and header courses.

*see paving patterns below for more info

Paver sizes

*Small format. Suitable for driveway, patio and perimeter paving applications small format pavers include the traditional brick sized and square pavers in an assortment of colours, finishes and sizes up to 300x300mm. Small formatted pavers can be laid in a wide range of patterns and are ideal when paving smaller areas or negotiating properties with steep bumps and tight curvature.

*Large format. Comprising of concrete and stone pavers sized up to 600x600mm, large format pavers are becoming increasingly popular with homes built to a  modern styling. Although the larger size of the paver isn't conducive to areas with steep humps or tight curvature, it can be laid to larger properties and patio areas with great visual affect.   

Paver thickness

Pavers are manufactured in a range of thicknesses to best suit an intended application. The more weight placed upon the paver the thicker it will need to be.

•  40mm thick pavers. Suitable for pedestrian use including perimeter paving, pathways and patio areas
• 50mm thick pavers. Suitable for the use of driveway paving.  supporting passenger vehicles and heavy machinery up to a weight of 3 tonnes
• 60mm thick pavers . Suitable for light commercial use with a load rating of up to 10 tonnes

The versatility of concrete pavers has made them the number one choice when it comes to driveway paving, patio paving, pool paving and perimeter paving and landscaping in Adelaide. 

With such a wide range of colours, innovative finishes and sizes available in both large and small format, concrete pavers offer the diversity to find the right paver to compliment or create a certain look to your property. 

 Although they can fade slightly over time, the concrete pavers Adelaide produces are versatile, long lasting, low in maintenance, and are up to 4 times stronger than poured concrete slabs. Another favourable factor to concrete pavers is the price, of the three paver varieties available they are the most affordable to purchase.

The clay pavers Adelaide produces possess a natural beauty that cannot be replicated by manufactured pours, the earthy colours, textures and varying tones are characteristics only natural clay pavers can produce. 

Not only beautiful, the long lasting and hard wearing qualities of clay pavers have made them a popular choice for bricks, paving and landscaping for centuries. Although they can be prone to chipping, the high density and salt resistant properties of clay pavers make them suitable for driveway paving, perimeter paving and pool paving.                                                                                                          

 Stone pavers can be cut from a range of stone with the most common being Bluestone, Sandstone, Granite, Limestone and Travertine. The colours and textures of Stone pavers are both unique and alluring and can possess a look of luxury and opulence. 

 Predominantly cut into large format square and rectangular shapes , Stone pavers can be laid in a wide variety of patterns including crazy paving and the classic French pattern.

Stone paving can be applied to most areas but its important to note that varieties such as marble, porcelain and travertine can be damaged under heavy loading such as vehicle use on driveways and although they are salt resistant, can become slippery when wet.

Although not as prevalent to lighter shades, the darker colours of Stone will fade slightly over time and will need to be periodic sealed to keep them at their best.