Whether you’re building a new patio or resurfacing an old one, it’s important to choose materials that will make the job as easy as possible while still creating a durable and beautiful outdoor space.
Considerations When Choosing Patio Pavers
Who Will Be Using the Space?
When choosing patio paver material, consider who will be using the space. If it will be used by small children who move quickly and often fall, it’s important to choose a material that will be more comfortable. The same goes for anyone who is elderly or has mobility issues. Choosing a paver that is more comfortable to walk on — and safer in the event of a fall — is essential for creating a positive experience for everyone.
What Will the Space Be Used for?
Designing a patio is a big undertaking, but understanding what the patio will be used for can help guide the design and aid in choosing a paver material. Choosing a patio material that fits the goal of the space will help to create a cohesive design that people will want to sit and enjoy. Some patio uses include a space for reading and relaxation, a place to enjoy drinks and conversation, an outdoor kitchen for entertaining and eating, or a play area for kids.
Who Will Be Installing the Patio?
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, it’s especially important to choose a material that is easy to work with, including easy to carry and easy to cut. If you’re working on your own or with a helper or two, you’ll want to account for the fact that you won’t have a whole crew to back you up. Choosing lightweight, easy to install pavers is key to a successful project. If you hire a professional, a faster installation time often means it will lower labor costs.
What Is the Design Aesthetic?
Some patio designs work best with a traditional brick aesthetic while others can benefit from pops of color or a multi-colored pattern. The pattern can also change depending on the aesthetic. For more traditional spaces, Basketweave, Herringbone, or Running Bond patterns work well. For spaces that want a little more design interest, Block Lattice, Soldiered, and Plainweave patterns work well.
What Material Will Work Best?
After taking into account who will be using the patio, what it will be used for, who will be installing it, and what the design aesthetic is, it’s time to choose the best material for your patio pavers. There are a number of options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons, as well as ideal applications.
Concrete
Today’s concrete pavers come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, styles, and colors. They can be cast to mimic natural stone or wood, and can be long-lasting and durable. Despite their durability, however, they can develop efflorescence, salt deposits that form on the surface, and will need to be cleaned and sealed to prevent or remedy discoloration. Concrete is also very heavy and requires special tools to cut it to size.
Porcelain
Porcelain pavers can also mimic the look of other materials, like natural stone or wood, and are a beautiful and durable option for a patio. They are also fade resistant and have low maintenance needs, but they may be more expensive and more difficult to install than other options.
Natural Stone
Natural stone patio pavers are a beautiful addition to an outdoor patio. Typically slate, travertine, limestone, or flagstone, natural stone pavers are durable, but they can be more difficult to install than other types of pavers because they are irregularly shaped and will use grout to seal up the seams.
Composite
Composite pavers are made from recycled materials and are a lightweight and durable alternative to other patio pavers. They come in a variety of colors and sizes that allow you to create the ideal pattern. Composite pavers are incredibly durable, and can resist stains and scratches from even the most high traffic patios.
Aspire Pavers Create Beautiful Patios
Aspire Pavers are a beautiful alternative to traditional patio pavers. They are one-third of the weight of traditional pavers, which makes them easier to transport and install. The patented Aspire grid installation system makes installation easy — simply prepare the surface, lay the installation grids in the desired location, and place the pavers into the grids. It’s that easy. Aspire Pavers can be cut to size with common household tools, so no special tools are required for installation.
Aspire products are backed with a 10 year limited warranty and an additional lifetime no crack guarantee in pedestrian applications. They don’t require any maintenance, and in the event that one becomes damaged, you can simply lift it out of the grid and replace it with a new one.
Contact the experts at Aspire today to discover the unique advantages of the Aspire patio paver system!