The type of paving chosen for your newly landscaped backyard can change the entire feel of the finished space. The wrong paving can create an imbalance or just look wrong, while the right paving can enhance the overall design of your garden. With the wide range of materials available, finding the right type of paver for your garden design is just a matter of research and careful planning.
The type of paving chosen for your newly landscaped backyard can change the entire feel of the finished space. The wrong paving can create an imbalance or just look wrong, while the right paving can enhance the overall design of your garden. With the wide range of materials available, finding the right type of paver for your garden design is just a matter of research and careful planning.
Granite
This is the hardiest and most durable option, but can be on the more expensive side for those very reasons. Granite comes in nearly every colour imaginable, from light blues and greys through to red, pink, tan, and orange.
Timber
Any timber that’s used outside should be first treated against decay. This is a good option for creating a floating walkway or boardwalk style path. The best part about using timber as a paving material is that, because it can be painted and stained, you’re not restricted to using only new materials. Recycled timber is a cheap but effective option for people on a budget.
Gravel
This is a good option as a temporary solution or for people on a tight budget, as it can be used to create feature walkways. Gravel comes in two types – river rock and crushed rock – in earth based tones ranging from reds through to grey. Gravel needs constant maintenance with weeding and raking, and can be unstable. An alternative idea is to use it as a mulch on top of the garden.
Sandstone
Available in a wide range of colours, this durable stone is a cheaper option than granite as it’s easier to cut. The colouring isn’t overly consistent, with each piece having unique colours.
Limestone
The colouring of this stone is more consistent than sandstone but the palette is more limited. This is another durable option that’s also very low maintenance when installed properly.
Brick
This is one of the versatile, low maintenance materials that can endure a lot so long as it’s been laid down properly to begin with. Bricks can give a more rustic feel to a space, especially if older bricks are used. To prevent them from cracking, sinking, or moving, ensure they’re correctly installed and always replace broken bricks.
Flagstone
Whether you want white, pink, red, gold, orange, brown, or blue, flagstone is a beautiful material for any backyard. Being a natural stone, the shape and colour of each piece is varied and unique. As well as its non-slip properties making it perfect underfoot, flagstone is also a hardwearing option.
