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Hardscaping Bricks and Pavers
Learn about hardscaping bricks and pavers, and get info on options for design and materials as you plan your outdoor living space.
Michael Braun
As you explore deck and patio design ideas in planning your outdoor living space, the options for hardscaping bricks and pavers can seem overwhelming. The choices available for design style, color and texture are almost limitless, but by focusing on a few key questions, you should be enjoying your new hardscape design in no time.
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Firstly, you'll need to decide if you want to mirror the style of your home with the hardscaping you'll be laying down. This doesn't necessarily mean an exact color, tone or pattern match—it could be as simple as choosing a brick or paver pattern or color that complements the shutters or other accents on the home. Bricks and pavers can be tinted to match just about any color style, so your options are wide open.
Next, you'll need to decide on the shape of your hardscaping bricks and pavers. Again, this decision is often driven by a desire to either reflect or depart from the home's overall aesthetic—so let this central question be your guide. Do you want a rectangular, geometric pattern, or are you looking for something more flowing, to reflect the landscape and natural surroundings?
Once you've decided on the shape of your hardscaping materials, you'll need to prepare the area chosen for your hardscape. This is an essential task, as prepping the area will often determine the longevity of your hardscaping design; an uneven foundation or ill-prepared layers of gravel and sand can cause shifting, bucking and collapse over time. So be sure to create a flat, hard surface to lay your bricks or pavers on top of, spread your top layers evenly, and ensure everything is level before you begin laying your hardscaping bricks and pavers.
