How to choose the right type of paving for your yard

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Laying down new paving is a highly effective way of changing up the look of a property. Whether you’re looking to refresh your pool area, patio, garden pathways, or outdoor steps, sometimes all you have to do to brighten up the entire space is to lay down new paving. 

Not all types of paving are made equal. And some types of paving are better suited to some environments than others. Picking the right type of paving for your unique space will go a long way in extending the lifespan of the completed work. So, how do you choose the right type of paving for your yard? Here are some of the main considerations to keep in mind:

1. Location

Location is key when it comes to selecting paving options for your outdoor areas. When thinking about paving, the first thing to consider is where the area is in relation to the rest of your property. For example, if you’re looking to pave an outdoor patio, then you will want to pick a paver that blends in well to the rest of your living and entertaining areas. For areas that have high visibility (like outdoor patios), concrete pavers, terracotta pavers, and stone pavers are stylish and versatile options that can blend in seamlessly with a variety of styles. 

The second factor to consider when it comes to location and positioning is where the area is in relation to the sun. A north-facing area, for example, will receive plenty of light and heat throughout the year, so you want to avoid selecting pavers that are too light. Brightly coloured pavers will result in glare, which is the last thing you want when you step out into your outdoor spaces. Pavers that are too dark, on the other hand, will insulate heat and make the surface hot during warmer days. Speaking to a professional paver is a great way to get ideas on how to navigate some of these tricky positioning issues. 

2. Use

Utility should be at the forefront of your mind whenever you’re making any big home improvement decisions. The type of paver you select should differ depending on how you’re planning on using the area. For example, if you’re looking to pave your driveway, then you wouldn’t want to go with delicate and decorative options such as porcelain or terracotta pavers. Instead, you would be looking at picking a highly durable option that can withstand everyday, heavy-duty use, such as concrete or asphalt. 

If you’re looking to pave an area that has a specific function, you should be looking to find paving options that have additional features that would in the end be beneficial to the space. For example, concrete and porcelain pavers are popular options for pool areas because they’re both low maintenance and naturally slip resistant. Your local paver or hardware shop should be able to make recommendations for pavers according to their intended function.  

3. Weather

Your local climate is another key consideration to keep in mind when selecting pavers for your yard. If you live in a hot and dry region, limestone and sandstone are excellent options. These materials are well suited for warm climates and can help to reduce the heat of your outdoor areas. On the other hand, concrete is typically the better choice for areas that receive a lot of rain throughout the year as it’s durable and water resistant. Selecting a paving material that is well suited to your local climate will go a long way in extending its lifespan, so speak to a local paver if you’d like some more specific advice on picking optimal materials.

4. Maintenance 

How much maintenance you’re willing to spend on looking after your outdoor surfaces will also dictate the type of material you choose for your outdoor areas. Gravel, for example, requires much more maintenance than natural stone paving, so it wouldn’t be a great option for someone who has little time for regular home maintenance tasks. When shopping around for paving materials, it’s a good idea to ask about each materials’ maintenance requirements prior to committing to them. This will help to set expectations early on and give you a better idea of their suitability for your lifestyle. 

5. Budget

There’s a spectrum of price when it comes to pavers. Natural stone pavers are far more expensive than brick pavers, whilst large, unpatterned paving designs will be less expensive than small, intricate designs. However, the great thing about paving is that there’s such a huge variety of options to choose from, which means that there really is an option to suit almost any budget. 

At Jim’s Paving, we’re well equipped to work with a wide variety of paving materials. Our paving services for residential and commercial properties are high-quality and competitively priced. So, if you’re looking to revamp and rejuvenate your outdoor areas this year, get in touch with one of our local paving experts today. Call Jim’s Group on 131 546 or enquire online for a free quote. 

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