Are you in the middle of a garden refurbishment and need to dedicate some serious thoughts to the types of paving stones that you are going to install? Or have you just bought a home where you want to remove the old paving stones from the back garden and replace them with new ones because they look a bit, well, dated and crumbly?
If the answer is yes, then you may think all you need to do is choose a simple set of paving stones and have them installed. In order to get the look and feel of your garden correct, however, there are a few more things you need to consider when choosing the right type of paving for your back garden. This article will walk you through some of those!
The Style and Theme
First, you need to consider the overall theme and style of your garden.
For example, are you aiming to go for a more modern look, a traditional, rustic one, or are you looking to incorporate some of the Mediterranean into your backyard space? The choice of paving stones should complement and enhance your garden design. As an example, sleek, uniform papers, which are black or deep grey, may suit a modern garden. Natural stone or brick-based pavers would be better suited to a cottage or country garden and would add a classic look to the space. Either way, all of these pavers and more can be found at mystonefloor.com.
Practicality and Function
When you are looking to put in pavers, you need to assess how you are going to use the area that is being paved. Is it going to be turned into a patio for dining or entertaining guests? Or will it be a pathway? Different types of paving stones will have different levels of durability and slip resistance, so for high-traffic areas in your back garden, you should choose materials such as concrete or interlocking pavers, as these are durable and slip-resistant. For more decorative aspects, you should choose pavers made of stone or slate.
Colour And Texture
Paving stones come in a vast range of colours and textures. So, you should take into account the existing colour theme that you have in your garden and choose paving stones that will harmonise with it and add to it. For example, light-coloured paving stones can brighten up a shaded area, while darker ones can absorb heat if you have an area that is particularly sunny. Think about the textural impact as well: does it fit with the theme of your garden? Smoother surfaced pavers will suit a more modern look, and textured or bumpy/irregular surfaces will help to bring out a more rustic feel.
Budget and Maintenance
There is no point in buying a set of pavers that will require you to spend a fortune if you don’t have that kind of money to spare! So, establish a budget that includes the pavers, the installation, and the maintenance. Some paver stone materials will need periodic sealing, such as natural stones, whereas concrete is lower maintenance. Do you have the time and the excess to do this sealing? If you do, great, you can select this, but if not, you should go back to the drawing board on what you use.
