Patio Pavers
Wilhelm Landscapes, Northern Michigan’s leader in design/build lake front landscaping, can walk you through the many options when choosing a patio paver.
There are many options to consider when choosing a material for a patio or walkway. Cost can often be a major reason to select one paver over another. But there are many other reasons to consider different options.
Natural or Manufactured Pavers
The biggest difference in choosing natural over manufactured pavers is cost. Wilhelm landscapes is well versed in both applications. While natural offers beautiful color variation and surfaces, manufactured have really progressed in aesthetic value and durability. High Format is one company Wilhelm Landscapes has worked with for many years. Their products are formed of concrete and other additives to make them stronger and lighter. The result can often be mistaken for natural. The cost reduction from natural can be significant especially with larger patios or walks.
Dimensional or Irregular
Often, if a project already has pavers that are dimensional or irregular, it is usually best to carry through that design. However, with a clean slate, generally, irregular is a little more rustic or less formal. Dimensional pavers can be uniform in size, over vary from large to medium to small pavers. Beyond that, the options for layouts can vary as well. Wilhelm Landscapes has experienced installers that understand the process. Patterns are usually pretty straight forward but can vary from paver selected.
Including a border is another consideration. Rectangular shaped pavers when used as a border, can be perpendicular (soldier course) or parallel to the field of the patio or walk. The theme of the design can often dictate the appropriate border. For example, they can be the same color of the field, or a sharp contrasting value that creates interest.
Modern Design
Occasionally, local jurisdictions may require a design that addresses runoff from a patio or walk. Design can play a part in satisfying these ordinances. Permeable pavers describe a design that allows rain runoff to soak into the ground between the pavers. Some nice modern designs include pavers spaced by grass or stones which can also be considered permeable.
At any design consultation with Wilhelm Landscapes, we will go over all of the options for paving. After understanding your cost priorities, we can suggest the best solution for your patio or walk.
