Laying patterns can have a huge impact on the feeling of your patio. The pattern you choose, for example, could greatly affect the way you perceive the size of your outdoor living space. To help you design the perfect patio for you, here are nine layouts and patterns to consider for your patio pavers in Highland Park, IL.
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Traditional Patterns
1. A running bond pattern lays rectangular pavers in rows with the edges offset by half. This pattern can work with any sized rectangular paver. It’s used to create curved shapes without the need for cutting. Laid in the direction of travel, a running bond visually encourages flow; laid against the direction of traffic, it encourages a slower pace.
2. A herringbone pattern creates a dynamic zigzag design typically used with smaller rectangular pavers on patios, walkways, and driveways. Mixing several shades of pavers results in an interesting one-of-a-kind surface. This traditional pattern offers a beautiful contrast with modern, minimalist homes.
3. A basketweave pattern tends to use eight rectangular pavers to create a block design. This is a popular design for patios using smaller pavers. This pattern is used to create a dramatic outdoor rug effect by flipping the basketweave laying pattern 45 degrees to define the “rug.”
4. Circular and fan shaped patterns are often used with rectangular or small cobblestone-style pavers. These patterns can be more labor-intensive but they make beautiful focal points. Fan shapes work well on walkways and driveways to create an elegant welcome.
5. Large square pavers are typically laid corner-to-corner for a clean contemporary look that minimizes the appearance of joint lines.
Contemporary Pavers
Many contemporary pavers are available in random bundles of three or four sizes and shapes. This style lends itself to less repetitive laying patterns, which can look more relaxed than traditional laying patterns that utilize one paver size. The approach works well for large expanses where a linear pattern could be overwhelming.
6. The ashlar pattern gives a relaxed appearance with the illusion of randomness. The ashlar pattern is actually a repeating pattern, which simplifies installation, but without continuous joint lines, the pattern isn’t initially obvious and therefore may appear randomly arranged. In a small space, the ashlar pattern keep the focus on the laying pattern rather than the perimeter, giving the illusion of spaciousness.
7. Mixed patterns help break up large spaces and define areas within a patio. So, you could opt to define areas by alternating laying patterns and colors. For example, create an outdoor rug effect by choosing lighter or darker pavers laid at a 45 degree angle, along with a border.
Borders
Borders stabilize the hardscape, but they also create visual interest. Borders can use the same paver as the main field (laid at a different angle), or they can be complex and involve several completely different styles, colors, and textures of pavers for dramatic effect.
8. The soldier course is one of the most common laying patterns for a border. It uses rectangular pavers laid in a row, side-by-side. These border pavers are often contrasting colors and different shapes and textures to the main field, although they can be the same color (or paver) for a subtler look.
9. The sailor course is another popular border that lays rectangular pavers lengthwise, usually in one or two rows. This creates a narrower border, and it’s a popular choice when using two or more different pavers in a more substantial border (for example, a row of charcoal cobblestone pavers, then a row of brick-shaped pavers, and a final outer row of field pavers).
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