Tips & Tricks for Selecting Pavers for Your Outdoor Living Area

As the weather begins to heat up, many of us are looking for ways to revitalise our outdoor spaces ahead of the hot Summer months. “With Australia’s warm tropical climate, creating great outdoor spaces is important, for entertaining, personal wellbeing and adding value to your home by creating design continuity between indoors and out,” says James Treble. Paving your outdoor areas is a great way to create designated, purposeful spaces for relaxation and entertaining, so you can get the most out of your space. James takes us through his best advice for selecting the perfect paving materials for your home. 

1. Pick a material that best suits your needs

It is important to consider what qualities you are looking for in your pavers before making any selections. With so many paving options available, it’s important to understand what your needs are so you can make an informed choice. Each paver has a unique set of durability and aesthetic properties, such as concrete pavers which are a great cost-effective option, clay pavers which are low-maintenance, and engineered stone which is incredibly strong and durable. Granite and limestone are luxurious and aesthetically pleasing, whilst porcelain offers outstanding longevity and performance.

James advises that some outdoor areas will have additional requirements, such as the area around pools. “Some materials absorb heat, whereas materials like engineered pavers will maintain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather.” For areas like this, the UrbanStone Provincial range is a great option, as they have been specifically designed to ensure they remain cool under foot, even in hot climates.  

2. Assess the area to be paved

The areas you choose to pave will also have specific requirements that may impact the choice of material you use. For pool areas, it’s important to choose a slip-resistant paver that’s durable enough to withstand exposure to chemicals and harsh weather and sunlight. UrbanStone’s Percorsi by Keope Porcelain paver is a great option for these areas as they are chemical, stain, mould and mildew resistant for a low maintenance finish. The colours and finishes range from granite finishes in modern neutral colours to wooden finishes that capture the beauty of nature, so there is sure to be a paver to suit your space. 

3. Consider paver size and application

When deciding on the size and laying pattern of your pavers, it’s important to consider the size and layout of your outdoor space. James advises that “in small spaces, a large format paver is generally preferred, creating a great feeling of space”. Alternatively, smaller more intricate laying patterns can be a great way to create visual interest, and designate different living spaces within your outdoor design. 

4. Consider colour, texture and finish

Pavers are available in an extensive range of textures and finishes including smooth, shot blast, milled, honed, flamed and tumbled. These various finishes have an impact on both aesthetics and performance. James Treble says to “start by defining the look and feel that you’re after before exploring the performance and characteristics to find the finish that will suit you the best”. In terms of colour, opt for a paver that is complementary in colour to the exterior of your home to ensure cohesion. Your home style should also influence the finish and texture of your pavers, such as a rustic clay paver for a farmhouse style home and a sleek natural black granite paver for a modern home. 

5. Factor in the sunlight

Sunlight should also play a part in your paver selection. James advises that “choosing pavers that are too light can create a blinding glare, as they’re too bright, especially in summer”. On the contrary, dark pavers may absorb sunlight and heat during the winter months but can become too hot around a pool area in summer. Brickworks has a range of outdoor masonry and paving products specifically designed to combat this issue, so why not head into one of our Design Studios and chat with one of our experts about which products are best suited to your home.