Whether they’re the standard-issue variety from a home improvement store or an architect’s custom creation, concrete pavers offer instant gratification.
Photograph by Joe Fletcher courtesy of Fougeron Architecture.
For more of this garden, see Architect Visit: The Medieval Mist and Mystery of Big Sur.
Pavers are created from molded concrete formed into tiles to either resemble stone or brick, or proudly look like what they are: concrete. The first is the thick durable interlocking paver.
What is a concrete paver?
Photograph by Caroline Brahme courtesy of Greenworks.
Pavers by Stockholm-based designer Caroline Brahme have embedded plant pots to add greenery to a gray path. Another variety of paver is the thinner, and more visually pleasing, architectural paver.
In a Brooklyn backyard, concrete pavers are set in sand and bordered by a wide strip of white stones. For more of this garden, see Before & After: A Modern Backyard on a Budget by Ishka Designs.
Photograph by Niya Bascom Photography.
Pavers trump poured concrete in a number of ways.
Why use pavers instead of poured concrete?
A path designed by Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory member Bruce Bolander; for more, see Architect Visit: At Home with Bruce Bolander in a Malibu Canyon.
They can be used anywhere that demands outdoor flooring. Heat absorbing dark pavers are not recommended in hot climates where they may come into contact with bare feet.
What are the best uses for concrete pavers?
Photograph by Marla Aufmuth for Gardenista.
Hand cast concrete pavers of varied sizes are set in gravel to create a loose naturalistic look. For more, see Subdividing a Small City Backyard to Make it Bigger.
Photograph by Jennifer Roper.
LA-based landscape designer Naomi Sanders replaced flagstone pavers with concrete to match an existing concrete stoop.
Concrete pavers lead to the island deck of this urban garden set in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District.
Photograph by Thomas J.
Created by Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory member Arterra Landscape Architects, this project includes underground rainwater collecting cisterns that supply the water for the fountain.
What colors and textures of concrete pavers are available?
The blessing and curse is the range of options. Custom made tiles can be colored to complement your home siding or another garden feature.
Above, L: The Cobblestone Tumbled Concrete Paver in charcoal measures 7 by 9 inches; $1.31.
Wet cast concrete Barn Plank Pavers by Silver Creek Stoneworks are molded to look like, you guessed it, barn planks.
How do you install concrete pavers?
Installation is somewhat dependent on the use. In general, installations of pavers require a sub-base which can range from concrete to crushed stone.
Large, cast-in-place pavers set in the lawn make a graphic composition and lead to a built-in bench that faces a favorite view in a project by Elysian Landscapes.
The pavers vary in price depending on whether they are off-the-shelf or custom-made architects’ designs. One thing is certain: concrete pavers are a much more affordable option than stone.
How much do concrete pavers cost?
Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista
Pavers lead to the entry of a Hollywood bungalow by Los Angeles-based design firm and Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory member Walker Workshop.
Photograph by Nicholas Alan Cope.
Cons:
Michelle rounded up Indestructible Concrete Furniture; Dalilah made $30 Mini Concrete Planters; and, I fantasize about a polished Concrete Garage Floor.