Homeowners often look for ways to enhance their home's appearance and add value. Typically, this means updating the roof and siding, adding landscaping, and other large-scale projects. These aren't the only ways to enhance the appearance of a home's exterior.
One often overlooked option is adding a walkway or redoing an existing one with pavers. While a walkway may seem small compared to other projects, it is crucial not to underestimate the impact a paver walkway with a nice pattern can have on your property.
Why Choosing the Right Paver Pattern Matters
Pavers are a beautiful addition that helps enhance any project or space. Setting them in a pattern will take your paved walkway to the next level and add more interest and curb appeal to your home. Different patterns also offer different levels of durability, making them better for the day-to-day use of a walkway. Another important reason for choosing the right pattern is that it will complement your home's style and aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive design.
Walkway Paver Options
Before you choose your walkway paver pattern, you must choose the type of paver you want. The type of paver isn't a reference to the material of the paver; it refers to the choice between an in-ground paver system or a permeable paver system.
Traditionally, in-ground pavers are non-permeable pavers that force water to flow over the pavers, which can lead to issues like erosion and flooding, especially if the base of the pavers isn't properly graded. These pavers are installed directly over the prepared base material in the desired pattern.
Permeable paver systems consist of a base layer of different size rock that allows water to filter back into the ground below. The permeable pavers are spaced to allow water to flow between the pavers and into the base. Small chip rock is installed in the gap between the pavers to allow water to filter through to the base and eliminate trip hazards.
Some brands, like Aspire Pavers, offer permeable pavers that utilize a grid system that enables fast and easy installation with exact gaps between pavers where chip rock is brushed in.
Paver Walkway Patterns
Once you've chosen your type of paver, you can start considering patterns for your walkway. Here are some great paver walkway designs to give you some ideas and inspiration as you start creating your design.
1. A Duo-Colored Herringbone
Herringbone is a beautiful pattern and one of the most popular paver walkway ideas, which many people are willing to pay more for, as it adds an elegant look to any project. It involves laying the bricks in a repeated "V" formation, which forms a zig-zag look as it goes up the walkway, offering a lot of strength compared to other patterns.
The above herringbone is laid at a 90ยบ angle and is primarily a dark gray, with pops of white pavers scattered throughout. The design is bordered by lighter gray tiles that form a staked running bond that helps define the path further.
2. A Running Bond with Stacked Border
Another paved walkway idea is a running bond, where pavers are vertical, with each row offset by about half a paver. The staggering of the pavers creates more durability than a traditional stacked stone. You can see the running bond above in a light brown color that matches the park's natural surroundings. A row of dark, reddish-brown horizontal stacked pavers borders them on either side.
3. A Classic Basketweave
A basketweave pattern mimics the look of a basketweave, creating a cross-hatch effect by having two horizontally-laid bricks next to two vertically-laid bricks. You can see it pictured above, creating a timeless look in the walkway that leads up to the entrance of the building.
Despite the more interlocked nature of the design, basketweave patterns do not offer the same level of strength as a running bond.
4. Combine Different Paver Sizes
Your walkway paver ideas do not have to use pavers all in the same size. This patio showcases a pattern that combines larger and smaller tiles to create a unique woven design that plays on the idea of a basketweave. Done well, it will create a cohesive look and unique appearance that will attract many.
5. Mix Patterns for a Custom Look
This patio showcases how you can combine different patterns into one, which could make for some fun, unique paver sidewalk ideas. It combines stacked pavers, basketweaves, herringbone, and more into a cohesive design. To add even more interest, the space designer created a diamond at the center; such a simple addition creates a more complex design that can increase the home's value.
6. Checkerboard Pattern
While stacked pavers aren't the most interesting pattern, it is a basic design you can use to create fun paver sidewalk design ideas. The large walkway above turns a plain stacked paver pattern into a black-and-white checkerboard that winds up to the property. It is a simple pattern that will appeal to many and add a whimsical touch to a walkway.
7. Diamond Walkway
Another possibility for custom sidewalk paver ideas is to create a geometric pattern. This one pictured above uses black and white pavers to create small diamonds that cover the entire expanse of the area. Such an elegant pattern choice can enhance any walkway and is something that can be a significant boost in value.
8. Random L-Shaped Pattern
Custom paver sidewalk design ideas don't have to make specific shapes; they can be entirely random. The above pattern proves this, with rectangular pavers that seem to create "L" shapes in red and white. Taking the time to create a bold, unique pattern can truly help to show your personality and boost the value of your home.
Pavers from Aspire
Aspire Pavers makes their sustainable interlocking composite pavers with up to 95% recycled materials. The pavers are excellent for many applications and are:
Lightweight: Aspire pavers are about 1/3rd the weight of the typical cement paver, making them easier to carry for installation.
Easy to Install: Installation is also easier than other pavers, aided by the interlocking grid, which helps to ensure that all the pavers are perfectly aligned. You don't need special tools or adhesives, making installation DIY-friendly.
Aesthetic: Aspire Pavers come in a beautiful selection of colors and various sizes, making it possible to develop many paver walkway designs.
Softer and Quieter: Aspire Pavers is made using recycled plastic and rubber. This unique combination results in a dense, soft, but solid material. It makes it comfortable for walking and is less abrasive and dangerous if someone falls on them.
Low Maintenance: As a non-porous paver, Aspire doesn't require any sealant, unlike other walkway materials. It is also easier to clean, needing only a hose and water. You can add a biodegradable cleaner and scrub the pavers with a soft brush for a deeper clean.
Sustainability: For every 1000 square feet of pavers installed, the company diverts around 500 tires and 1500 plastic containers away from landfills. If you replace the pavers, they can be recycled to become something new, eliminating more waste.
A Walkway to Value
There are many ways to increase the value of your home, and one that isn't often considered is creating a paver walkway. Many homes already have a cement walkway leading to their home, and while practical, it isn't the most attractive. You add more curb appeal and value to your home by exchanging cement for pavers. Laying pavers in a unique pattern can add even more value while also allowing you to show more of your personality.
Contact Aspire Pavers today to learn more about their in-ground walkway pavers and start brainstorming some walkway paver ideas to help enhance your home's curb appeal and value.