With so many choices of outdoor stone pavers in terms of types, colours and finishes, it can be tricky to determine what may suit your property. To help you make a choice, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Overall Aesthetic

Think about the aesthetic qualities of the pavers you choose, considering the overall look and feel of the outdoor space where they'll be located. What style are the house and garden, and what colours are present in the landscape? If your yard is clean, modern and manicured, you could choose pavers with a smooth finish and uniform colour tones, such as cool grey granite. On the other hand, if your home is traditional or rustic, you could choose a stone with a textured finish, such as bluestone or sandstone in earthy colours. In nature, surfaces are often rough and irregular, which is why a textured stone appears rustic, and a smooth stone looks cultivated.

Texture

While the texture is vital to the aesthetics of the pavers, it's also integral to their safety. Pavers with rougher surfaces provide more traction and are less slippery. Thus, consider the finish of the pavers for your yard. If you want a surface with a natural grip, one possibility is bluestone.

The texture of stone pavers can also be altered with various treatments. For example, a bush-hammered finish is created with tools that repeatedly hammer the stone, creating a pitted effect. Pavers can also have a textured, tumbled or flamed finish.

If you want a smooth paver, you can use a non-slip sealant to improve traction. These sealants contain gritty particles that provide grip even on smooth rocks. This allows you to create an elegant look around your pool with sleek travertine pavers that offer traction.

Size and Shape

Another important consideration is the size and shape of the pavers. The size should be in proportion to the setting. If you have a vast patio area, you can opt for larger pavers that provide a sense of grandeur and expansion. On the other hand, in a more compact space, you can use a smaller outdoor stone paver. The advantage of smaller pavers is that they can form intricate patterns and generate an intimate and cosy feel. In contrast, large pavers are often square or rectangular and have a minimal appearance.

Many designs use regular square and rectangle shapes. For example, a herringbone pattern uses rectangle pavers in a zigzag pattern, and an ashlar design uses square and rectangle pavers of different sizes. You can also choose irregularly shaped pavers to give your yard a more natural appearance.