Laying concrete pavers can transform the look of a patio. Before you get to enjoy the results, though, you'll need to do a lot of planning to achieve the right effect. Because concrete pavers come in a wide array of colours and shapes, it can be tricky to make decisions. Here are a few pointers to help.

Patio Context

You could be captivated by a specific paver style you've seen in a photo. However, that colour and pattern might not work in your yard. Look at your context to create a cohesive and harmonious patio. This entails paying attention to specific details. Consider the style of your home and the outside walls. Is it brick or cement render, for example? If it's red brick, you may want to lay contrasting charcoal pavers. Examine the patio's surroundings as well. Do the pavers have to mix in with a retaining wall, or do they meet a lawn?

Also, think about the interior flooring right next to the patio. Use comparable colours and textures if you want to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Don't forget to take a look at the roof, gutters and fascia for ideas. While this might be overwhelming, creating a mood board with colour chips, materials and photographs of the surroundings is one way to keep everything in order.

Paver Size

When deciding on the paver size for the patio, there are a few things to consider. If you want to continue the tiled flooring from inside, a similar-sized paver is a good option. Larger pavers with fewer joints provide the impression of more space, which is ideal if you want to make the patio seem larger. Conversely, smaller pavers with more frequent join lines might make a space feel smaller. Big pavers create a sleek, minimalist look, but they can be hefty to work with. Smaller pavers are more flexible since they can be arranged in numerous ways and flow more smoothly around bends.

Paver Colour

A mood board should assist you in selecting specific colours that complement the surroundings. Concrete pavers can be pigmented in numerous hues, which means you won't be limited in your selections. If the patio gets a lot of sunshine, you might want to go with a lighter-coloured paver. Darker colours absorb heat and become hotter in the summer. Light colours, though, might increase glare. To determine what you should get, consider the size of the patio. Pale paver colours make a place appear larger, whereas darker paver colours can make it appear smaller.