| Browse through any house and garden design | | | | pebbles. This gives the illusion of more space and |
| magazine and you are bound to see that outdoor | | | | adds impact to a small space. |
| paving has become an integral feature in most | | | | * In a small garden, pavers can be used to create |
| modern home designs. These days outdoor | | | | a mini outdoor paradise with a little creativity and |
| paving is so much more than a couple of square | | | | imagination. Quirky patterns add interest, |
| or rectangular stone slabs laid in a linear pattern. | | | | particularly if the lines are curved. Pale coloured |
| Your choice of pavers can reflect your style and | | | | pavers in a natural stone like sandstone add visual |
| personality and add interest to a simply designed | | | | dimension to a small space. Colourful mosaics are |
| garden. | | | | not difficult to create and these can be used as a |
| Without doubt, the exterior flooring of choice is | | | | wall feature or included in the paving design. |
| pavers, so let's have a look at how outdoor | | | | * If the idea of doing garden maintenance makes |
| pavers can be used to enhance your home and | | | | your skin crawl, then outdoor paving is the ideal |
| garden. | | | | choice. Once the pavers are laid over |
| * The most popular outdoor pavers are made | | | | weed-resistant matting, all you need do is add a |
| using natural stone like slate, bluestone, travertine, | | | | couple of terracotta pots with a variety of |
| sandstone or quartzite. By its very nature, natural | | | | colourful succulents and some comfortable chairs |
| stone paving blends effortlessly with its | | | | and you have the ideal area where you can enjoy |
| surroundings - shrubs, small trees or a water | | | | the outdoors without any of the work! |
| feature are all enhanced by the natural qualities of | | | | When planning an exciting and useful outdoor |
| outdoor pavers. | | | | environment, outdoor pavers make the perfect |
| * A natural transition from indoors to outdoors is | | | | choice for flooring because they are non-slip, easy |
| easily achieved by using the same tiles. For | | | | to clean and easy to maintain. What's more, |
| example, natural stone tiles like sandstone or slate | | | | pavers reduce the need for regular mowing and |
| can be used equally effectively inside or outside, | | | | weeding. |
| so it's possible to integrate both rooms with no | | | | Consider what functions your outdoor room is |
| visual break, creating the feeling of an expansive | | | | being designed for before purchasing outdoor |
| space. | | | | paving tiles. For example, if you are planning an |
| * Depending on the size of your garden, areas of | | | | entertaining area, ensure the pavers you choose |
| interest can be created with the use of stone | | | | are stain and water resistant. While the majority |
| pavers. In large gardens, creating one or more | | | | of outdoor pavers already have these qualities, |
| paved zones using large outdoor paving tiles for | | | | the various types of stone used to create pavers |
| different purposes converts an ordinary yard into | | | | have unique characteristics that make them |
| something extraordinary. | | | | better suited for specific purposes. |
| * Another way to add interest is to create | | | | Another important consideration if you are |
| different layers. This often comes about as a | | | | planning an entertainment area is the substrate, |
| natural result of an uneven substrate, so use | | | | which will need to be perfectly level if you are |
| these variations to include a raised garden bed or | | | | going to include furnishings. The sepia toned |
| a series of small steps up to the dining table. | | | | images of desolate back yards with nothing to |
| * Use outdoor pavers to create a meandering | | | | break the monotony of the browning lawn but |
| path between raised garden beds. Clever designing | | | | the old Hills Hoist are long gone; replaced with |
| can create a magical pathway that leads to who | | | | modern, cutting edge features and colourful |
| knows where? | | | | outdoor pavers that express your individuality and |
| * Large outdoor pavers laid in a formal pattern | | | | your desire for a serene environment where you |
| look wonderful when interspersed with small | | | | can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. |
| plantings like mondo grass or a display of river | | | | |