Paver Patio Extension

Using pavers to extend your front or back patio is an excellent way to maximize your “living space” and can even add value to your home. In this project by Cate Singleton, director of design for Tilly, pavers were laid in a herringbone pattern for added effect. “They can be dry-laid on a sand base to allow for water to percolate through,” she says. “They can also be constructed in various shapes and sizes to tie in with the existing architectural style of the house.”

Firepit Built From Pavers

Fire pits can cost a pretty penny, but you can build one from pavers for a budget-friendly option. This design features a rounded fire pit, which is simple to recreate. Consider edging the area with retaining wall blocks to create a clean, defined border and filling the center with pea gravel or crushed stone for drainage and aesthetics. Add a few Adirondack chairs and string lights overhead, and you’ve got an inviting backyard retreat.

Garden Edging

Pavers are an inexpensive way to edge your garden, offering crisp, clean lines for a polished finish. You can use them to create a pathway, as pictured here, or along flower beds and borders to keep mulch in place and define different zones of your yard. They’re easy to install and come in various shapes and colors to match your outdoor aesthetic.

Doorstep Pavers

A few well-placed stone pavers at the stoop can instantly elevate an entryway. In this project outfitted by Avery Cox Design, slim, slate-toned tiles in a brick pattern define the threshold and offer a clean transition from lawn to entryway. They add contrast and structure without the cost of a full stone patio. Larger stepping stones on the lawn echo the look and guide the way, tying everything together.

Rustic Pathway

Creating a dedicated pathway is one of the best ways to use pavers. Singleton says it defines the space and provides a more accessible way to reach various parts of the yard and home. Consider using more natural-looking stepping stones with gravel for a rustic and earthy pathway, as seen in this project.

Decorative Kick Steps

Rectangular bejmat clay tiles in a classic white and playful lavender blue turn these natural limestone steps into an unexpected focal point.

“This quick and inexpensive update is an easy way to give any patio a refresh with minimal effort but maximum impact,” says Wendy H. Gilmour of Otto Tiles & Design. “The tiles’ rich, saturated color and high gloss enamel glaze create a striking contrast to the rustic texture of the stone, adding depth and character.”

You can also paint traditional clay tiles yourself—just make sure to prime the surface, use outdoor paint, and properly seal the tiles. You may need to reseal it every couple of years to maintain the look.

Updated Sideyard

Side yards can quickly turn into an eyesore if not maintained, but a little intentionality can make all the difference. In this project by Christian Daw Design, a diamond-pattern paver path surrounded by lush greenery boosts visual interest and guides the eye to the charming gate beyond. Instead of gravel, grass acts as a softened “grout.”

Covered Porch Pavers

If your porch flooring looks a little shabby, consider re-paving it with pavers made from concrete, stone, or brick. They can often be installed directly over an existing concrete slab as long as the surface is stable and in good condition. A bonding agent or thin mortar bed can help the pavers adhere, and finishing with polymeric sand in the joints can lock everything in place. Patterns like herringbone or basketweave provide visual intrigue and can help disguise imperfections in the original slab.

Outdoor Seating Area

You don’t need a huge budget or time-consuming renovation to create a charming outdoor seating area. This setup proves that a little creativity goes a long way. Use affordable natural stone or concrete pavers to define the space, and consider adding a grill or built-in stone oven for easy entertaining. A table with chairs, string lights, and greenery under a shade structure make this outdoor space feel like a welcoming retreat.

Framed Gaming Area

Along with defining borders around a garden, pavers offer a simple and affordable way to create an outdoor gaming area. Clean lines frame a bocce court in this project by Janice Parker Landscape Architects, keeping the playing surface tidy while adding a polished look to the lawn. Borders like these help prevent gravel or turf from spilling over the edges and make maintenance easier. If bocce isn’t your thing, consider a horseshoe pit, cornhole area, or putting green.

Modern Paver Walkway

Using large pavers combined with gravel is another option for a paver pathway. These oversized pavers create a crisp, geometric, and modern-looking design, which perfectly fits the aesthetic of this home.

Checkerboard Concrete Pavers

For a sleek, contemporary effect that won’t break the bank, try alternating large-format pavers in light and dark gray. The subtle checkerboard design instantly upgrades a patio or pool, giving the space a high-end, resort-like feel. Using oversized pavers means fewer individual pieces to lay (which can potentially reduce both material and labor costs), and concrete pavers are typically more cost-effective compared to natural stones like slate and travertine.

Decorative Privacy Wall

This brick wall offers privacy, structure, and style without completely closing off the space. (Some greenery creates nice contrast while boosting privacy, too.) For a modern look, consider painting or limewashing the brick, and use a capstone to give the top a clean, finished edge. It’s a simple way to define an outdoor area while keeping the space open and airy.