Choosing Patterns For Your Interlocking Pavers

There is so much you can do to improve the appeal of your home, from fencing and painting all the way to interior décor and landscaping. There is one area though that can easily fall in its own category, as far as home improvement is concerned. That is use of interlocking pavements. From the look of it, it sounds easy. One can even think of it as a DIY project. The truth however is the fact that interlocking pavers are special. They are special in a way that only a few skilled and experienced experts can install them. For starters, interlocking pavers come in a wide range of designs. Getting confused is not strange. That is in fact why you have to understand more about the different types of interlocking pavers available. They include: Stretcher patterns They are extremely popular, probably because they have been around since medieval times. The pattern is mostly used for construction of patios as well as laying pathways. There are two methods used to lay bricks to achieve stretcher patterns- long way and sideways. Each method usually has a great influence on the final outcome. One good and perhaps also strange thing about stretcher patterns, especially driveway stretcher patterns is how they make paths and driveways appear longer. Sideways stretcher patters on the other hand make surfaces appear wider. Mixed patterns Otherwise referred to as random mix, mixed pattern interlocking pavers are just as popular as stretcher patterns. Bricks used to come up with mixed patterns often range from deep red and earthen red to shallow brown and maroon. You can however choose to come up with peculiar yet scintillating designs by painting them. The trick is coming up with mixed patterns, so feel free to toy around with ideas. Keep in mind though that some colors are more ideal than others. Red and earthen combinations are highly recommended. Circular patterns It is easy to come up with circular patterns. You only need wedge shaped bricks and of course, someone skilled in the art. You can then use the pattern to come up with arched shaped pathways. Then while laying bricks in circular patterns, remember to start from the center as you move towards the periphery. Remember too to prepare a base with sand and enough gravel before laying your pavers. Ideal gravel layers should be about 3 inches thick or more. Sand layers on the other hand should be just an inch. Herringbone patterns Interlocking bricks in herringbone patterns can go a long way to create a firm surface. That is in fact why the herringbone pattern is highly recommended for driveways. Herringbone patters are said to have ample load bearing capacities compared to other patterns. Brakes applied by automotives and heavy duty machines can hardly move and distort the patterns. Like stretcher patterns herringbone patterns can be used to create illusions of space. Basket weave patterns The box weave pattern is as old as the herringbone pattern. It is a classic pattern created using brick pairs that form one square each. The process begins by first laying two bricks sideways. That creates or rather forms a square pattern. You then position the next pair of bricks in the sequence in such a way that the centre line between the bricks face upwards. Positioning the third pair is easy. You simply go back to the first pattern. The pattern is simply repeated over and over again until the desired effect is achieved. You don’t have to spend a lot of gravel with this pattern. Though considered old and out of fashion by many, one can still toy with the pattern and blend it with others to come up with scintillating patterns for the driveway. Boxed basket weave pattern It is a variation of the basket weave pattern. It features up to 8 sizeable bricks in a single box. Coming with the pattern is simple. Assuming you have 8 bricks in a box, 6 bricks will form the outer block. The other two will be at the center. The sides of the box should be made of 2 bricks each. Place each brick vertically with one brick on top of the other. You will need four bricks for that. Two bricks, placed horizontally should form the top and bottom. The final process should achieve the desired effect. That is, the inner portion of the box should feature two bricks placed vertically and arranged side by side. Tips on choosing patterns It is hard to choose a pattern that can complement your home on your own. Seek advice from a landscaper or someone who has a knack for designs and hardscaping. At the end of the day, you want interlocking pavers that will not just keep dust and mud off your shoes and car tires but improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. You must therefore be willing to hire the right people to get the job done well and on time.