How to Fill Spaces Between Pavers
When building a patio or pathway -- or any area in which pavers, brick or flagstones have spaces to fill, there are several choices you can make in materials. You can use living plants or non-living fill. Here are some practical suggestions for attractive ways to treat those gaps involved in outdoor stone floors. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Living plants: fill gaps in stone with low growing plants that can take some foot traffic. Some of the best plants for sun are dymondia, chamomile, and the lowest-growing thymes like T. 'minor' or the caraway thyme. For shade try the minty-scented pennyroyal (also known as Corsican mint) and baby's tears. Alyssum is an annual that likes sun and will grow to about 5". You can mow it and it tends to self-seed itself -- to the point that it can get into lawns and flower gardens if happy. It will work wonderfully when young and small, but if it gets too large or rangy, just mow or clip it back.
-
2
Fine fillings: Decomposed granite usually comes in a variety of brown colors. It is less muddy than soil and will stay well settled into cracks. If you are willing to do some shopping around, there are construction or building material suppliers who produce colored 'DG' in shades of red, white, gray, gray-blue, yellows and more. Shipping might cost a little more, but the effect can be worth it. You can also be safe with builder's sand.
-
-
3
Stone and gravel offer all kinds of colors and shapes. You can fill gaps with different textures and even color combinations. Gravel can be tumbled into smooth rounds or left rough. Larger stones will require larger gaps. You want the fill material to set even with the top of the paving stones without protruding or spilling over and tripping someone.
-
4
You can also use your imagination with the materials you want to use. Tumbled glass, for example will sparkle like glowing jewels. Clear colors will look like ice.
-
5
There are a number of materials you can use. Avoid barks and other light materials that can wash or blow away. If you want to use metals or other unusual fills, make sure there is nothing toxic in them. You can even use a combination of non-living fillers mixed with areas of ground-cover plants. Have fun with your designs. Just remember that if you live in a dry climate and opt for the plant route, you will need to make sure there is a watering system in place to keep them alive.
-
1
