How to Design Patio Pavers
A patio made of pavers is a beautiful addition to a home. The shapes and colors of the pavers are what create the attractive patterns that are often found on these patios. An innovative and creative homeowner can design custom concrete pavers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paver molds
- Scrap limber and screws or nails
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Concrete mix
- Concrete pigment
Instructions
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Consider the primary use of the patio first. If it will only have to support foot traffic, design your pavers with a thickness of 1 1/2 inches or more. If you are going to need the patio to support vehicles, you should design your paver thickness at 4 inches or more.
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Design the size of your pavers based on your preference to lay either a large number of smaller pavers, or fewer but larger pavers.
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Design the shape(s) of your pavers based on the pattern you want for the finished patio, taking into consideration that the pavers will need to fit together nicely, as in a puzzle. Pick square and rectangular shapes for tight, linear patterns that will give a very finished look. Go with curved pavers that fit together loosely for a more natural and casual look.
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Select the color(s) for your pavers to best fit your planned pattern and to complement the color scheme of your home and yard. Your local home improvement store will have a selection of patio books picturing lots of patterns and color schemes. Browse through them for ideas on the color(s) of your pavers.
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Create a surface design for the pavers. Concrete molds are available in a variety of designs (see the resources section for a site with hundreds of molds to choose from). You can build your own molds for pavers by using scrap lumber screwed or nailed together in the shapes you want for the pavers. Spray the insides of the lumber molds with nonstick cooking spray for easy release of the pavers once they dry. Fill the molds with concrete mix, including pigment if desired, and let them cure for two weeks, spraying them down with water frequently for the best results, You can make your own stamps or use natural materials like leaves to make designs on the wet concrete pavers before they cure.
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Tips & Warnings
Include edge restraints in your design so the pavers will not shift over time and disrupt the design.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.hobiebrat1.com/images/patio_pavers10.jpg
