Use of Pavers in Backyard Landscaping

Installation

• Pavers are usually soft-set. Dig out the area where the pavers will be located to the depth of one paver plus one inch. Fill the depression with one inch of sand, set in each paver and sweep more sand over the structure to fill the cracks. Spray the pavers with water so they won't shift. They will be set in securely but not permanently; you'll be able to pry them out if you need to move them to another area at a later time. Pavers are sold in packs or single pieces, which makes it easy to create your own pattern.

Edging

• Brick-sized pavers, usually measuring four by eight inches, are perfect for defining the edge of a flower or vegetable garden. Since they sit flush with the ground, they're easy to mow over. Many of these small-sized pavers are carved with a simple pattern that makes a striking statement when used to edge a garden path or driveway.

Patio

• Creating a patio is quick and easy using pavers. Tumbled stone, marble, concrete or high-density resin pavers as large as 16 by 16 inches are lightweight enough for most people to move and manipulate, unlike paving stones. Using the soft-set method of installation, the patio can be moved later if a landscape plan changes and they are sturdy enough to support the weight of tables, chairs, grills and people.

Pool or Hot Tub

• Pavers are an excellent choice around the pool or hot tub as an alternative to wood decking. They are durable and skid-resistant even when wet. Tumbled marble, stone or brick-look resin pavers can provide a more elegant look than wood. Pavers are consistent in size and depth and usually just one-inch thick, which makes installation uncomplicated, even if they must be cut for a curved edge.

Walkways

• Many of the qualities that make pavers good as edging also apply to their use as walkways through the landscape. Unlike pea gravel or mulch, they can be mowed over. The variety in colors and patterns of pavers is also a benefit. They can provide contrast to a garden of vivid-colored flowers or add a strip of color between plantings of green hostas.