Block Paving Design Ideas

Basic Patterns

• There are three basic brick patterns: stretcher bond, basketweave and herringbone. With stretcher bond (also called running bond), the bricks lay side by side but the joints overlap so the end of one brick is in the middle of the next. Basketweave has two bricks going one direction, then two going the opposite direction; a variation has two going one way and only one the other. With herringbone, the bricks lay end to side. You can lay herringbone patterns at a 90-degree angle or across the walk or patio at a 45-degree angle.

Basic Variations

• You can vary any of these basic designs by altering the patterns. Lay stretcher bonds with one row having the wide side face up, the next (or a bordering row) with the narrow side up. Vary basketweave by the number of bricks alternating -- use a pattern of three on three, for instance, or turn the basketweave to a 45-degree angle. Alter the herringbone look by framing it in a stretcher bond, with bricks either wide face up or narrow side up.

Look at New Styles

• Look at the new different styles of paver bricks. Some are made in combinations of squares and rectangles, 6-inch squares and 6-inch by 12-inch rectangles, for instance.These can be mixed and matched -- two squares one way, a rectangle adjoining. Or make a pattern with a square with a rectangle above, forming an L shape, with another L shape abutting it. This makes a series of squares formed by the L shapes.

Odd Shapes

• Use odd shapes to make various patterns. Form hexagons and octagons into many different arrangements. Interwork hexagons and octagons with squares or rectangles of comparable dimensions, so a 6-inch square abuts a 6-inch hexagon side. Build squares into hexagonal block patterns for a different look.

Mix Types and Use Stones

• Mix different types of bricks and other materials. You can choose from decorative antique bricks, many with city names or manufacturer's identification or dates in the face. Intersperse these with conventional bricks for added appeal. Combine bricks and flagstones or sandstones in an irregular design. Lay squares of bricks abutting a big stone. Use broken brick pieces to fill gaps where stones have irregular edges.