How Do You Choose Pavers For Your Driveway?

A driveway is an extension of your home, and while most people settle for black asphalt or cement driveways, you might be looking for something a bit more sophisticated and nice. The good news is that there are all sorts of pavement stones that can be used to turn a boring, dull driveway into a beautiful outdoor architecture.

 

Here's what you need to know about choosing a pavement that blends seamlessly with the exterior of your home.

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1. Color matters.

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When choosing the right stones for your driveway, you want to use a stone that accentuates the exterior of your home without taking away its beauty. The first thing you need to do is look at the color of the exterior of your home. Usually, you can take a few shades lighter to achieve a coherent look. This allows your home to remain the focal point while creating a nice architectural flow.

 

One thing you don't want to do is get too dark. Choosing pavers that are much darker than the outside of your home can confuse your eyes. It's best to stick to lighter tones that are more accent-colored than primary tones.

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2. Consider the exterior of your home.

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The material used for the exterior of your home also plays a role in choosing the best natural stones or pavers that are used to create a new driveway. If your home has wood or cedar siding, brick-colored pavers can add a nice pop of color without overpowering your home.

 

On the other hand, if your home is brick, you don't want a brick-colored patio. This creates an overload of red! It is best to use neutral colors, especially gray, for brick homes. This color combination is a lot less overwhelming.

 

For fieldstone homes, it is best to find paving stones that offer purely natural and neutral tones. Look closely at the natural pavements that you choose, as some have hints of yellow and/or gray that may not look as nice as a paver that is purely gray or brown.

 

3. Think of the look you want to achieve.

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The exterior design of your home also plays a role in determining which color pavers you should use. If you want to create a calm and mute feel, it's best to stick with gray and other natural-colored stones that can be used to create clean lines. If you're looking to add a pop of color to your home's exterior, consider having a pattern or some other unique design that can be set to the driveway.

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4. Consider borders and embellishments.

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You might notice that many of the driveways have circles in the center. It's an embellishment, or a focal point. These focal points include the entrance to the driveway or the garage apron. To make your driveway look like a Romanesque one, consider using a circle kit. As far as borders are concerned, they can be used to create a contrast in appearance, leading to a more finished and unique look. Most of the people match their roof because it leads to more balance.

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5. Consider durability.

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Concrete interlocking pavers provide exceptional durability, with a load bearing capacity of between 7,000 and 8,000 psi. (pounds for every square inch). They come with a manufacturer's warranty against cracking and breaking.