New Homeowners: A Quick Guide to Paver Design

Hey there, I’m Mr. Lee from Lee’s General Landscaping.

First off, congratulations on settling into your new Seattle home! As someone who’s been working with landscaping and pavers around here for over 30 years, let me tell you: adding pavers to your outdoor space is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Picture it like turning your backyard into a cozy outdoor “living room”—a place where you can sip your morning coffee, host friends for a summer BBQ, and stroll over to your garden without getting your shoes soaked in the morning dew.

Seattle’s mix of rain, mild summers, and those gorgeous evergreen backdrops means choosing the right landscaping materials is crucial. Pavers are durable, flexible in design, and perfect for our Northwest climate. Let’s take a walk through the whole process together. I want you to feel confident in your choices, whether you’re eyeing a simple patio or dreaming of a meandering garden pathway.

Paver Material | Description
Brick Pavers | Think of brick pavers like the classic cardigan in your wardrobe—charming, warm, and never out of style. They’ve got that timeless appeal, and I’ve seen them complement older Seattle bungalows as effortlessly as they suit newer modern builds. If you want that homey, lived-in look, brick is your friend.
Concrete Pavers | Concrete pavers are the dependable denim jeans of the landscaping world. They’re versatile, cost-effective, and come in just about every shape, color, and texture you can imagine. Whether you’re thinking sleek and modern or something that blends quietly with your garden beds, concrete can do it.
Natural Stone Pavers (Slate, Granite, Flagstone) | If you’re after a high-end, organic feel—like stepping onto the grounds of a hidden retreat—natural stone is your go-to. Each piece is unique, creating a one-of-a-kind tapestry underfoot. Perfect for a tranquil corner where you can unwind with a good book and a cup of tea.
Porcelain and Composite Pavers | These are the newcomers on the block, a bit like that fancy kitchen gadget you splurged on. They’re low-maintenance, slip-resistant, and can handle our rainy days. A pricier option, sure, but the sleek, modern look might be exactly what you need for a polished, contemporary space.

Benefits of Using Pavers

Pavers offer a sturdy, stable surface that’s still easy on the eyes. They can boost your home’s curb appeal, create a welcoming entryway, and give you a comfortable space to entertain guests outdoors—rain or shine. Plus, if one paver gets damaged, it’s easy to pop out and replace, unlike a big slab of poured concrete.

Common Applications:

Patios: Your own outdoor lounge—just add chairs, a fire pit, and a few friends.

Driveways: Durable enough to handle your SUV and still look gorgeous.

Walkways: A tidy path to your garden, shed, or side gate. No more soggy lawn footprints!

Retaining Walls: Pavers can also be used to build walls that gently shape your landscape.

Understanding Paver Types in Detail

Concrete Pavers:
You can find these in an endless assortment of colors and textures. Want a smooth, contemporary look or something that mimics natural stone? Concrete can do that. They’re cost-effective and play nicely with almost any home style.

Brick Pavers:
Brick is old-school cool. Traditional red bricks give you that classic, cozy feel, while newer variations and patterns can lean modern. They’re great if you’re going for a warm, inviting aesthetic.

Natural Stone Pavers (Slate, Granite, Flagstone):
Each stone is like its own piece of art, with natural variations that set a high-end tone. Perfect for a quiet patio or a special seating nook.

Porcelain and Composite Pavers:
These offer a sleek, uniform look and often require less maintenance. They’re weather-resistant and can handle Seattle’s wet seasons with ease, making them ideal if you like a clean, contemporary finish without a lot of fuss.

Planning Your Paver Project

Assess Your Site & Measure:
Grab a measuring tape and map out the area you’re paving—patio, walkway, or maybe a neat strip along your driveway. Knowing your dimensions helps you order the right amount of materials and avoid surprises later.

Purpose & Function:
Think about how you’ll use the space. Will this be your “outdoor family room” for dinners under the stars, or a walkway so you’re not tiptoeing through soggy grass each morning?

Budget & Style:
Set a comfortable budget and pick paver styles that fit the look of your home. Remember, you can mix and match to create something uniquely yours.

Designing with Pavers

Choosing a pattern is a bit like choosing a new rug for your living room—it sets the tone. Herringbone patterns feel timeless and upscale, while random or mosaic layouts express creativity and whimsy. Add focal points, like a circle of stone in the middle of a patio, to draw the eye. And remember to integrate your pavers with your garden beds, lawn, and existing hardscaping so your yard feels like one big, inviting space.

Preparing the Site

Tools & Materials:
You’ll need a few basics: a shovel, a level, maybe a wheelbarrow, some gravel, and sand. Don’t forget proper drainage planning—Seattle’s famous for its rainfall, so you want that water to go somewhere other than pooling on your new patio. A well-prepped site ensures your pavers stay level and last longer.

Excavation & Grading:
Think of it like prepping a canvas. You need a clean, even surface before you start “painting” with pavers. Dig down enough to accommodate your base materials and the pavers themselves, and ensure the ground slopes slightly away from your home so water drains properly.

Base Preparation

Base Materials (Gravel & Sand):
A stable base is like a good foundation for a house. Without it, everything on top might shift or sink over time. Lay down gravel and compact it thoroughly, then add a layer of sand for a smooth surface that cradles the pavers just right.

Laying Pavers

Now the fun begins! Think of this step like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Start at a corner, place your pavers snugly together, and continue until the entire area is covered. If a paver doesn’t fit, you can cut it—just like trimming the edges of a photo to fit into a frame. Edge restraints help keep everything in place, so nothing wanders off over time.

Jointing and Stabilization

Fill the gaps between pavers with sand or polymeric sand, which hardens and helps keep out weeds. Then, lightly compact and brush off excess sand. You’ve just “tucked in the sheets,” ensuring everything stays in place and stable.

Finishing Touches

Consider sealing your pavers to protect them from stains and Seattle’s notorious moss growth. Sealing also brings out the colors—think of it like applying a protective topcoat. Regular cleaning and the occasional maintenance sweep will keep them looking fresh for years. If you want that extra bit of flair, add a decorative border or accent stones—like adding jewelry to an already fabulous outfit.

Paver Maintenance and Repair

A quick sweep or rinse usually does the trick to keep pavers clean. If weeds dare pop through, a quick pull handles that. And if one paver cracks or chips, you can simply replace that single piece rather than redoing the whole area—easy peasy.

Sustainable Practices

Want to be eco-friendly? Consider permeable pavers that let rainwater seep back into the soil, cutting down on runoff. Using local, sustainably sourced materials helps reduce your project’s environmental footprint. After three decades of landscaping in Seattle, I can tell you, green solutions do pay off—in curb appeal, and in feeling good about your choices.

Case Studies and Inspiration

Check out some local gardens or browse online galleries for inspiration. I’ve seen homeowners transform small side yards into elegant, paved courtyards. Others highlight their driveway with paver “ribbons” on each side to bring a touch of artistry to the everyday.

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals

If you’re handy, have some spare weekends, and enjoy a good project, DIY might be a great fit—it’s hands-on, and you’ll take pride in the result. But if your site is complex, your time is limited, or you just want to ensure absolute perfection from day one, hiring a professional team (like ours here at Lee’s General Landscaping) can make the whole process seamless. We know the local soil, weather, and the tricks to ensure your pavers look fantastic for decades.

In a Nutshell:
Pavers can elevate your new Seattle home’s outdoor experience. With a bit of know-how, a solid plan, and careful installation, you’ll have a space that’s not only functional and durable but also brimming with personality. Whether you decide to go at it solo or team up with professionals, your yard will become a cherished extension of your home—ready for morning coffees, family dinners, and maybe even a glass of wine after a long day, all set against the peaceful greenery of the Pacific Northwest.

If you ever need a hand or want to chat through your ideas, feel free to reach out. After three decades of working with pavers in Seattle, I’m here to help make your outdoor dreams come true.

Warm regards,
Mr. Lee
Lee’s General Landscaping

About the Manufacturer: Mutual Materials

At Lee’s General Landscaping, we’re proud to use products from Mutual Materials, a trusted leader in hardscaping and masonry for over 120 years. Founded in 1900 as Builders Brick Company, Mutual Materials played a pivotal role in rebuilding Seattle after the Great Fire and has since expanded to serve the entire Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. As a fifth-generation, family-owned company, their commitment to quality and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our standards. Their durable and beautiful products help us create lasting hardscape designs for homes, parks, and businesses, ensuring every project reflects excellence.

Mutual Materials Columbia Patio Series