Narrow Down Your Style for Brick Walkway or Driveway

When it comes to brick paver patterns for a patio or walkway, there is almost no limit to what can be created. With use of a variety of brick paver colors, and pattern techniques some paving projects become admirable works of art. But even with straightforward common projects such as a paver driveway or a brick paver walkway, the design alternatives can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow down the options.

Best Brick Paver Patterns

Some of the simplest and most elegant designs used today are also the oldest. Patterns should be chosen for not only for their looks, but to also serve a functional purpose depending on whether the space will be used by pedestrians or vehicles; if the space needs to be visually enlarged; or to lead the eye to a focal point, like a sculpture or fountain. Is the Project for Vehicular or Pedestrian Traffic?

The types of pavers also will change according to the size of a project and its purpose.

• For cars or other vehicular traffic, a herringbone pattern is the best bet. This type of paver pattern allows the loads to be transferred and evenly distributed more effectively than any other pattern.
• Designs for pedestrian traffic such as walkways, terraces, patios, courtyards, garden paths and surrounding a pool or pond are often not limited by load considerations; so virtually any pattern can be  used. But the more elaborate the pattern will mean more cuts, which will raise the labor time and cost of the project.
The 3 Basic Patterns

There are three basic patterns of brick design for walkways and driveways:

1. Running Bond & Stack Bond. The running bond is a simple but attractive pattern that requires next to no cutting. This is also the most common pattern used on the façade of brick buildings. This pattern is best used for outdoor patios. Stack bond pattern is the simplest of all paving patterns, since pavers are simply stacked or laid side by side, but can be laid at a 45 degree angle for more interest. Stack bonds can stand up to more foot traffic than the running bond, so it is ideal for walkways.
2. Basket weave. The basket weave paver pattern is also called a “parquet” pattern. This design is a checkerboard type of pattern hailing from old European courtyards. This pattern is very attractive and pleasing to the eye; but it looks more complicated than it actually is to install.
3. Herringbone. The herringbone paver pattern can consist of various shaped pavers laid at either 45 or 90 degree angels. It is the strongest of the three patterns; the angles of the pavers create the greatest interlock between the pavers which makes it ideal for driveways that require a sturdy surface.

Steps to Brick Walkway or Driveway Success

To create a successful paver project, get inspiration from looking at various pattern designs – both in magazines and books, as well as around your neighborhood or town.
Once you know what pattern you’d like, make sure that it is the right strength for the type of project you are installing. You can also select from a variety of brick colors and styles (antique, european, colonial and more) which have a wide range of colors.

Brick paver patterns for patios, walkways, and driveways for homes located in Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, Macomb and Oakland County Michigan