Outdoor living spaces have become more popular than ever. According to PR Newswire, outdoor spaces are more valuable than ever before, according to 90% of Americans. Installing pavers is one way to upgrade your outdoor area. Here are five questions to ask yourself before buying pavers.

1. What's Your Budget?

Pavers can range greatly in price depending on the material, pattern, and installation. Natural stone pavers, like granite, are more expensive than concrete. Intricate patterns and colors will cost more than basic bricks. Determine your budget upfront so you can choose affordable paver options that fit your price range.

2. Where Will the Pavers Go?

Consider where you want to install the pavers. They are commonly used for patios, walkways, pool decks, and driveways. The location will determine how much you need, what shape pavers you should use, and how durable they need to be. For example, driveways require very sturdy pavers that can withstand heavy vehicles.

3. What's the Desired Look?

There are tons of paver shapes, colors, textures, and patterns to choose from. Do you want a traditional brick patio or a unique, artistic walkway? Cool tones or warm earth shades? Smooth pavers or textured? Decide on the visual look you want before buying pavers so you can select the right options. You can even mix and match shapes and colors for custom designs.

4. How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Do?

Some types of pavers require more maintenance than others. Homeowners should be prepared to do periodic sweeping, weed removal, sealing, and replacing broken pavers. Interlocking pavers tend to shift and settle over time, requiring realignment. Be honest about how much paver maintenance you're willing to take on when making your selection.

5. Do You Need Professional Installation?

Larger or more complex paving projects require hiring a professional contractor. They have the right tools, skills, and experience to ensure the base and pavers are perfectly leveled and smooth.

Asking the right questions ahead of time will help you select the ideal pavers to enhance your outdoor living space. Carefully thinking through your budget, location, design, maintenance needs, and installation will ensure you don't encounter any surprises down the road. Taking the time to do your paver research now will pay off for years to come. When you're ready to purchase pavers, reach out to us at Riverside Stoneworks for an estimate.