Pavers
Pavers provide a flexible way to create finished outdoor surfaces that can be coordinated with the architecture of a home and the surrounding landscape. Available in manufactured and natural materials, pavers vary considerably in color, texture, size, maintenance requirements, drainage characteristics, and cost. Choosing the right option involves looking beyond appearance to how the surface will be used and how the material will perform in its setting.
Miller Landscape designs and installs paver surfaces for homeowners throughout North Atlanta. We work with concrete, brick, natural stone, porcelain, and permeable pavers, helping homeowners compare materials and develop a paving plan suited to the property, design goals, and project budget.
Choosing the Right Paver Material
Choosing a paver material involves balancing the appearance you want with texture, maintenance, drainage needs, and budget. Each material has different characteristics, so the best fit depends on the home, surrounding landscape, site conditions, and priorities for the finished surface.Concrete Pavers offer a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, including styles that resemble natural stone. Their combination of design flexibility, manageable maintenance, and broad price range makes them a practical option for many projects.
Brick Pavers provide warm color and a traditional texture that works particularly well with classic architecture. The selection is generally more limited than concrete, but brick offers a distinctive, established appearance. Cost and maintenance vary by the specific product.
Natural Stone Pavers feature natural differences in color, texture, and surface character, giving each installation a less uniform appearance. Options vary considerably in price and maintenance requirements, with some natural stone materials representing a higher investment.
Porcelain Pavers provide a more consistent appearance and are available in finishes that replicate stone and other materials. Their dense, low-absorption surface resists staining and can reduce routine maintenance, although material and installation costs should be considered.
Permeable Pavers are designed primarily with water management in mind. Water passes through the joints into a prepared aggregate base rather than relying entirely on surface runoff. They can be useful where drainage is a priority, although their suitability and cost depend on site conditions and the complete paving system.
Paver Design: Color, Pattern, Scale & Material
A paver surface should relate to both the home and the larger landscape. Material color can be selected to complement exterior finishes, masonry, roofing, and other existing hardscape elements rather than matching any one feature exactly. Texture also influences the character of the finished space, ranging from relatively smooth manufactured surfaces to the natural variation of stone.Pattern and scale are considered together. Larger-format pavers can create a different visual effect from smaller units or traditional brick proportions, while laying patterns can make a surface appear more formal, linear, or varied. Borders, contrasting materials, and changes in pattern can be used selectively where they contribute to the overall design. The objective is to coordinate these choices so the paving feels integrated with the home and surrounding landscape.
Paver Installation & Site Preparation
Regardless of the material selected, the performance of a paver surface depends heavily on what happens beneath it. Installation begins with evaluating the site, including existing grades, soil conditions, water movement, and the intended use of the finished surface.North Atlanta's clay soils and periods of heavy rainfall make base preparation and drainage particularly important. The paving system needs to account for how water will move through or away from the area while providing a stable foundation for the pavers.
Installation generally includes appropriate excavation, grading and drainage preparation, construction and compaction of the base, installation of edge restraints, placement of the selected pavers, and application of the appropriate joint material. The exact base depth, bedding system, drainage approach, and joint treatment vary according to the paver material, site conditions, and intended use of the surface.
Compare Paver Applications
Once you have an understanding of the available materials, the next step is determining how pavers can be designed for the specific area of your property. Miller Landscape provides dedicated information for our primary paver applications:Paver Driveways explains the considerations involved in creating a paved surface designed for vehicle traffic and the specific requirements of driveway installation.
Paver Walkways & Pathways covers how pavers can be used to establish pedestrian routes and connect different areas of a landscape.
Paver Patios focuses on using pavers to create defined outdoor living surfaces suited to the layout and use of the surrounding space.
Plan Your Paver Project
Choosing the right paver starts with understanding how the material, design, and installation requirements fit your property. Miller Landscape can help you compare concrete, brick, natural stone, porcelain, and permeable pavers based on appearance, maintenance, drainage, site conditions, and budget. We can also develop a paver design that coordinates with your home and surrounding landscape.To discuss your project and explore suitable paver options, call Miller Landscape at 770-591-5234 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.