Considerations When Choosing a Paver, Slab or Tile For Your Next Project
A large proportion of our projects feature some sort seating area, entertaining space, firepit, dining area or pool deck. So the difficult task arises where the client must choose between many different types of surfaces, which include several sizes, colors and patterns of pavingstones. As we prepare a landscape plan for them and lead toward pricing and planning a project, we typically present a few options. Ultimately those options depend on a few factors specific to the client, site conditions, etc. Here are a few of those factors we look at within a landscape design.
Style
New builds are fairly easy. The client has likely spent the last 12+ months planning out their build in great detail, often with the help of a designer. From initial blueprints, down to interior design that client has a specific style they are trying to achieve. In our area of the world there is a generous attraction to a contemporary, modern or west coast style. However the craftsman, rustic and more traditional styles still are visible in our community. We typically would continue that same style or feel into their landscape plan, and we are seeing our precast concrete brands producing newer styles to match the same trends we are seeing in home design.
Within Style, the size, shape, pattern and colour of the paver or slab comes into play as well.
So for a new contemporary home or renovation perhaps having a pool built within their backyard, we may suggest a large format slab for their pool deck in a neutral tone, with a matching pool coping and perhaps a border or inlay treatment using a complimentary secondary paver in a contrasting colour. Keeping the design of this pool deck running bond pattern with a herringbone inlay.
Or perhaps an existing lakefront cabin that has been newly renovated, where a client has asked us to design a large entertaining area featuring a lounge area and firepit. Here we might feature more of a tumbled paver with a typical pattern featuring a variety of bolder more richer colours. We might compliment this old world look with some adjacent areas done in a wood grained paver, or perhaps some natural flagstone walkways leading to this feature entertaining area, given the area or location of this site so close to the environment.
After an initial site walkthrough with a client we tend to leave the client with a couple catalogues illustrating these different styles and how they may play a role in continuing that theme or style would run through their living room, out their patio door and into an outdoor space that reflects and continues the same look.
2. Use/function.
What a client’s intentions on using that space for will help us determine what selections to present.
Is it a driveway that will support continuous vehicle use, and snow shovelling throughout the winter? Well we may choose an interlocking paver which would include tighter joints vs deeper, cobble looking edges. We might also suggest a 100mm paver vs a 65mm one to allow for better structural integrity of the paving system.
Is it a pool deck that will see young children with wet feet sprinting into cannonballs into the deep-end of the family’s pool? Well texture of that paver, tile or slab will come into play.
Is it a pathway heading toward the home’s boat dock that will be inset within a lawn area and see lawn mowing and irrigation? I would then suggest a series of pavers, planks or slabs that we can create a more larger stepping stone feel to it, allowing for easy mowing without a series of small pavers creating many joints.
Is it an existing concrete surface that needs to be overlayed with a new look? Porcelain slabs would be a good fit due to the 7/8” thickness of that tile.
3. Budget
This typically will come up on most designs we do. But if the client is conscious of price, there tends to be a tipping point at what to suggest to them. They value spreading that budget over all of the other areas of the project vs. Allocating it all to the patio and firepit area.
But within any budget there tends to be a series of several good options correlating to that ideal budget. Some patterns are easier than others; more are complex. Mixing in 2 or 3 colors can make logistics and ordering product a bit more tricky; vs sticking with one size, one colour. Adding creativity with inlays and border treatments, as well as rotating patterns 45 degrees can add to cutting and install time which as well will drive up cost. So within each project we have to look at our suggestions and how they will potentially drive up costs to our clients.
The size of the area we have helped design is important. Have we allowed for too much space (wasted space) where this will be reflected in budget? Can things be minimized? Or on the flipside. The estimate of the project is under budget? Have we accommodated enough from for 6 people around that firepit? Or does size of that area need to increase? Can we offer an area for a hammock or a private area to allow that owner to be secluded and read a book? Worth noting, but as area increases, the overall estimate price per square foot may decrease. A larger area can allow for larger equipment, and efficiency tends to increase when the scope of the project increases. So therefore value can increase with a larger canvas to work on
There are several brands that we offer our clientele. Some are produced locally (within Province) and some are produced several provinces over. A client might stretch their budget slightly further using a brand of pavers produced within our province vs importing Brand B or C. Ultimately it comes down to presenting these options so the client can visualize the project complete and which choice is right for them.
4. Availability
Presently, heading into spring of 2022, we are seeing demand in our sector increase. Lack of travelling and spending, more work from home, etc. has led to more investment in one’s property. This has changed the game in the hardscape industry. Suppliers are producing at their quickest speeds to just keep up with demand. So what we offer our clients will depend on time of the year, lead time on the project, and what can be provided in a given timeline.
This is where planning is key. Calling a contractor tomorrow, with hopes of completing a project by the end of spring will limit you to not only a select few companies, but as well the products that will be available. Again, with newer construction this is easy. Our clients are generally planning out their landscaping early on in their build process. For folks purchasing an existing home or adding a pool to their current yard - waiting till your move in date 3 months from now or when the pool has been completed to speak with a Contractor will certainly limit your timeframe in getting the product you ideally would want.
These are just a few examples of factors we would consider in selecting the right product for you. Ultimately the client that knows what they like, has a vision of what they want to see, or have come across a product prior to discussions - this conversation is more efficient and easier to reach a final selections. Those clients leaning on us for advice, past installation examples, whom might need assistance with this selection need to look at these and other factors to help them make a decision that will add value, longevity and a sense of appreciation in their decision every time they host a gathering around that outdoor space.
By Michael Arding, owner/designer of Nokomis Landscaping