Pavers have come a long way. From the traditional brick-and-mortar style you remember at grandma’s house, to the endless colors and shapes currently on the market, hardscaping has certainly changed for the better. If you are looking to enhance your outdoor space, here are a few ways to add paver technology into your landscape.

1. Walkways and Edging

Define your garden beds with edging pavers to create a unique border around existing plants and shrubs. Edging protects plants from weeds and excess grass and, when paired with a paver-walkway, it reduces muddy foot-traffic.

2. Driveways

Add a colorful paver border to an existing asphalt driveway or replace the asphalt entirely for a completely updated look. There are endless color combinations and textures to match the architecture of your home, and new manufacturing options help the pavers keep their shape and color for years to come.

3. Retaining Walls & Steps

Retaining walls are great for sloped areas where the land may not be suitable for a garden or other landscaping. Staircases can also be constructed out of pavers, most often capped with ledgestone for a sleek finish.

4. Fire Pits & Grills

There’s nothing more inviting than a cozy fire! Textured pavers can be used to build a sunken fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Match the pavers with the color of your siding and add accent stone for a completely custom design. Most pavers are often heat-resistant and ideal for backsplashes or accent walls in outdoor kitchens, grills and bar settings.

5. Outdoor Seating

Pavers make beautiful seating areas. Construct single benches or use ledgestone to cap existing retaining walls, saving money (and space) on outdoor furniture.

6. Water Features & Poolscapes

Whether you live in the suburbs or on acres of land, water features add a unique focal point to your landscape. Smooth, permeable pavers are a common selection around built-in pools, as they dry quickly and are less prone to seasonal damage. Elegant waterfalls can be added in and around existing pools, or use pavers to build stand-alone waterfalls near natural ponds or man-made bodies of water.