Paver Patterns for Patios: 8 Layouts to Compare Before You Build

The landscape design process can be an exciting time as you start working with a landscape company in the Covington, WA, area. You can begin the process of turning your landscaping dreams into reality and finally have that perfect front yard or backyard space. There are a lot of decisions to be made and a wide variety of choices to choose from. You’ll need to decide what outdoor spaces you want to include, such as an outdoor kitchen or simply an outdoor patio that serves as an outdoor living area. Picking out the pavers will be an important part of the process. Which ones you choose will depend upon your personal style preferences.

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There are numerous options of pavers in a variety of colors, textures, shapes, and styles. A landscape designer can help you determine what style would look best for your specific space. You will also need to decide what paver pattern you would like used for your outdoor spaces. Here are some of the paver patterns that you may want to consider.

What Is a Paver Pattern?

A paver pattern is the layout used to arrange individual pavers across a patio, walkway, driveway, or fire pit area. The pattern affects the finished look, how formal or natural the space feels, and how well the design fits the shape of the outdoor area.

Paver pattern	Best for	Look and feel
Running bond Choose running bond if you want a simple patio or walkway pattern that feels clean, classic, and easy to pair with most home styles.	Walkways, patios, driveways	Simple, clean, and classic
Basketweave Choose basketweave if you want a more traditional patio pattern with a decorative, woven look.	Traditional patios and garden paths	Decorative and structured
Checkerboard Choose checkerboard if you want a bold design feature, game area, or high-contrast patio accent.	Play areas and bold patio designs	High-contrast and playful
Stacked bond Choose stacked bond if you want a modern, orderly look with straight lines and a more formal layout.	Modern patios and walkways	Straight, clean, and formal
Circular Choose a circular pattern if your patio includes a round fire pit, seating area, or central focal point.	Fire pit areas and focal points	Rounded and eye-catching
Herringbone Choose herringbone if you want a durable, timeless pattern for a patio, walkway, or driveway.	Patios, walkways, and driveways	Strong, timeless, and detailed
Spanish bond Choose Spanish bond if you want a decorative pattern that combines square and rectangular pavers.	Decorative patio fields	Patterned and custom-looking
Ashlar Choose ashlar if you want a more natural, varied paver layout for a larger patio or outdoor living space.	Larger patios and outdoor living areas	Natural, varied, and premium

Running Bond Pattern

The running bond pattern is one of the most commonly used patterns. This involves square or rectangular-shaped pavers being laid side by side in rows, but staggering every other row. You could compare the appearance to how subway tile looks.

Basketweave

The basketweave pattern is named such because it resembles the weaves in a basket. The look is generally created by placing two pavers with the short side facing one way and two other pavers with the short side facing the opposite direction. This pattern is achieved with rectangular shaped pavers.

Checkerboard

For the checkerboard pattern, square-shaped tiles are laid in alternating colors as the checkers game board is. Some homeowners choose to have an entire paver patio area built in a checkerboard pattern, and others choose to have an actual giant checkerboard game built as part of the paver patio, which makes a great conversation piece and provides entertainment opportunities—just add giant checkers or chess pieces!

Stacked Bond

A stacked bond paver pattern is similar to the running bond pattern, except that it is not staggered like subway tile is. This pattern is often laid in a diagonal layout, which creates a beautiful effect.

Circular

For the circular pattern, pavers are laid in a circular pattern. This is a popular choice for a fire pit area, if the fire pit is circular. Whether you choose a monotone look or to go with multiple colors of pavers, both will look impressive.

Herringbone

The herringbone pattern involves rectangular shaped pavers in a zig-zag pattern. Its name is a reflection of the fact that the arrangement resembles the bones of a fish.

Spanish Bond

Both rectangular-shaped and square-shaped pavers are used in the Spanish bond pattern. In this pattern, four rectangular pavers form a square that encases a square paver.

Ashlar

The ashlar pattern is a random laying pattern that involves numerous shapes and sizes of pavers. You can choose to have a single color of pavers or go with a mixture of different colors. The designs can vary, depending on the pavers that are used.

Compare Paver Patio Options for Your Yard

Choosing a pattern is easier when you can see how it works with your home, yard shape, and outdoor living goals. Kairos Landscapes helps homeowners compare paver patterns, colors, borders, and layouts for patios, walkways, driveways, and fire pit areas.

Explore paver patio, walkway, and driveway options or request a patio design estimate when you’re ready to compare the best layout for your space

Paver Pattern FAQs

What is the most popular paver pattern?

Running bond and herringbone are two of the most popular paver patterns because they work well for many patios, walkways, and driveways.

Which paver pattern is best for a patio?

The best patio pattern depends on the style of the home, the size of the patio, and whether the space needs a simple look or a stronger design feature.

Which paver pattern works best around a fire pit?

Circular paver patterns often work well around round fire pits because the layout follows the shape of the gathering area.

Can you mix paver sizes in one pattern?

Yes. Patterns like ashlar and Spanish bond can use multiple paver sizes to create a more custom look.

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At Kairos Landscapes, exceeding expectations is our guiding principle. Since 2013, we have been proudly serving the Puget Sound area, captivating customers with our compelling landscape designs and attention to detail. From paver and turf installations to crafting remarkable outdoor living spaces, our commitment to superior craftsmanship and exceptional customer service has allowed us to build enduring relationships with our valued clients.