The Backyard Design: Patio Paving Stones For the Win

Originally, we were going to get stamped concrete to surround the pool and seating areas, both for the price and a better look than the traditional smooth concrete. However, after one meeting at Bill's Landscaping in Colts Neck, NJ, we changed our minds and went with textured paving stones instead, and it has proven to be the better choice for three reasons.

Paving Stones are Flexible

This may seem obvious, but yes, you can move paving stones if you need to, say, dig concrete footers for a covered pavilion. If we had gone with stamped concrete, it would have meant ripping up the concrete and patching, which might not have matched the original concrete pour.

The paving stones surrounding the pool also shifted a little over the winter from rain and snow. Thankfully, this was also an easy fix. The team at Bill's Landscaping came back to fix it by removing the stones, pouring more gravel, leveling out the ground, and then placing the stones back with more sand.

No Slip and Slide Into the Pool

The other benefit I have noticed is that the paving stones are not slippery. Even when exiting the pool with wet feet, you can easily walk across to grab your towel without having to tiptoe or walk like you're on a tightrope.

This benefit put me at ease when I had friends over this summer who brought their kids. I didn't have to worry too much about potential injuries around the pool, at least not from getting in and out of the pool.

Paving Stones Are Not Perfectly Uniform

This is one case where perfection is not something I want. The paving stones are textured, and each one is a little different in terms of shape and color. I like that there isn't a specific pattern that was needed when each one was laid down. I like that if one paving stone contains a little more white than another, it doesn't stand out like a stain that needs to be cleaned. I also like that the stones will change over time to create a relaxed look in the backyard, since relaxation is what the backyard is used for.

So what do you think about the paving stone choice? Would you use this in your backyard? Let me know in the comments below!