If your next project involves a patio that’s in fairly good shape, you face the challenge of merging the old and new. The good news is it could present a wonderful opportunity for artistic expression and innovative use of materials. Selecting the right pavers to go with an existing landscape design near Harrisburg and York, PA, is made easier when you follow these guidelines.
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1. Adding on using the same materials.
This is potentially the most challenging approach because it relies on finding materials that are the same. If a particular paver is no longer available, you could be out of luck. Trying to match pavers from various manufacturers rarely works, and you may not even have luck with newer versions of a paver from the same company. However, there are several ways to work around this issue.
2. Creating an addition with its own personality.
When we think of additions, it’s usually in terms of creating more of the same, using the same materials. However, you can also think of a patio addition as adding on in a complementary way but with a newly established personality. In a way, it’s like having a living room with hardwood floors and a kitchen with tile floors. Even in the same open space, this effect can work beautifully.
For example, if the current patio features smooth flagstone-inspired pavers, you could create an annex using pavers with a more pronounced texture. This could work very well if you were creating a separate space for a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, or for any other defined area such as a lounge area.
If this is a challenge you are willing to take on, a side-by-side comparison will be in order. You could use samples to see how the materials would appear under different outdoor lighting and weather conditions. This is the way to determine whether the colors and textures will work harmoniously together or clash.
3. Separate the spaces.
If you’re using different materials, it could help to visually separate the new space from the existing space with a decorative seat wall, raised masonry planters, a water feature, or a plant bed with ornamental grasses or shrubs and with decorative river rock instead of mulch. This approach helps define the outdoor “rooms” and creates a good transition between different materials. Your eye will be drawn to the various elements, giving less focus to the differences in materials.
4. Vary the heights.
A multi-level landscape design naturally lends itself to different materials: In fact, this approach embraces them. Even on a very flat property, adding even just one step up defines the space—and it could seem perfectly natural to use different materials. For example, you could keep your outdoor kitchen and dining space on the main (original) patio, and then construct a slightly elevated patio that features a lounge area covered by a pergola. This creates quite an impressive outdoor space.
5. Add a border around the entire space, including the existing patio.
Use a border material that contrasts yet complements both the old and new materials. Brick is a great option here since you can find brick in various tones, and it’s a material that works exceptionally well alongside virtually any paver.
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Image Source: Unilock
