12 garden paving ideas: inventive, skillfully laid surfaces that make a big impact in a small space
Cobblestones, flagstones, slabs, reclaimed brick! Discover garden paving ideas to add flair to your yard.
1. Smooth and round
In this 19th-century country-home garden, stones are just as essential as the plants. The once-dominant lawn is replaced with plantings and sections formed by stones and slabs of varied sizes. Between them, the plants’ colors truly stand out. The paving was created by laying landscape fabric over the lawn and adding a 10-centimeter layer of installation gravel.
2. A path through lush greenery
Cobblestone is a timeless choice that suits any garden style. The resident’s own arrangement stands out along the paths of this sloping plot. For larger areas, you can arrange cobblestones in arcs or fan shapes, or opt for a classic brick-style layout. A five-centimeter-thick stone layer works well for pathways, while ten centimeters is recommended for driveways.
3. Gray but far from dull
Combining gravel with large concrete slabs provides a crisp, refined look, perfect for a minimalist garden. The slab layout adds visual interest and broadens this narrow spot. In the containers near the entrance, African lilies are in bloom.
When laying paving, you can use a level or a guide string to ensure it’s even.
4. Paving like jewelry
Paving can bring rhythm to a garden and help direct traffic. Here, paving defines its own seating area. Repeated circular shapes create a calm feel. It’s best to place raised paving away from large trees, as leaves can be difficult to clear from the gaps between higher stones.
5. The garden is for play
Blending colors and shapes leads to lively paving. These unique ceramic tiles were originally acquired from the Gustavsberg porcelain factory. The garden was first owned by the famous Swedish garden influencer Ulla Molin, whose trademark style included pairing neatly trimmed shrubs and trees with more relaxed plantings.
6. With added height
A gracefully curved paving design continues into the adjacent wall. The terraced edge and lush plantings create a laid-back vibe. A stone wall can store heat, helping delicate plants thrive, and offers cozy pockets for wildlife.
7. Small yard, big stones
Large flagstone steps, combined with a seating area paved in smaller stones, lend an airy, tranquil feel to this 70-square-meter row house garden teeming with striking foliage. On the left, a golden hondon maple and a ‘Gold Pillar’ Japanese barberry brighten the space, while the dark shrub is a ‘Black Lace’ elderberry.
8. Keeping the lawn in check
A curved paving border along the lawn and planting bed is both attractive and practical. It doubles as a walkway and simplifies mowing. With stones laid flush to the ground, you can roll the mower right over them. Round stones between the lawn and plantings can be more challenging, as grass often grows between the crevices.
9. Made from reclaimed brick
A herringbone pattern isn’t just for indoor floors. Here, it elevates the look of the walkway. The arch overhead is covered in Virginia creeper. Reclaimed bricks differ in how well they withstand ground contact, but you can easily replace any that crumble. If you don’t want to risk wear, but like the look of brick, newly made bricks designed for outdoor use are sold under names like pihatiili and maatiili. See more ideas for using reclaimed bricks in the garden.
You can find leftover stones from other gardens in recycling groups and on online marketplaces—sometimes for free.
10. Create art with stones
Remember, there are no strict rules on the shape of your paving or how many types of stones or slabs you can include. Just piece together the stone puzzle you prefer. In floral artist Anne Justin’s garden, the narrowing paving leads the eye to a metal pergola and reflects its form.
11. Blooming joints
When designing a stone path or a larger paved space, consider adding a groundcover that tolerates foot traffic between slabs. Thyme, for instance, looks charming in these cracks and helps reduce future weeding. Over time, organic matter and seeds will accumulate anyway, aiding drainage as well.
12. With decorative patterns
Concrete slabs don’t have to be plain! These greenhouse floor tiles were decorated using a stencil and gray stone glaze. Depending on the pattern you want, you can make your own stencil from thick cardboard or buy one ready-made. Rattan furniture completes the greenhouse’s cozy vibe. Check out the story about this garden, which is full of summer blooms! All these garden paving ideas can help you transform even the simplest outdoor space.
You’ll find tips on designing and building your paving in our article: Outdoor paving—what to consider when planning your yard’s easiest-care feature? Read our expert’s tips [in Finnish]
