Which pattern suits which area?
| Pattern | Paver shape | Best for | Cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herringbone (90° or 45°) | Rectangular | Driveways, car parks, garages | Yes, the strongest |
| Stretcher bond | Rectangular | Paths, verandas, driveways | Yes, with rows across the traffic |
| Basket weave | Rectangular | Patios, garden paths | Light use only |
| Grid (stack bond) | Square | Verandas, patios, around the house | Light use only |
| Offset rows | Square | Paths, verandas | Light use only |
| Fixed interlocking pattern | Shaped | Driveways, garages, paths | Yes |
Herringbone
Rectangular pavers laid in a zig-zag, each one at a right angle to the next. Because every paver is held in two directions, herringbone stands up best to cars turning, braking and parking. Laid at 45 degrees to the edge it looks more dynamic but needs more cut pieces along the edges.
Stretcher bond
Rows of rectangular pavers, each row shifted by half a paver, like a brick wall. It is quick to lay and needs few cuts. On a driveway, run the rows across the direction of traffic so tyres do not follow a straight joint.
Basket weave
Pairs of rectangular pavers laid side by side, alternating between horizontal and vertical. It gives a classic, decorative look for patios and garden paths, but the joints line up in places, so it is weaker under vehicles.
Grid and offset rows
Square pavers laid in straight lines with the joints lined up (a grid), or with each row shifted by half a paver. Both give a clean, simple look for verandas and the ground around a house.
Shaped interlocking pavers
Shaped designs, such as waves, zig-zags and I shapes, fit together in a single arrangement set by their shape. Each paver locks into its neighbours on every side, which is why they are widely used on driveways. To change the look, mix colours or add a border.
Which of our designs can be laid in which pattern?
Rectangular, for herringbone, stretcher bond and basket weave:
| Design | Pieces per sq ft |
|---|---|
| (8 * 4) SL | 4.5 |
Square, for a grid or offset rows:
| Design | Pieces per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Square (4 * 4) SL | 9 |
| Square (6 * 6) IN | 4 |
| Square (8 * 8) IN | 2.25 |
Shaped, each laid in its own interlocking pattern:
| Design | Pieces per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Arch | 2.76 |
| Beehive | 3.6 |
| Big Tri-Arc | 1.85 |
| Corell Shell IN | 2.8 |
| Hexa Block | 2.8 |
| I Shape | 3.2 |
| Kite | 3.05 |
| Opel | 4 |
| Rhombus | 2.55 |
| Rock 4×4 | 9 |
| Shell | 3.2 |
| Star Plain | 4.133 |
| Star Track | 2.5 |
| Sumurf Lock & Verum | 2.09 |
| Tri Arc | 2.79 |
| Turtel | 4.3 |
| V Shape | 3.44 |
| Wave | 3.05 |
| Zig Zag Bubbles | 3.8 |
| Zig Zag Plaine | 3.8 |
| Zig Zag SL | 3.8 |
| Zig Zag Vermatical | 2.55 |
For where each design is recommended, see paving blocks by area.
Tips for choosing a pattern
- Decide first what will use the area: people only, cars, or heavier vehicles.
- For driveways, choose herringbone or a shaped interlocking design.
- On small or narrow areas, simple patterns such as stretcher bond or a grid need fewer cuts.
- Use a border of a different colour or pattern to frame the area and hide cut edges.
Frequently asked questions
Which paver pattern is strongest for a driveway?
Herringbone. Every paver is locked by its neighbours in two directions, so it resists the twisting of tyres when cars turn and brake. Shaped interlocking pavers lock on every side and suit driveways too.
Does the pattern change how many pavers you need?
Not for the main area: the pieces per square foot depend on the design, not the pattern. Patterns laid at an angle, such as 45-degree herringbone, need more cut pieces at the edges, so allow a little more.
Can shaped pavers be laid in different patterns?
Mostly not. Shaped designs fit together in one arrangement set by their shape. You can still vary the look by mixing colours or adding a border.
Which way should a stretcher bond run on a driveway?
Lay the rows across the direction cars drive, not along it. Rows running along the driveway give tyres a straight joint to follow, which loosens the pavers over time.
Choose a design and pattern with us
On a free site inspection we look at what will use the area and suggest a design and pattern for it, then quote for supply or supply and installation.
Browse our pavers range or request a free consultation.