Paving ideas for small gardens: 12 options for compact yards

Originally published on Gardeningetc

February 22, 2023, 12:00 PM

<p> These paving ideas for small gardens are suitable for lots of different spaces, whether you have a compact outdoor area, or a small unloved area of a larger backyard.  </p> <p> Our experts cover the basics of color, shape and layout, but there are other things to consider with paving for small spaces too. Grouting, for example, can have a big impact on the visual effect in a small space. Go for the wrong style or color and it can make it look cramped and busy rather than sleek and well balanced. </p> <p> As with designing any small space, it's all in the finer details. You can afford to be free and easy in a large backyard, but in a small space, choices must be much be more considered. </p> <p> And when you remember that patio paving makes up a big portion of the budget for most backyard makeovers, it's important to do your research so you're happy with the end result. </p> <p> <em>BY TERESA CONWAY</em> </p>

1. Think about the grouting between pavers

<p> For small gardens, most people tend to want to create more space, or at least the illusion of it. 'That’s why light-colored stone and porcelain pavers add that feeling of openness to a garden, says expert gardener Robert Morley of Morley Gardens, speaking on behalf of Rated People. </p> <p> 'Creams and light grays will do that,' he adds. 'Porcelain is my top paving choice for a small garden as it’s quite a modern paving look in its appearance, and it also happens to be very easy to maintain which is a definite plus point.' </p>

<p> This patchwork effect is becoming an ever-popular paving technique which particularly lends itself to paving ideas for small gardens, plus it makes a great option if you're looking for eco paving solutions. Leaving space between your pavers means that you can add lots of lush ground cover plants to your scheme. </p> <p> In The Green Sky Pocket Garden, designed by James Smith, at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021, the 'green floor' was created from paving slabs interspersed with herbs, succulents and perennials, giving a lush feel to a modest 6x16ft space. </p> <p> For creating an instant patchwork paving effect in your backyard we love these Decorative Stepping Stones with Ground Stakes from Walmart. </p>

<p> Instead of classic block paving ideas, curves are a way of maximizing a small backyard space by tricking the eye into making the patio seem bigger than it actually is. </p> <p> This is a go-to trick of Robert Morley who often uses curved edges when paving. 'By doing this you can create an extra level of dimension,' he says. 'Instead of a simple edge that stops, the curve gives it a sense of continuity that creates more space than you actually have.' </p> <p> 'When laying a curved patio or paved area, place the widest section by your door for seating and then taper it gently to leave enough space for a lawn or planting,' says Fiona Jenkins, Gardening Expert at My Job Quote. </p>

<p> Blurring the lines between inside and out is mutually beneficial for giving a feeling of a larger space. A paved area which leads on from your interior makes the inside of your home feel bigger, whilst at the same time giving the impression of more space to the paved spot in your backyard. </p> <p> 'Some people want their patio to feel like a secret escape, an oasis away from the everyday hustle and bustle,' says Johanna Elvidge, Head of Design from Marshalls.  </p> <p> 'If you're after the feel of a cozy home extension without the fuss, consider a no-frills patio paving stone that closely matches the flooring of the room inside.'  </p> <p> 'Neutral and buff-colored, or simple concrete paving ideas are perfect, if you've got lighter carpets or wooden floors in your adjoining rooms. That way, you'll have a seamless transition from the interior – whether it be a lounge, dining room or kitchen – to the outdoors.' </p>

<p> When it comes to how to lay a patio, Johanna Elvidge feels the shape of pavers can greatly impact the look of a small garden. 'For a sleek finish which lengthens your patio, create lines with longer, thinner paving slabs in alternating rows.' </p> <p> Robert Morley agrees: 'The size and shape of a thin oblong tile makes it a perfect choice if you’re looking to cheat the feeling of space. I would suggest 18x36in (45x90cm) as the optimal size, to really emphasize the space and all that your garden has to offer.' </p>

<p> If you want to make a statement with your paving ideas for small gardens, Johonna Elvidge suggests trying a beautiful paving design that raises its aesthetic to a new level. </p> <p> 'A tasteful decorative patio pattern is sure to provide a talking point for visitors and gives an eye-catching focus, which can be sharpened by using a mix of colors and styles in your paving, or planting lush greenery around it.' </p> <p> 'When it comes to paving options for small gardens, there is a huge variety of patio materials and shapes to choose from. They range from the purely basic, such as a stack bond using a single size, to the more adventurous multi-sized flag design, such as a repeatable pattern offset at 45 degrees.' </p> <p> 'A simple guide to laying patio patterns is: the greater the number of flag sizes available within a pack, the more complex the laying pattern will look. However, even with just a single flag size, it's possible to create different layouts or patterns,' she adds.  </p>

8. Play with different levels of paving in a small backyard

<p> 'Small spaces benefit from thinking outside the box,' says Fiona Jenkins. 'Circular patios not only make an eye-catching feature, but can also make better use of compact spaces. They’re ideally shaped for a small table and chairs with plenty of space around the edge for planting.'  </p> <p> Rowan Cripps advises you should first assess the shape of your garden. 'Adding a large circular tile design in a small space can have a unifying effect, making a garden seem less claustrophobic.' </p> <p> 'The bigger the circle size, the more prominent it will be as an entertainment zone, helping you and your guests take your minds off the actual size of your outside space,' he says. </p>

<p> Even a simple side garden can become something special. If it catches the sun it’s the perfect spot for a kitchen garden or even an extra seating area. </p> <p> Terraced urban houses tend to have awkward side areas that often get very little light in the shadow cast by the house. A pergola or a seat could be nice situated there.  </p> <p> You could try laying gravel with stepping stone pavers and pots of lush, shade-loving plants. The key is to start with a simple clean-up of the area. Once cleared, a muddy patch or a pathway can be spruced up with a layer of mulch or gravel. </p>

<p> The reality when considering paving ideas for small backyards is that you will have limits to how many people your space can accommodate. It's better to seat fewer people in comfort, than trying to squeeze in too many and ending up with a cramped set up. </p> <p> Depending on the shape, paved areas measuring between 30 and 40 square feet may only be big enough to fit two or three comfortably. For this small layout consider a bistro set with a small table and two chairs. </p> <p> For a family dining area (around 6-8 people) you will need a minimum of 100 square feet. This may sound like a lot, but remember that you need space around the edges for people to get up from their seats and walk around. </p> <p> Just be aware of your size limitations and don't try and push your luck with patio furniture that is too big for your paved space, as you'll end up with an area which feels overcrowded rather than inviting. </p>

<p> 'If you're looking for something more fun, choose from a range of different colored paving stone slabs,' says Johanna Elvidge, 'or try herringbone or basket weave layouts for a dash of personality and interest.' </p> <p> 'For a sleek finish which lengthens your patio, create lines with longer, thinner paving slabs in alternating rows.' </p>

Paving ideas for small gardens: 12 options for compact yards

These paving ideas for small gardens are suitable for lots of different spaces, whether you have a compact outdoor area, or a small unloved area of a larger backyard.

Our experts cover the basics of color, shape and layout, but there are other things to consider with paving for small spaces too. Grouting, for example, can have a big impact on the visual effect in a small space. Go for the wrong style or color and it can make it look cramped and busy rather than sleek and well balanced.

As with designing any small space, it's all in the finer details. You can afford to be free and easy in a large backyard, but in a small space, choices must be much be more considered.

And when you remember that patio paving makes up a big portion of the budget for most backyard makeovers, it's important to do your research so you're happy with the end result.

BY TERESA CONWAY

Jacky Hobbs / Future Publishing Ltd

Small backyard? No problem. These paving ideas for small gardens will help you create an outdoor living space which oozes style

Gizmodo
Apple's Delaying Products, Avoiding AI in Desperate Bid to Avoid Layoffs
Apple does not want to resort to layoffs, unlike many other major tech companies, which have been downsizing since around the turn of 2023. The tech giant is so desperate to not become another Google, Microsoft, or Meta (which thought 11,000 Meta staff layoffs were so nice that it did it twice) that it has put a hold on some major product releases, like a planned Homepod with in-built screen to allocate more resources to other projects. Any hopes of ChatGPT-like Apple AI powering your smart home
2h ago
South China Morning Post
Huawei has replaced more than 13,000 parts, redesigned 4,000 circuit boards to overcome US tech sanctions, founder says
Huawei Technologies Co has replaced more than 13,000 components in its range of products with local substitutes and redesigned over 4,000 circuit boards in the past three years, founder Ren Zhengfei said, offering a glimpse of its efforts to overcome years of US sanctions. Ren, 78, said the production of circuit boards has "stabilised" after the Chinese telecoms giant developed replacement parts from domestic sources, according to a transcript of his speech published by Nanjing University on Fri
1d ago
South China Morning Post
Tech war: China's flagship CPU designer Loongson puts on a brave face amid US sanctions
A Chinese chip designer, whose mission has been to reduce the country's reliance on Intel and AMD, is trying to develop its own general-purpose graphic processing unit (GPU) despite being added to a US trade blacklist. Loongson Technology Corp, whose founder Hu Weiwu used to cite Mao Zedong to express his aspirations, is evaluating the advanced 7-nanometre process from a number of foundries to manufacture its future chips, according to a response from the company this week to investor questions.
1d ago
Fortune
Elon Musk’s Twitter now responds to all journalist requests with a single emoji
It is unclear how long the emoji-response policy to journalists will be in place at Twitter.
7h ago
Engadget
Samsung's expanded OLED TV lineup includes a new lower-priced series
Samsung has widened its OLED TV range to include the more affordable S90C.
5h ago
Engadget
Apple's 512GB Mac Mini M2 is $99 off right now
Apple's Mac Mini M2 is the cheapest way to get the company's latest processors, and now Amazon is offering the more desirable model at the best price we've seen.
8h ago
AFP
How AI could upend the world even more than electricity or the internet
The rise of artificial general intelligence -- now seen as inevitable in Silicon Valley -- will bring change that is "orders of magnitude" greater than anything the world has yet seen, observers say.This is the first time we're able to create intelligence itself and increase its amount in the universe," he told AFP. Change, as a result, will be "orders of magnitude greater than every other technological change we've ever had in history."
2d ago
Motley Fool
Microsoft Unveils New AI Infrastructure Plans, Powered by Nvidia
Microsoft's infrastructure is a cut-and-paste business model, and semiconductor giant Nvidia can benefit greatly.
4h ago
BGR
Today’s deals: $399 iPad 10, Philips Sonicare deals, $99 AirPods, APC battery backups, more
We’re starting off the new week with some very impressive tech deals that our readers are going to love. Apple’s iPad 10 starts at $399 … The post Today’s deals: $399 iPad 10, Philips Sonicare deals, $99 AirPods, APC battery backups, more appeared first on BGR.
4h ago
Engadget
Apple's 3rd-gen AirPods are back on sale for $150
The third-generation AirPods are close to a record low at $150.
4h ago
The Abilene Reporter-News
Should the US ban TikTok? Here's why blocking it isn't a good idea.
Banning TikTok could raise questions about the First Amendment rights of the app's American users – and affect far more than the latest dance craze.
2d ago
Business Insider
A foldable iPhone may be able to shut itself to protect the screen if it's dropped, Apple patent application shows
The patent application for a "self-retracting display device," dated March 16, suggests Apple is still thinking a foldable smartphone.
1d ago
Motley Fool
Is the AI Hype Making Nvidia Too Risky?
Nvidia's stock price is up over 60% year to date as the market continues to be bullish on this AI semiconductor giant, but is the bullish hype adding risk for investors?
4h ago
Motley Fool
Microsoft Could Become the World's First $5 Trillion Company By 2030
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is the world's second-largest company with a market capitalization of $2.1 trillion. It's trailing archrival Apple, which is currently valued at $2.5 trillion, but I'm going to explain why Microsoft has a growth advantage and could hit the $5 trillion mark first. The company was founded in 1975, but over the years, it has evolved from a consumer software company into a tech powerhouse at the forefront of gaming, cloud computing, and now, artificial intelligence (AI).
5h ago
Engadget
Apple's AirTag 4-pack is on sale for $90
Apple's AirTag multipack is $10 (or 9 percent) off, offering a solid saving over individual trackers.
4h ago
Yahoo Life Shopping
I tried Walmart's $15 AirTag alternative, the Onn Item Locator — here's my review
It's half the price of Apple's tracker, but you'll probably want to steer clear.
2h ago
Good Housekeeping
That Insanely Popular Magnetic Wristband Is Under $13 on Amazon Right Now
It doesn’t matter if the new dad in your life is an amateur handyman or struggles to assemble the most basic baby furniture, he’s going to love wearing this magnetic wristband. It’ll make him look like a superhero and is practical enough to help dad never lose a screw, washer, nut, bolt or IKEA Allen wrench!
1d ago
Yahoo Life Shopping
Down to an absurd $80, this 24-inch TV is 'perfect for the kitchen or bedroom' — save 50%
Act fast to save a bundle on the model nearly 70,000 shoppers are crazy about.
1d ago
Fox Business
CEO explains how a 'leapfrog in technology' can help companies catering to the blind community
Be My Eyes CEO Mike Buckley highlights the opportunity artificial intelligence presents to businesses, noting his own company has adopted new Chat GPT-4 tech to better help customers.
1d ago
Rolling Stone
JBL Just Dropped the Price on These Long-Lasting Earbuds to Under $100
Tired of constantly recharging your gear? These top-rated buds come with 20 hours of juice — and one serious 50% discount
3h ago

Yahoo News

Paving ideas for small gardens: 12 options for compact yards

Paving ideas for small gardens: 12 options for compact yards

Recommended Stories

Apple's Delaying Products, Avoiding AI in Desperate Bid to Avoid Layoffs

Huawei has replaced more than 13,000 parts, redesigned 4,000 circuit boards to overcome US tech sanctions, founder says

Tech war: China's flagship CPU designer Loongson puts on a brave face amid US sanctions

Elon Musk’s Twitter now responds to all journalist requests with a single emoji

Samsung's expanded OLED TV lineup includes a new lower-priced series

Apple's 512GB Mac Mini M2 is $99 off right now

How AI could upend the world even more than electricity or the internet

Microsoft Unveils New AI Infrastructure Plans, Powered by Nvidia

Today’s deals: $399 iPad 10, Philips Sonicare deals, $99 AirPods, APC battery backups, more

Apple's 3rd-gen AirPods are back on sale for $150

Should the US ban TikTok? Here's why blocking it isn't a good idea.

A foldable iPhone may be able to shut itself to protect the screen if it's dropped, Apple patent application shows

Is the AI Hype Making Nvidia Too Risky?

Microsoft Could Become the World's First $5 Trillion Company By 2030

Apple's AirTag 4-pack is on sale for $90

I tried Walmart's $15 AirTag alternative, the Onn Item Locator — here's my review

That Insanely Popular Magnetic Wristband Is Under $13 on Amazon Right Now

Down to an absurd $80, this 24-inch TV is 'perfect for the kitchen or bedroom' — save 50%

CEO explains how a 'leapfrog in technology' can help companies catering to the blind community

JBL Just Dropped the Price on These Long-Lasting Earbuds to Under $100

23 backyard ideas and landscaping inspiration for a stunning outdoor space –in all seasons

Best backyard trees: 10 choices for yards big or small

English garden ideas – 11 design tips to get a classic or more informal look

Fairy garden ideas: 13 ways to bring some magic to your backyard

Keepers of the Garden hosts pizza making event in their outdoor space