How To Choose Paver Colors For Your Patio, Driveway & More

With all the paver and wall colors available, it can be confusing to know which to choose for your outdoor project. While it’s important to have a harmonized palette, paver color selection also comes down to the intended use of your pavers. The color of your pavers will impact your outdoor space’s overall aesthetics and functionality, so it’s important to consider several factors when choosing your paver colors.

Define the Purpose of Your Outdoor Space

Are you redesigning your front driveway, installing a new pool deck, or replacing old paving stones around your fire pit? Determining the purpose of your outdoor space is crucial in deciding which paver colors will best breathe new life into that area.

Choose Paver Colors that Complement Your Style of Home

Is the home you’re designing for a traditional bungalow, a rustic cottage, or an upscale modern abode? The style of your home can significantly influence your paver color choices. While it’s natural to want to match the color of your home, avoid choosing paver colors that are an exact match to prevent a monotone look. Instead, focus on staying within the same color tone.

If the siding, brick, stucco, or wood is a warm brown, look for pavers within that color family. Likewise, if your home is a cool grey, look for grey tones. However, if you have a red brick home, don’t feel you need to choose a brick-colored (or brick-sized) paver. Grey-toned pavers are also a great choice to complement red brick.

Warm vs. Cool Paver Colors for Your Outdoor Space

Unilock offers a variety of pavers and walls produced in warm and cool color tones.

Warm tones feature earthy hues, ranging from sand to dark chocolate, and variations and combinations of orange, red, and yellow. A perfect example of a warm paver color is Unilock Umbriano® in Summer Wheat, which carries warm, sandy undertones that brighten up any space.

On the other hand, cool tones include more shades of gray, blue, and purple, and tend to evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. Unilock Richcliff® in Dawn Mist, or Copthorne® in Steel Blue are both examples that rely on cooler tones to bring forth a chic, elegant look.

Dos and Don’ts of Choosing Paver Colors

Let’s look at the dos and don’ts of choosing colors for your pavers and walls.

Do: Consider what your pavers will be used for

As you determine the purpose of your outdoor space, it’s important to consider how different colors will be suitable for certain applications over others. For example, lighter colors, such as white and gray, are better suited for pool decks because they absorb less heat from the sun and are more comfortable to walk across barefoot. In contrast, a darker color, like Basalt or Steel Grey, may be better used on a high-traffic driveway or outdoor kitchen project, where spills and stains are more likely to occur.

Don’t: Feel you must match pavers and walls

While you can match the color of your pavers and walls to certain features in your outdoor space, sometimes a little contrast can go a long way in elevating the aesthetic beauty of your design. For example, if you are building a large paver patio or pool deck, choosing shades for pavers and walls that are in the same tone or color family will help frame the area beautifully.

Do: Use color to create visual harmony in your setting

Consider the surrounding elements in your landscape, such as natural stone, wood paneling, and trees, and choose paver colors that harmonize with these features. Use color to define different areas of your project, direct movement, and delineate edges of pools, steps, and patios. Darker hues for borders and banding can effectively define spaces. Additionally, landscape walls, planters, and pillars, along with varied laying patterns, can help create distinct “rooms” and unique designs.

Don’t: Be afraid to use contrasting colors

If you have a large area, one color may be too much of the same shade. Add a border, accent, or inlay in your design with a contrasting color or two to create interesting appeal. Use the same accent on your walls, pillars, or planters to create a cohesive look throughout.

Do: Check the color in natural light

The best way to know for sure is to test a colored paver in natural light. Visit one of our Outdoor Idea Centers and pick up FREE product samples to visualize how the color will look next to your home and existing landscape.

EnduraColor vs. Elegance for Paver Color Longevity

When choosing a product, many people tend to focus on design and function without considering the underlying benefits, such as durability, maintenance, and long-term performance. At Unilock, our exclusive EnduraColor™ and Elegance™ product lines offer tremendous benefits for any project, thanks to their advanced proprietary technologies.

EnduraColor features a refined surface achieved by blending a base of coarser aggregates for a stronger foundation with concentrated color and wear-resistant finer aggregates on top. The result is a colorfast, highly durable product resistant to fading over time.

Our Elegance collection combines timeless style with unbeatable durability. Using Reala™ technology, it offers deep, rich colors and authentic stone surfaces. Combined with the strength of Ultima™ and the stain resistance of EasyClean™, the Elegance collection delivers products that remain unmatched in the hardscape market.

Whether you choose an EnduraColor or Elegance product, you will have a paver whose color and aesthetic beauty withstand the test of time.

Resources to Help in Choosing the Right Paver Color

Design Idea Catalog:

Our comprehensive Design Idea Catalog is a fantastic resource to start your design journey. Explore inspiring outdoor projects designed with Unilock pavers, to help you visualize how different colors can be used to create stunning, cohesive designs.

Visit an Outdoor Idea Center:

Experience our pavers in a life-sized setting by visiting one of our Outdoor Idea Centers. These centers showcase a variety of paver installations in different color combinations, layouts, and applications. While there, be sure to speak with our knowledge staff who can help you make an informed decision for your project.

Request Samples:

Request free samples of our pavers by visiting one of our local Outdoor Idea Centers, or have your contractor request them for you, to get a hands-on feel for the colors and textures. This will allow you to see how the colors look in your space. Having physical samples can make it easier to compare and choose the perfect paver color for your project.

Consult a Unilock Authorized Contractor:

For personalized advice and professional expertise, consult with a Unilock Authorized Contractor. Unilock Authorized Contractors are an elite group of professionals who can provide a free design consultation, which will help you determine the best paver colors based on your home’s style, the intended use of your outdoor space, and your personal preferences. UACs are also experienced in proper site preparation, grading, base materials, and compaction, and will ensure your project meets the highest quality standards from start to finish.

By utilizing these resources and tips, you will be well-equipped to choose the perfect paver colors for your next outdoor project. If you have any questions or wish to learn more, connect with a local Unilock representative by calling 1-800-UNILOCK.