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The title image features Mattoni pavers.
When it comes to choosing walkway pavers, one of the most important considerations is size. One size truly does not fit all! There is no right or wrong, but when you’re making a choice between small or large walkway pavers for your Glen Cove, NY, walkways, the size you choose will give your walkway completely different looks.
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In this article, we’ll compare two pavers from Unilock, Mattoni and Senzo. These are similarly shaped rectangles, but with significant size differences. Mattoni measures 2 3/8” x 9 1/2” and the heftier Senzo measures approximately 8” x 16”.
The Size Myth
You may be familiar with the design “rule” that says you should put small things into small spaces and large things into large spaces. This isn’t always true. You can make a small space feel more spacious by using larger pavers that minimize joint lines for a more unified look, and you can make a large space feel more intimate by using smaller pavers, with more joint lines.
A modern approach is to use a paver that gives you the feel you want: visualize “small and cozy” when thinking about small pavers, and “spacious and elegant” when thinking about large pavers.
Laying Patterns
The most dramatic difference you’re likely to notice between small and large pavers, assuming you are choosing the same color, is in the laying pattern and choice of jointing sand. A herringbone pattern looks great on a narrow walkway because it makes it feel wider; but the final outcome depends on the color of jointing sand you choose: A light color highlights the texture of the walkway and gives your walkway a historic or rustic charm. Similar-colored jointing sand gives the walkway a more unified and sophisticated feel.
Smaller pavers lend themselves to curved walkways and tend to look best laid in the direction of travel that follows the curves, or in a herringbone pattern to give your walkway a charming aesthetic.
Larger pavers can be laid in the direction of traffic, or perpendicular to traffic to visually broaden a narrow walkway and give it more of a presence.
The most dramatic difference you’ll probably notice between small and large pavers, assuming you are choosing the same color, is in the laying pattern and choice of jointing sand.
Complementing Your Home
If your home has a brick facade, larger pavers in a complementary color can help anchor the home to the landscape. If your home features simple wood siding, you could go small or large, depending on the feel you want to achieve. Use the more delicate dimensions of Mattoni to achieve a cozier walkway, or the larger proportions of Senzo for a more elegant welcome.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between small and large pavers. You can use a large paver in the main field and opt for creating a border that offers a dramatic contrasting band of color using the small paver. For example, pair Senzo in Cremo with Mattoni in Cocoa Brown; or pair Senzo in Mocha Brown with Mattoni in Sable or Dark Charcoal. Pair Senzo in Cocoa Brown with Mattoni in Sable for a subtle yet texturally rich look.
Get inspired with the free Unilock Design Idea Catalog or talk to your local Unilock Authorized Contractor for wonderful walkway ideas that help you choose between small and large pavers for the look you want!
Related Read: How to Stay on Budget When Planning a Paver Patio or Driveway Project
