Paving Design: Patterns, Colours and Materials

A well-designed paving job does more than just cover the ground — it enhances the appearance of your home and can significantly increase its kerb appeal. Here's how to think about paving design before you commit to a particular look.

Start With the Setting

Good paving design considers the environment it sits in. The style of your home, the existing landscaping, the colours of your walls and roof — all of these should inform the paving choice. A natural clay brick driveway will look different against a face-brick home than against a plastered white facade. Think about what you're connecting the paving to, not just the paving itself.

Laying Patterns

The same brick laid in different patterns creates very different visual effects.

Herringbone

The classic herringbone pattern — bricks laid at 45° in a V formation — is the most structurally sound pattern for driveways because it locks the bricks together and distributes load effectively. It's also visually striking and works well in both traditional and contemporary settings. The main drawback is that it generates more cut bricks along the edges, which increases labour time slightly.

Basket Weave

Pairs of bricks are laid alternately horizontal and vertical. This creates a regular, woven appearance. It's a good choice for patios and courtyards where vehicle loads aren't a concern. Less common on driveways but effective in the right setting.

Running Bond (Stretcher Bond)

The simplest pattern — bricks laid end-to-end with each course offset by half a brick. Quick to lay, minimal waste, and has a clean modern look. Works well for pathways and can look good on a contemporary driveway.

Stack Bond

Bricks aligned both horizontally and vertically with no offset. Very geometric and modern-looking. Less structurally interlocked than herringbone, so generally not recommended for areas with heavy vehicle loads. Good for pedestrian areas and feature sections.

Mixed or Feature Patterns

Two colours of brick can be used to create bands, borders or feature sections within a larger paved area. A border in a contrasting colour along the perimeter of a driveway adds definition. A central feature section in a pool surround can break up what might otherwise be a large flat expanse.

Brick Colours and Materials

Clay Bricks

Fired clay bricks like the Corobrick range offer the widest variety of natural colours — from warm terracotta reds and browns through to cooler charcoals. Clay colours come from the mineral content of the clay and are stable over time. You won't find them fading the way painted or pigmented cement bricks sometimes do.

Popular Corobrick colours for driveways in this area include Cederberg (a warm sandy-brown), Nutmeg (deeper brown-red), Namaqua (darker charcoal-brown) and Ironstone (very dark, almost black). See our article on Corobrick Namaqua paving for more detail on this popular colour.

Cement/Concrete Bricks

Cement bricks like bevel bond are less expensive and available in a range of colours. They work well and are the most common residential paving brick. The colour pigment is throughout the brick, so minor chips are less noticeable than with surface-treated products.

Flagstones

For a high-end look, flagstones offer something quite different from standard brick paving. Large format stones — particularly in our three-size LaCotta cobble arrangement — create an organic, natural look that works beautifully around pools and on patios. The irregular sizing and spacing give a more relaxed feel compared to the regularity of brick patterns.

Design Considerations by Area

Driveways

A driveway needs to be tough first and attractive second. Herringbone pattern with good edging is the reliable choice. Colour should complement the house rather than try to stand out too much. For driveway paving advice, see our dedicated page.

Pool Surrounds

Non-slip surface texture matters more here than almost anywhere else. Light colours are popular around pools because they don't absorb as much heat underfoot — important in a Gauteng summer. Lighter flagstones or lighter brick colours work well. Pool paving has specific requirements worth understanding before you choose.

Patios

This is where you can afford to be more expressive. A patio doesn't bear the same vehicle loads as a driveway, so you have more pattern options. Flagstones work particularly well on patios, as do more intricate brick arrangements. Read more about patio and lapa paving.

Pathways

Pathways often look best when they relate to the materials used elsewhere on the property. A running bond works well for a clean, directional look. Pathway paving should consider step-free transitions and non-slip surfaces.

Getting the Design Right Before You Start

Once you've chosen a pattern and material, changes are expensive. Take the time to think it through beforehand. Ask your contractor to show you samples of the actual bricks on site if possible. Colour photographs don't always give you an accurate sense of how a brick colour will look in your specific light conditions and against your specific walls.

We're happy to discuss design options before quoting, and we bring experience from many different installations throughout Alberton and the surrounding areas. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.