Before you rush out to your favourite home renovation store to stock up on paving stones take a moment to think about what you actually need the stones for. Do you have kids? Pets? Elderly folk navigating your patio area? Think safety, no one wants to trip and fall. Think about functionality, durability and a long shelf-life. Is interlocking the best way to go? Or a decorative stone with smaller pebbles around the stones to offset the creative design? Will your patio area be used for backyard barbecues, kids playing, a bouncy castle, a trampoline, a dog house?

There are a number of ways to go as a DIY builder—texture, interlocking, patterns, stepping stones inlayed into the lawn area, and paved walkways. Some areas can be curved walkways, others straight as an arrow. Are you navigating around trees and shrubs? Will you have a fire pit and a barbecue? And what type of chairs will your guests be sitting on? No one wants a wobbly chair. Are there raised flower beds near the area you want to decorate with paving stones?

Brick is one of the strongest paving options and average $10 to $15 per square foot. Concrete is a solid option and averages $8 to $15 per square foot. Stone comes in a variety of sizes, textures and colours and can run anywhere from $4 to $8 per square foot. If you’re looking for something natural, slate is a good choice and averages $15 to $20 per square foot.

The total cost of your paving stone installation will depend on your choice to hire a professional or do the work yourself, what we call the DIY builder project carefully planned and executed. No matter which route you follow, you’ll love the look of the finished project and the work will definitely add curb appeal to your home.