How to Choose and Install Round Patio Pavers Like a Pro [Complete Guide]

Round patio pavers are popular for adding a touch of elegance and durability to outdoor spaces. These circle patio pavers can transform a simple backyard into a stylish and functional patio area. Immediately incorporating round patio pavers into your outdoor project not only boosts the aesthetics of your outdoor living space but also enhances its usability.

Continue reading to empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence to choose and install round patio pavers like a pro. This complete guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right pavers to the installation process for your home improvement or renovation.

What Are Round Patio Pavers?

Round patio pavers are pieces used to make outdoor floors like patios and walkways. They add a unique look because of their shape, allowing for creative paver patio designs and patterns.

Benefits of Choosing Round Pavers for Your Patio:

• Durability: These pavers are tough and can last a long time. They stand up well against weather, like rain or sun, and don't wear out easily from people walking on them.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Round pavers offer a different and attractive look. They can make a property feel more welcoming and stylish because of their unique shape and the patterns you can create with them.

• Flexibility in Design: With round pavers, you can get creative. They fit well in any space, big or small, and you can arrange them in many ways to make interesting and beautiful designs.

Choosing round pavers for your patio or home renovation means you're picking a durable, good-looking option that lets you get creative with your outdoor space.

Suggested Reading: Cobblestone Pavers for Hardscaping: Ideas and Tips for Your Garden and Pathways

Selecting Your Round Patio Pavers

Choosing the right round patio pavers for your outdoor space involves considering the material they're made from, their style and design, and their size and thickness. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the best choice:

Material Matters

• Concrete Pavers: These are very popular because they're strong and can look like natural stone design.
• Pros: They're affordable and come in many natural stone colors and styles.
• Cons: Concrete can fade over time and might crack in very cold weather.

• Stone Pavers: Made from natural stone, they offer a unique and elegant look.
• Pros: They're very durable and each piece is unique.
• Cons: Stone pavers are usually more expensive and might require more care to keep them looking good.

• Brick Pavers: These have a classic look and are often used for paths and patios.
• Pros: Clay keeps its color well over time and is very hard.
• Cons: It can be pricier than concrete and might be slippery when wet.

Style and Design Considerations

Your pavers should match the look of your home and garden. If your house is modern, you might want sleek, smooth pavers. For a classic garden, rougher, more natural-looking pavers could be better. Think about the colors in your garden and the outside of your home. You want your pavers to complement these colors, not clash with them.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of your pavers depend on how you plan to use them. If you're paving a place where people will walk or sit, standard-size pavers that are about 2 to 3 inches thick should be fine. For a driveway, you'll need thicker pavers to handle the weight of cars.

• For walking paths or patios: Look for pavers that are about 1.5 to 2.5 inches thick.

• For driveways: You'll need pavers that are at least 2.5 to 3 inches thick to support the weight of vehicles.

Remember, choosing the right pavers is about balancing looks with practicality. You want something that fits your style and will last for years to come.

Planning Your Project

When you decide to make your yard look nicer with round patio pavers, it’s like drawing a picture that everyone will see. Here’s how to plan it and what to do before you start laying those pavers down.

Designing Your Patio Layout

1. Draw Your Dream: Imagine what you want your patio to look like. You can use paper and a pencil to draw it. Think about where you want to sit and how big you want your patio to be.

2. Measure the Space: Use a tape measure to find out how big the area is where you want your patio. This tells you how much room you have.

3. Count Your Pavers: Once you know the size of your patio, you can figure out how many round concrete pavers you need. A simple way to do this is to measure the size of one paver and then see how many fit into your patio area. Remember, you might need to cut some pavers to fit your design, so it's good to have a few extra.

4. Get Creative with Patterns: With round pavers, you can make cool patterns like circles or waves. Think about what pattern you want and how it will fit into your space.

Preparing the Site and Foundation



1. Clear the Area: First, you need to make sure the place where your patio will go is clean. Take away any plants, rocks, or old paving stones. You want a blank space to work with.

2. Dig It Up: Now, you need to dig up the ground a little. For most patios, digging up about 7 to 8 inches deep is good. This makes room for the layers that go under your pavers.

3. Make It Flat: Use a tool, like a rake, to make the ground flat and smooth. You want a nice, level area so your patio doesn’t have bumps.

4. Add Layers: Before the pavers go down, you need a solid base. First, put down gravel. This helps with drainage so water doesn’t stand on your patio. On top of the gravel, add a layer of sand. The sand helps your pavers stay in place.

5. Compact It: Using a tool called a compactor, press down on the gravel and sand. This makes sure your base is really solid and ready for the pavers.

6. Check for Level: One last check – make sure the surface is flat and slightly slopes away from your house. This is for water to run off and not pool on your patio.

By following these steps, you’re setting the stage for a beautiful patio made with round pavers. Remember, good planning and preparation are the keys to making your outdoor space a place where you’ll love to spend time.

Installation Techniques

Laying the Pavers

• Prepare the Area: Make sure the space where you're going to lay the pavers is flat. Remove any grass, stones, and other stuff. You want a smooth, clean surface.

• Create Your Base: Spread a layer of sand or gravel. This makes sure your pavers don't move around later. Make it level.

• Start Placing Your Pavers: Begin from one corner. Place each paver next to the other. For round pavers, you might want to start from the center of your space to get a nice pattern.

• Keep the Gaps Even: If your pavers have a bit of space between them, try to keep it the same all around. This makes everything look neat.

• Check Your Work: Every few pavers, step back and look. Make sure they're straight and match your pattern. It's easier to fix mistakes now than later.

Cutting Pavers

• Measure Twice, Cut Once: If a paver doesn't fit, measure the space you need to fill. Use chalk to mark where you need to cut.

• Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting pavers. This keeps you safe from dust and sharp edges.

• Use the Right Tools: A masonry saw or a circular saw with a diamond blade is best for cutting. If you're not comfortable using these tools, ask for help or get a professional.

• Take Your Time: Cutting pavers can be tough. Go slowly to make sure you get a clean cut.

Securing the Pavers

• Edge Your Space: Edging keeps your pavers from moving side to side. You can use metal, plastic, or even wood edging. Place it around the outermost pavers and push it into the ground.

• Fill the Joints: Pour sand over your pavers once they're all in place. Sweep the sand into the gaps between them. This locks them together.

• Seal the Deal: If you want, you can seal your pavers with a sealer. This isn't always needed, but it can make them last longer and resist stains.

Remember, taking your time and doing things step by step is key to getting a beautiful patio that lasts for years. If you're ever unsure, it's okay to ask for help or hire a pro. It's better to have it done right than to have to redo it later.

Finishing Touches

Filling Joints

After laying down round patio pavers, filling the joints between them is essential for stability and to prevent weed growth. There are several options for materials used in filling these spaces:

• Sand: Regular sand is often used due to its ease of installation. It's poured over the pavers and swept into the joints. Polymeric sand, a special type that includes binders, is also popular. When activated with water, it hardens, providing a stronger bond and reducing weed growth and insect intrusion.

• Stone Dust: Stone dust can be used as a joint filler, offering a more natural look. It compacts well, providing stability underfoot.

• Gravel: Fine gravel sometimes serves as a joint filler in more rustic patio designs, though it provides less stability than sand or stone dust.

The choice of material often depends on the expected traffic on the patio, the overall aesthetic, and the level of maintenance the homeowner is willing to undertake.

Sealing the Pavers

Sealing round patio pavers is a recommended step to extend their lifespan and enhance their appearance. Benefits of sealing include:

• Protection: Sealer provides a protective layer against stains, UV damage, and wear, making pavers easier to clean and maintain.

• Color Enhancement: Sealers can enhance the natural colors of the pavers, giving them a more vibrant or "wet" look, depending on the type of sealer used.

• Inhibit Weed Growth: Sealing the joints between pavers can help prevent weeds from taking root, as well as deter ants and other insects.

There are various types of sealers available, including:

• Acrylic Sealers: These are available in water-based and solvent-based forms, drying quickly and enhancing color with a glossy finish.

• Polyurethane Sealers: Offering a thicker coat, these sealers are more durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.

• Penetrating Sealers: These sealers penetrate the surface of the pavers, protecting them without significantly altering their appearance.

When applying sealer, it's important to clean the patio thoroughly first, removing any stains, dirt, or debris. The sealer is then applied with a sprayer, roller, or brush, depending on the product instructions. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for application and reapplication intervals to maintain the patio's appearance and durability.

Choosing the right joint filler and sealer, and applying them correctly, are crucial steps in ensuring that a patio made of round pavers remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

DIY vs Professional Round Patio Pavers Installation

When considering the installation of round patio pavers, homeowners face a choice between taking a DIY approach or hiring professionals. Each option has its considerations, especially when assessing the site and planning for drainage, as well as ensuring the design complements the home's architectural style and natural surroundings.

Assessing the Site and Planning for Drainage:

• DIY Approach: Homeowners must evaluate the installation site themselves, considering factors such as the slope of the land, soil type, and existing drainage patterns. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water accumulation that can undermine the pavers' foundation. A DIY enthusiast needs to research and possibly consult with experts on how to create effective drainage. This might involve digging trenches, installing drainage pipes, or grading the site to ensure water flows away from the paver area and the home's foundation. This can be a good option if you are on a budget

• Professional Installation: Professionals bring expertise in assessing the site, with a deep understanding of how different factors affect drainage and stability. They can quickly identify potential problems and implement solutions that might not be obvious to the homeowner. For instance, professionals might recommend specific base materials or drainage systems suited to the local soil and climate conditions. Their experience ensures that the patio has a solid foundation, with effective drainage that will last for years.

Professional Design Tips:

• DIY Design: Designing a patio that complements the home and its surroundings can be challenging without a background in landscape design. Homeowners might focus on functional aspects like size and shape but might not fully consider how the patio's style, paver color, and pattern will integrate with the home's architectural style and the natural landscape. There's a risk of creating a patio that clashes with the home or feels out of place in the environment.

• Professional Guidance: Landscape professionals or patio designers can offer valuable insights into creating a harmonious design. They consider the home's architectural lines, materials, and colors, as well as the yard's existing elements and plantings, to create a patio that feels like a natural extension of the home. Professionals can suggest round paver styles, layouts, and colors that complement the home's era and character, ensuring the new patio enhances both the home's beauty and its value.

If you're looking for professional products, advice, or a free quote and consultation to ensure your round patio pavers project is a success, don't hesitate to contact outdoor patio contractors like Jacksonville Concrete Pavers. Their expertise can help you achieve a stunning outdoor space that enhances your home's beauty and value. 

Suggested Reading: DIY Patio Pavers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a round patio with pavers?

To construct a round patio with pavers, planning for curves is essential. Using a system helps as it comes with grids that can be cut to fit the round shape. The process involves measuring the patio area to calculate the square footage and the amount of product needed. The planning phase includes choosing a paver pattern, like herringbone or basketweave, for aesthetic diversity.

Can you buy curved pavers?

Yes, you can buy curved pavers or a circle paver pack designed to form a complete round patio. However, if you have square pavers, you can still create a round patio by being prepared to cut them as necessary. The process involves planning, excavation (if needed), preparing the ground, and laying the pavers in a circular pattern, starting from the center and working outwards. Cutting pavers to fit the round shape may require tools like a circular saw or an angle grinder.

Which is cheaper, concrete patio or pavers?

The choice between a concrete patio and pavers depends on various factors, including materials, labor, and maintenance costs. Generally, concrete patios can be less expensive initially due to the lower cost of concrete compared to individual pavers. However, pavers offer a range of designs and can be more durable and easier to repair, potentially offering better long-term value. The actual price can vary based on the project's construction size, design complexity, and local material costs.

Can Round Patio Pavers Be Used for Driveways?

Yes, round patio pavers can indeed be used for driveways, especially if they are made of durable materials like concrete. For driveways, interlocking pavers are particularly recommended because of their strength and ability to withstand vehicular traffic. It's important to choose pavers with appropriate thickness and material durability for driveway use.

Can I Install Round Patio Pavers Over an Existing Concrete Patio?

Absolutely! Installing round patio pavers over an existing concrete patio is feasible under the right conditions. The concrete base must be sound, without any foundation cracks, and should provide a stable and level surface for the pavers. This method can add an aesthetic upgrade without the need to remove the old concrete slab.