The Top 5 Paver Pattern Ideas for Austin Backyards | Patios, Walkways, Driveways, and more

When you’re planning an outdoor space, every design choice matters more than it seems at first. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options — different materials, layouts, colors — but getting the fundamentals right makes all the difference in how your space looks, feels, and holds up over time.

If you’re building a backyard patio, installing a new walkway, re-paving your driveway, adding seating walls, or upgrading your landscaping with a retaining wall, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right paver pattern. It’s not just about looks — the layout you pick affects everything from how natural the space feels to how well it handles Austin’s changing seasons.

At GardenGOAT, we understand how important these choices are, and we’re here to help you through them. As an Austin-based design-build landscaping company, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that feel custom-built for the way you actually want to live. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular paver patterns and where they work best — helping you move forward with a design that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.

Table of Contents

• #1 Herringbone Pattern

• #2 Running Bond Pattern

• #3 Basket Weave Pattern

• #4 Stack Bond Pattern

• #5 Random/Irregular (Ashlar) Pattern

• Choosing the Right Paver Pattern for Your Austin Home

• Create an Enjoyable Outdoor Space with GardenGOAT

Herringbone Pattern

Elegant Strength for High-Traffic Areas

The herringbone pattern arranges pavers at 45° or 90° angles, creating a distinctive zig-zag design known for its strength and visual appeal. Each paver interlocks tightly with its neighbors, distributing weight evenly across the surface and preventing shifting over time. This makes herringbone an excellent choice for backyard patios that see frequent foot traffic, outdoor kitchens, paver walkways, and even driveways. It pairs especially well with materials like brick pavers, cobblestones, and traditional concrete pavers.

Choosing a 45° angle herringbone pattern tends to create a more fluid, dynamic look, which works beautifully in larger spaces. A 90° herringbone, on the other hand, feels a little more formal and structured, making it a great fit for compact patios or courtyard-style backyards.

Running Bond Pattern

Simple, Clean, and Visually Expansive

The running bond pattern is one of the simplest and most recognizable layouts, where each row of pavers is staggered by half its length, much like a classic brick wall. This straightforward design creates clean lines and visual movement, helping smaller backyard patios and narrow paver walkways feel more expansive. It also suits areas between retaining walls or around fire pits where subtle, organized paving is needed without overpowering the space.

Because of its simplicity, running bond is both cost-effective and efficient to install, often requiring fewer cuts than more complex patterns. For an added effect, using longer, rectangular pavers instead of squares can accentuate the feeling of openness, making compact spaces appear significantly larger without any structural changes.

Basket Weave Pattern

Vintage Charm for Cozy Outdoor Spaces

Basket weave layouts alternate pairs of pavers at right angles to create a woven visual texture that immediately adds warmth and character. Originally popular in European courtyards, this pattern brings a timeless, vintage feel to Austin backyards. It works wonderfully for cozy patios tucked alongside a home, garden walkways winding through flower beds, or entryways that aim to complement historic or craftsman-style architecture.

Brick pavers or tumbled stone look especially charming in a basket weave pattern. For added authenticity, slightly varied paver tones can create a naturally aged appearance, giving the impression that the patio or walkway has been part of the landscape for generations.

Stack Bond Pattern

Minimalist Appeal with a Modern Edge

Stack bond patterns arrange pavers in perfect rows, with joints aligned vertically and horizontally to create a clean, organized grid. This minimalist layout offers a bold, contemporary look that fits seamlessly into modern backyard designs featuring sharp lines, geometric planting beds, and sleek materials like steel or concrete.

While stack bond makes a striking statement visually, it is less structurally interlocked than other patterns, meaning it performs best in decorative areas or patios with lighter foot traffic. Using large-format concrete or porcelain pavers in a stack bond arrangement can achieve a luxurious, polished feel, perfect for outdoor living rooms, pool surrounds, or stylish lounge spaces that prioritize aesthetics as much as function.

Random/Irregular (Ashlar) Pattern

Organic Flow for Natural Landscapes

The random or Ashlar pattern uses a mix of differently sized square and rectangular pavers, arranged to create an intentionally irregular appearance. Although it looks spontaneous, a well-designed random pattern is carefully laid out to ensure balance and cohesion. This approach is ideal for patios meant to blend naturally into their surroundings, especially in landscapes that emphasize native plants, stone retaining walls, or casual backyard gardens.

Ashlar layouts pair beautifully with natural stone pavers, textured concrete products, and weathered cobblestones. Keeping the color palette consistent is key to maintaining a harmonious flow, ensuring that the irregularity feels organic rather than chaotic. This pattern is a favorite for larger patios, winding garden paths, and relaxed seating areas where an informal, welcoming vibe is the goal.

Choosing the Right Paver Pattern for Your Austin Home

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a general idea of the look you want — but translating that into the right paver pattern can be surprisingly difficult. Maybe you’re unsure whether a certain layout will work with your home’s style, or you’re worried about choosing a pattern that doesn’t hold up well over time. It’s completely normal to have those questions — and it’s exactly why the design phase matters so much.

Each paver pattern has its own strengths. Some, like herringbone, offer unmatched durability and structure for high-traffic spaces. Others, like running bond or basket weave, help smaller areas feel more open or bring charm to more intimate backyard settings. Stack bond patterns are perfect when you want something sleek and modern, while a random or Ashlar pattern can make the whole space feel more natural and relaxed.

What matters most is choosing something that works for your space, not just what looks good in a catalog. At GardenGOAT, we take the time to understand your goals, walk your property with you, and figure out what makes the most sense — visually and structurally. Because when the pattern fits the property and the lifestyle, everything else falls into place.

Create an Enjoyable Outdoor Space with GardenGOAT

Designing a patio or walkway is an exciting project — but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. From picking the right paver pattern to making sure the installation is done properly, there’s a lot riding on each decision. That’s where GardenGOAT comes in.

We help Austin homeowners move through the process with confidence, offering expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re starting with a blank backyard or looking to redesign an existing space, we take the time to understand your goals, your property, and your style before building a plan that’s tailored to you.

At GardenGOAT, we believe outdoor spaces should be more than just functional — they should feel like a true extension of your home. Our team handles everything from design to installation with careful attention to detail, ensuring that your new patio, walkway, or outdoor living area doesn’t just meet your expectations — it exceeds them.

If you’re ready to create a backyard that feels like it was made just for you, we’re here to help. Contact GardenGOAT today to schedule a consultation and let’s start planning your new outdoor space together.