Paver walkways are predicted to be a popular outdoor design element in 2026, according to Pinterest. This, probably, comes as no surprise to customers. Paver walkways are highly adaptable, facilitating a smoother driveway-to-door connection and creating well-defined, stylish garden side yards. Paver walkways are also stunning, as Americans can choose from classic herringbone to modern jarring slabs to create their dream curb appeal. In this guide, we will appreciate herringbone and modern paver walkways and provide inspiration for various types and designs of paver walkways. This guide covers everything from DIY gravel options to professionally installed flagstone pathways. From paver walkways to gravel paths, we will help you to create functional and visually appealing paver walkways and gravel paths.
1. Gravel and Stone Border Pathway
One of the examples we will provide is a professionally installed gravel walkway paver with a natural edging design. This design will create many beautiful options. The crunchy sound of the gravel combined with the feel of the stones is a favorite among many homeowners. The gravel design works best with a loose stone edging design. It complements and pairs well with stone edging designs, particularly in more informal garden beds. This garden design will help to soften the edges of the garden. 
This design works best in northern/humid regions with more rain, with the gravel paver helping to create more drainage.
The gravel naturally absorbs water, preventing puddles, and the stone borders keep the pathway structured without being overly formal. In suburban settings, this is a favorite with homeowners for pathways that provide access to the side of the house where a more visually appealing option than concrete is desired.
2. Large-format concrete slabs
Contemporary American landscapes have gained traction with the strikingly modern look of oversized concrete pavers. These large slabs, typically 24×24 inches or bigger, minimize grout lines and deliver a sleek, uninterrupted surface from the front door to the street. The clean geometry works especially well in minimalist designs where less is intentionally more, and the substantial size makes installation faster than traditional smaller pavers. 
A practical insight: Large-format concrete pavers actually require a more stable base than smaller units because their size makes them prone to cracking if the substrate shifts. Most professionals recommend a compacted gravel base of at least six inches, plus a layer of sand, to ensure the slabs remain level for years. This upfront investment in proper installation saves costly repairs down the line.
3. Classic Brick Herringbone Pattern
Brick pavers arranged in a herringbone pattern remain one of the most timeless choices for front entrance walkways across America. This interlocking V-shaped layout provides superior structural stability compared to running bond patterns, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. The traditional red tones bring warmth and historical character, particularly suited to Colonial, Georgian, and Cape Cod-style homes where architectural authenticity matters. 
Regional context plays a role here: brick walkways in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states echo the region’s colonial heritage, creating a sense of complete homeliness. Homeowners often choose clay bricks that develop a patina over time, adding to the authentic aged appearance. The herringbone pattern also performs well in freeze-thaw cycles because the interlocking design distributes stress more evenly than straight-laid patterns.
4. Flagstone with Wide Grass Joints
Irregular flagstone pavers set with generous grass- or moss-filled joints create an organic, almost storybook quality perfect for curved pathways through established gardens. Each stone’s unique shape and color variation ensures no two walkways look identical. This design approach works beautifully when you want the path to feel discovered rather than imposed, winding naturally between planting beds and under tree canopies. 
A quick micro-anecdote: One landscape designer I spoke with in Oregon pointed out that clients often misunderstand how much upkeep grass joints really need. Cutting weeds can take an out-of-control green space and reseed it to get plants to control themselves. She suggests that people looking to achieve a similar effect without the hassle try dwarf mondo grass or creeping thyme.
5. Pea Gravel with Stepping Stones
Pea gravel and a few flat stepping stones will also look professionally done and still be DIY-friendly and affordable. Soft, rounded gravel is available in neutral colors that will match any home style and provides stepping stones for a firm foothold at a stride length that is comfortable. This combo is especially favored for side-of-house access areas where a paved path is constructed. 
Budget angle: The combination is genuinely one of the most cost-effective walkway solutions available, with materials often running under two dollars per square foot when you source gravel in bulk. The DIY installation is straightforward—excavate three to four inches, lay landscape fabric, add gravel, and position your stones. Many homeowners complete a 20-foot pathway in a single weekend without special tools or skills.
6. Charcoal Gray Modern Pavers
Dark black or charcoal-toned pavers have become the go-to choice for contemporary homes where a dramatic, monochromatic palette sets the tone. These rectangle or square units, often in concrete or porcelain, create a sophisticated runway effect from street to front entrance. The deep color also hides dirt and wear better than lighter materials, a practical consideration for busy households. 
Expert-style commentary: Landscape architects frequently specify dark pavers for clients who want a high-end look without ongoing maintenance headaches. Unlike light-colored concrete that shows every stain, these darker surfaces age gracefully and require little more than occasional sweeping. The color also absorbs more heat, which can be a benefit in northern climates, where snow melts faster, but a consideration in the Sun Belt, where surface temperatures rise significantly.
7. Mixed Material Front Yard Path
Combining stone, gravel, and concrete creates visual texture that elevates a front yard walkway from functional to memorable. You might see large bluestone treads set into a river rock base or concrete borders framing a decomposed granite center. This layered approach adds dimension and lets you balance durability with aesthetic appeal, using harder materials where foot traffic concentrates and softer ones in transition zones. 
Real homeowner behavior: Many people start with a single-material walkway, and as budgets allow or design preferences evolve, they add elements. One may add stoned sides to a concrete path or upgrade a basic gravel road with stepping stones. Compared to completing projects all at once, this design evolution generates more interest and personalization.
8. Straight-Lined Sidewalk Replacement
Unsightly concrete sidewalks can be replaced with features that prioritize visual tidiness, like cement pavers. This offers a clean, refined look that is suitable for formal landscapes and traditional home styles. The straight geometry respects property lines and architectural symmetry, making it a safe choice when resale value is a priority. Modern paver technology also means these units are often more durable and more aesthetically pleasing than poured concrete, with coloring options that are less basic than gray.
Here are common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them: Straight walkways are meant to be simple, but easy mistakes can be made. Most people and even some professionals overlook drainage. Without some convex shape, water will collect on the surface instead of running off. Pavers can be laid with a 2% grade. This means water will be directed away from the structures and toward the planting areas. If this step is forgotten, ice will form in the winter and the subsoil will erode, leaving the paver base dangerously unsupported.
9. Rustic Rock Path and Mulch Path
An informal woodland feel is created with a blend of natural rock pathways and shredded bark or wood chip mulch. The larger stones are primary surfaces for stepping, and the mulch naturally fills gaps and suppresses weeds. This design is ideal in settings with mature trees and natural woodland areas. 
Where it works best: This design works best in the Southeast, the Great Lakes states, and the Pacific Northwest. These are places with a lot of tree cover. The mulch layer slowly decomposes and enriches the soil for surrounding plants.
Homeowners often highly regard the availability of certain materials and their soft surfaces. The gradual breakdown of mulch necessitates a refresh every year or two, which can be a compromise.
10. Linear Concrete Plank Pavers
Long, slender concrete pavers that mimic wood planks create a modern look while retaining the strength of masonry. These rectangular pieces are generally installed in a staggered running bond layout. The design creates bold linear patterns that direct visitors to the entryway. The wood-grain look embossed on newer models provides additional visual interest while still maintaining a modern aesthetic. 
Practical insight: A different approach may be required to install the pavers due to their slender design. The longer length of a paver increases the likelihood of tilting, particularly if the base is not perfectly flat. To avoid slippage, installers often rely on a screed board to ensure that the sand layer is level. Lippage is a common problem with rushed jobs creating uneven surfaces, but taking the time to level a paver before moving on to the next avoids this issue.
11. Curved Bluestone Pathway
A path made of irregular bluestone flagstone pieces flows gently through the landscape. It steers away from direct and rather linear approaches to the door. It invites. Bluestone comes in natural blue-gray colors and pairs well with traditional and contemporary homes alike. The material’s durability withstands harsh weather from New England winters to Southern summers. The path provides a natural flow and features organic edges and different stone sizes. It flows around established trees and other features of the garden. 
Context matters in the Northeast. Local stone foundations and the natural surrounding environments of the Northeast integrate well with the color and texture of the regional favorite: New York and Pennsylvania bluestone. In the past years, people have been using this material across the country, but the shipping costs can be expensive. Local flagstone can be used instead for a similar look and reduced transportation expenses.
12. Grid-patterned square pavers
The layout of this idea is for modernist and mid-century-inspired landscapes. The use of uniform square pavers in a grid layout provides a choice of satisfying geometric precision. The concept of this paving design embraces mid-century modern aesthetics by utilizing a grid pattern that emphasizes order and repetition.
The straightforward design allows DIY installation to be easy since it involves the same units spaced evenly. 
A homeowner in Palm Springs, for example, mentioned that she picked this design because it replicated the grid pattern of her 1960s post-and-beam house windowpanes. The pattern facilitated a dialogue between the architecture and the landscape. To keep in with the desert surroundings and have less to take care of, she maintained this walkway with crushed granite rather than sand.
13. Stacked Stone-Edged Gravel
Interest and three-dimensionality come with the dry-stacked stone walls that form the raised borders of a gravel walkway. This construction method works particularly well on sloped properties where the raised edges prevent gravel from migrating downhill. To a purely utilitarian path, the elevated stone adds a crafted and artisanal quality, which elevates the path to a true landscape feature rather than just a practical one. 
Expert commentary: A stonemason confirmed that dry-stacked walls use stone selection and placement for stability, with each piece locked in by gravity and friction. Walls will perform well without mortar.
The secret is you have to use flat stones with a wide enough surface area and beat the wall slightly backward for more robust stability.
14. Wisconsin Concrete Keyed-In Vent Paver Patio System
Specially designed permeable concrete pavers with open cells allow rainwater to infiltrate directly through the walkway surface, addressing stormwater management in an increasingly eco-conscious way. These systems reduce runoff, recharge groundwater, and often qualify for municipal green infrastructure incentives. The grid pattern created by the open cells has a distinct modern appearance that signals environmental responsibility. 
Budget angle: While the initial material cost runs higher than standard pavers—often 30-50% more—homeowners may recoup some expense through reduced drainage infrastructure needs and potential stormwater fee reductions in municipalities that offer such programs. The cells typically fill with gravel or are planted with low-growing grass, and proper installation requires careful attention to the aggregate base that does the actual filtering.
15. Tumbled Brick Cottage Style
Tumbled or weathered brick pavers with rounded edges and varied coloring create an instant aged patina perfect for cottage gardens and English-inspired landscapes. Unlike sharp-edged new bricks, these units look like they’ve been in place for decades, with subtle color variations from buff to salmon to deep red. A basket-weave or stretcher-bond pattern enhances the informal, collected-over-time aesthetic. 
Real homeowner behavior: Gardeners often choose this style due to the bricks not competing with the perennials. The bricks exhibit various muted and soft colors. Plus, the recycled bricks are weathered and provide better traction when wet. While smooth pavers are worse to walk on when wet, pavers with a reclaimed surface are better. Genuine reclaimed bricks are from demolished buildings, but inconsistent sizing is a challenge for some homeowners.
16. Japanese-Inspired Stepping Path
Inspired by Japanese gardens, a contemplative path can be created with individually set, round, or irregularly shaped stone pavers. The pavers can be placed in gravel or moss that is carefully raked. The set and spaced pavers can be designed to encourage a slower pace. The path is designed for walk-through meditation, featuring a minimalist style that emphasizes quality and precision. The design works perfectly for meditation gardens and as a transitional path between different outdoor rooms. 
This style works, especially in Pacific Coast climates where moss grows. The cultural use of this design in Asian traditions is abundant here too. Adaptations work nationwide when using appropriate ground covers. In arid regions, use fine gravel; in the shade, use pachysandra; and in temperate areas, use creeping thyme.
Calm designs with space should be kept to maintain the quality of the design.
17. Reclaimed Granite Block Path
The dense, durable granite units show wear patterns and chisel marks and bring instant value and texture to modern landscapes. Granite cobbles from old city streets provide history to the design. New materials cannot achieve the same characteristics. They can be laid in designs like herringbone and running bond to provide a classic European feel, which is perfect for high-end front entrances. 
A common mistake when using cobbles is failing to pay sufficient attention to detail, especially with untamed cobbles. Untamed surfaces and cobbles can create trip hazards and require careful installation. Professionals will advise setting cobbles with the flattest face up and ensuring that height differences do not surpass a quarter inch. Polymeric sand helps keep everything in place. Failing to implement these tactics will result in a path that looks appealing but will result in a hazard, especially for the elderly.
18. Decomposed Granite Natural Path
Decomposed granite provides a firmly packed yet natural-looking surface that’s become the signature material for California casual landscapes. This finely crushed rock and clay mixture compacts when moistened and rolled, creating a stable path that still breathes and drains well. The warm, sandy tones work beautifully in drought-tolerant gardens where water conservation is a priority, and the informal appearance suits relaxed front yard designs. 
Budget perspective: Decomposed granite ranks among the most affordable walkway materials, often costing just a dollar or two per square foot installed. The stabilized versions, which include a binder for extra firmness, cost slightly more but require less maintenance. DIY installation is straightforward—excavate, compact the subbase, add the DG in layers, moisten thoroughly, and compact with a plate tamper or hand roller. The result looks professionally installed at a fraction of the cost.
19. Porcelain Paver Contemporary Path
Large-format porcelain pavers bring interior design aesthetics outdoors with colors and textures that mimic marble, concrete, or natural stone with uncanny realism. These large panels resist staining, fading, and moisture absorption better than natural materials, making them ideal for front door approaches in regions with challenging freeze-thaw cycles. The slim profile also works for overlay installations where removing existing concrete isn’t feasible. 
The insights of experts: Design experts recognize that porcelain’s impermeability is both an asset and a potential drawback. It won’t absorb water and won’t crack in the winter, but moisture can’t pass through, so the grading and the drainage base have to be done more carefully. The surface is also usually slippery when wet, so you have to choose a more textured or non-slip surface. This requirement is especially important for entryways and other high-traffic areas.
20. Staggered-length concrete planks
This layout creates visual movement in a modern, clean manner by randomly staggering varying lengths of rectangular concrete pavers. This design breaks up the monotony that can come with uniform courses, providing a more contemporary, organic feel to sidewalks. Over time, the design’s offset joints promote better structural interlock and surface stability. 
Practical tip: When working with mixed-length pavers, professional installers lay out the pattern on the ground before setting anything permanently. This dry run prevents awkward transitions and ensures pleasing randomness rather than accidental clustering of same-sized units. The extra 20 minutes spent planning saves hours of frustrated adjustments later and guarantees a balanced final appearance.
21. Sandstone with Dark Joint Fill
Buff or tan sandstone flagstone pavers with dark polymeric sand in the joints create a striking look that enhances desert and Mediterranean-style landscapes. The contrast shows the inscriptions of the pavers in the edges, while the warm color of the sandstone accents the earth-toned colors of the stucco and adobe common in the Southwest. 
Regional context: This combination thrives in dry climates where the porous sandstone won’t be subjected to constant freeze-thaw cycles that could cause spalling. In Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California, designers frequently specify local sandstone varieties that harmonize with the surrounding geology and architectural traditions. The dark joint fill, typically a charcoal polymeric sand, also hides dirt better than light-colored alternatives.
22. DIY Paver and Plant Combo
A DIY walkway combining budget-friendly concrete pavers with low-growing ground cover plants in the joints offers homeowners a rewarding weekend project that delivers professional-looking results. Choosing hardy plants like creeping thyme or sedum adds softness and fragrance while suppressing weeds naturally. This approach works beautifully for curved paths through informal gardens where the living elements enhance the organic feel. 
Common pitfall to avoid: Many first-time installers underestimate how much the ground will settle after the initial installation. Skipping the step of thoroughly compacting the base and using inadequate edge restraints leads to pavers that gradually sink and shift apart, widening the planting gaps beyond the intended design. Taking time to compact every two-inch layer of base material and installing proper edging—even simple plastic paver edging—prevents these disappointing outcomes and ensures the path looks great for years.
These paver walkway ideas prove that the path to your front door can be so much more than just functional—it’s an opportunity to set the tone for your entire landscape design. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of herringbone brick, the modern minimalism of large concrete slabs, or the organic charm of flagstone with moss-filled joints, there’s a walkway style that perfectly complements your home and lifestyle. If you’ve undertaken a paver project of your own, we’d be interested in knowing which design most appealed to you. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
