What seems like a stack of spare pavers waiting to be cleared away can actually become the basis for a useful backyard project.
Here's what to know
In a roundup from Hunker, the outlet highlighted 11 ways to reuse old pavers in the yard and garden, including herb spirals, raised beds, flower-bed edging, stepping stones, side tables, coffee tables, cache pots, and seasonal decorations.
Before picking a project, it helps to separate durable pavers from damaged ones. Pieces with cracks or surface flaking are best taken to a local recycling center, while solid ones can be saved for DIY use.
Smaller bricks tend to work best for edging or painted projects, while larger slab-style pavers are a better fit for paths and basic outdoor furniture.
Some of the most useful ideas can also double as home improvements. A paver path can help reduce muddy footprints throughout the house, while a raised bed or planter can make a patio feel more polished and customized. A sunken fire pit is another option, though, as Hunker noted, homeowners should verify local permit requirements with their municipality before building one.
More background
Leftover landscaping materials often end up forgotten in a corner of the yard or thrown away even when they still have plenty of life left. Repurposing them can reduce waste, save money, and make outdoor areas more functional.
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Gardening projects can offer several benefits at once. Building a paver herb spiral or raised bed can make it easier to start growing your own food.
There are health benefits, too. Gardening can support physical activity through digging, planting, watering, and weeding, and many people find that spending time outdoors with plants helps reduce stress and improve mood.
Even more decorative ideas, such as painted stepping stones or garden bricks decorated to look like books, can make a yard feel more personal and welcoming, giving people more reason to spend time outside.
What can be done?
For homeowners with leftover pavers, the first step is simple: sort them by size, type, and condition. Larger slabs can work well for a walkway, coffee table, or cache pot, while smaller bricks can be turned into edging or holiday decorations.
It also helps to choose supplies designed for outdoor use. Acrylic paint designed for exterior surfaces is a better option for stepping stones and decorative pieces, while strong construction adhesive can help hold slab furniture and planters together.
If building a fire pit, homeowners should include drainage with gravel and sand and, as already noted, confirm local permit rules with their municipality before getting started.
Not every leftover building material has to become waste. With a bit of planning, old pavers can be transformed into useful features that save money, support gardening goals, and make an outdoor space more enjoyable.
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