Should I Leave a Gap Between Concrete Pavers?

Pavers are a great way to dress up your outdoor space. Pausing between each stone or brick, you can create an interesting pattern that will make it feel like something new and different! You might think about how much easier maintaining their shape would be when compared with other types of paving such as asphalt concrete pavement (which requires regular oiling). The most common question we get from homeowners who want us to install pavers at home: Should I leave gaps? 

In this post, we’ll discuss whether or not you should leave a gap between concrete pavers. And if so, how much space should one leave, and what should be used to fill the gap?

Matching the Gap to the Paving

The space between your concrete pavers will depend on the type of material you are using and how close they need to be. For example, if laying brick or flagstone patio blocks then make sure there is plenty of room for expansion as these materials can shrink when wet which could cause issues with joints forming in different places along their length due, unlike normal dirt floors where this would not matter since it’s already compacted down enough from footsteps. In general, concrete pavers need to be set closer than other materials.

Walkway Gaps

You should keep your walkways at least 1 inch wide to allow for future expansion. If you’re using bricks or stones as paving, leave wider gaps so that the stone can be mortared together better with sod or gravel when they become necessary for repairs down the line. For fieldstone or gravel, you can make them especially appealing by filling the gaps with colorful pea gravel. So, unless you’re laying pavers in stepping stone fashion, keep the spaces to about 1/2 -inch.

Gaps as Accents

You can create a decorative wall-like look with brick pavers by filling the spaces between them with dry cement or stone dust. The color comparison between the white seams and red brick will add character to the pattern on brick pavers. You may try to create a similar effect with concrete blocks in various colors, using contrasting colors of cement or gravel fillers between the pavers. Using pea gravel within the space between stone paver gaps creates a similar effect.

Use Sand

When using filler to fill in gaps between pavers, keep it dry and use sand so that you can seal the gaps between pavers. This is especially the case when the pavers are set close to each other, as is usually the case when using concrete pavers. If water gets into your mix (which usually happens when concrete is used), then polymeric ingredients will harden around these areas creating an even stronger joint than before! Even though your pavers do get loosened over time, you should know how to fix those loose pavers, ensuring that everything is still intact. 

Bottom Line

So, the answer to the question, “Should I leave a gap between concrete pavers?” is a simple yes. What’s important to note is that when installing pavers, it’s important to keep them close together. If you’re still unsure about how to install your own set of concrete pavers or patio walkways then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Orlando Pro Pavers who can provide beautifully installed pathways that will last for years!