Paver Patterns: Herringbone, Running Bond and More
How the four classic paver patterns look, how strong they are under traffic, how many cuts they need and how many extra pavers to order.
The pattern you lay your pavers in changes more than the look. It affects how well the surface holds up under traffic, how many cuts you make, and how many pavers you need to buy.
Running bond
Rows of pavers with the joints offset by half a paver, like a brick wall. It’s the easiest pattern to lay, quick to cut at the edges and forgiving for beginners. Running the rows across the main direction of foot traffic looks good and makes small errors less noticeable.
Best for: patios and walkways, first-time builders.
Stack bond (grid)
Every joint lines up in both directions, forming a grid. It suits square and large-format pavers and gives a clean, modern look. Because the joints run straight through, any small error in spacing shows clearly, and the pattern has the least interlock of the four.
Best for: modern patios with large slabs; not for driveways.
Basket weave
Pairs of rectangular pavers alternate between horizontal and vertical, like a woven basket. It’s a traditional look, especially with brick-style 4” × 8” pavers. It only works with pavers exactly twice as long as they are wide.
Best for: traditional patios and garden paths.
Herringbone
Rectangular pavers set in a zig-zag, at 90° or 45° to the edge. Every paver locks against its neighbors in two directions, so it resists the twisting and pushing of car tires better than the other patterns. That’s why paver makers often recommend it for driveways. The trade-off is more cuts at every edge.
Best for: driveways and high-traffic areas, or anywhere you want a classic look.
How many extra pavers each pattern needs
For a 12 × 16 ft patio in 4” × 8” pavers:
| Pattern | Extra for cuts | Pavers to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Running bond | 5% | 908 |
| Stack bond (grid) | 5% | 908 |
| Basket weave | 7% | 925 |
| Herringbone | 10% | 951 |
A 45° herringbone, or any pattern on a circular or curved patio, creates even more offcuts. Add a few percent more if you’re unsure.
Tips for laying any pattern
- Start from a straight, square edge, usually against the house or a fixed edge.
- Snap chalk lines or run string lines every few rows and check that the joints stay straight.
- Lay all the whole pavers first, then cut the edge pieces in one go.
- Mix pavers from several pallets as you lay them so color variations blend in.
Choose a pattern in the Paver Patio Planner to see the paver count change, and read How Many Pavers Do I Need? for a full size table.