How to Select Pavers for Your Bend Patio

Choosing pavers for a Bend patio involves more than just picking a color you like. The material, thickness, and finish all affect how well your patio holds up in Central Oregon's freeze-thaw climate. Here's our guide to selecting the right pavers for your project.

Paver Materials: Pros and Cons for Bend's Climate

Concrete pavers are the most popular choice in Bend for good reason. They're durable, available in hundreds of styles and colors, and hold up well in freeze-thaw conditions when installed correctly. Cost: $3–$8 per square foot for materials.

Natural flagstone (bluestone, travertine, slate) is beautiful but more expensive and requires more careful installation in Bend's climate. Some natural stones are porous and can absorb water, which leads to cracking in freeze-thaw conditions. Cost: $8–$20+ per square foot for materials.

Porcelain pavers are a newer option gaining popularity in Bend. They're non-porous (excellent for freeze-thaw resistance), very durable, and available in realistic stone and wood looks. Cost: $6–$15 per square foot for materials.

Paver Patterns for Bend Patios

• Running bond — classic, simple, works with any style
• Herringbone — traditional, very stable (recommended for driveways)
• Basketweave — traditional look, works best with square pavers
• Random/ashlar — natural flagstone look, great for informal spaces
• Circular patterns — dramatic focal point, requires more cutting
• Mixed sizes — modern look, creates visual interest

What We Recommend for Bend Homeowners

For most Bend patios, we recommend a quality concrete paver in a 2.375-inch thickness (the standard for patios). This thickness handles Bend's freeze-thaw cycles well and provides the durability you need for a long-lasting patio.

For a more natural look, we often recommend tumbled or antiqued concrete pavers — they have the appearance of aged stone but the durability of concrete. For a contemporary look, large-format pavers (18x18 or 24x24) create a clean, modern aesthetic.