Paver Pattern Generator with real edge cuts

Compare five paver patterns

The pattern generator supports Running Bond, Stack Bond, Basketweave, 90-degree Herringbone and 45-degree Herringbone. Each option creates individual paver geometry with the selected paver dimensions and joint width. Zoom, pan, show a reference grid, hide cut pieces or display overall dimensions while comparing the layouts.

Running Bond offsets alternating rows and softens long continuous joints. Stack Bond aligns rows and columns for a clean grid. Basketweave alternates groups of horizontal and vertical units. Herringbone changes orientation from piece to piece to create its familiar zigzag movement. The 45-degree option rotates that field across the patio, producing a more diagonal relationship with the boundary.

Pattern choice affects cutting

Pattern is not only an aesthetic setting. The places where pavers cross an edge determine how many cuts appear and how much of each purchased unit is discarded. A Stack Bond grid that aligns well with the patio dimensions can create relatively few partial pieces. A diagonal herringbone field generally intersects more edges, creating more cut pieces and a busier installation sequence.

Use the calculated waste as a project-specific comparison, not a guarantee. The engine measures the clipped area of generated boundary pavers. It does not decide whether a narrow sliver is acceptable, reuse a triangular offcut on the opposite edge, or account for saw kerf. Those jobsite decisions can increase the material you actually consume.

How to use the visual layout

Start with exact outside dimensions and the paver’s nominal face dimensions. Confirm whether the manufacturer’s listed size includes the intended joint. Set the joint width, choose a pattern, and use Fit to return the complete patio to view after zooming or panning. Cut pieces use a warmer color so the perimeter work is easy to scan.

Download SVG for a resolution-independent copy of the current layout. It can be opened by modern browsers and many design applications. Download PDF for a printable summary, scaled layout and material list. Both exports are generated locally; no account or project upload is required.

Pattern example and limitations

On a 12 by 20 foot patio with a 4 by 8 inch unit, compare 90-degree and 45-degree Herringbone. The 90-degree layout creates zigzags aligned with the patio axes. Rotating the same field to 45 degrees changes the boundary intersections, so the cut count and estimated waste change even though the paver and patio area remain identical. This is the practical advantage of generating geometry before buying material.

The current planner supports rectangular and L-shaped patios with straight edges. Supported shapes are an outer rectangle, plus an optional screen-bottom-right cutout for an L-shape. Current limitations: it does not optimize offcut reuse, draw curves, create arbitrary polygons, estimate labor, or replace an installer’s site survey. A cut paver is counted as one purchased paver even when part of it is discarded. Always compare the plan with product-specific laying instructions and local construction requirements.

Compare patterns fairly

Change one setting at a time when evaluating alternatives. Hold patio size, paver dimensions and joint width constant, then record the cut count, purchase quantity and geometric waste for each pattern. Also consider installation effort: two patterns with similar material totals may require very different numbers of saw cuts or layout lines. Save an SVG or PDF for the strongest candidates and label them before sharing. A visual preference is easier to discuss when everyone is looking at the same dimensions, boundary and highlighted edge pieces rather than a small catalogue swatch.