Seven proven paver designs that transform Smithtown pool areas into stunning outdoor spaces, engineered for Long Island's challenging weather conditions.
Share:
Herringbone remains the gold standard for pool patios in Smithtown, and there’s solid engineering behind its enduring popularity. This interlocking pattern doesn’t just look sophisticated—it’s built for strength, with each paver locked in place by its neighbors.
The alternating V-shaped layout distributes weight evenly across your patio surface, making it ideal for areas that see heavy foot traffic, pool furniture, and the occasional pool party crowd. Whether you choose the traditional 90-degree angle or the more dynamic 45-degree diagonal version, herringbone creates visual movement that makes spaces feel larger and more engaging than simple grid patterns.
The angle you choose dramatically changes both the visual impact and installation complexity of your herringbone pool patio. Traditional 90-degree herringbone runs straight across your pool deck, creating clean lines that complement rectangular pools and contemporary home designs. This version is more straightforward to install and typically costs less because it requires fewer custom edge cuts and waste.
The 45-degree diagonal herringbone creates dynamic chevron patterns that make spaces appear wider and add compelling visual interest to curved pool shapes. This orientation works exceptionally well around kidney-shaped or freeform pools where you want to soften geometric edges. The diagonal lines naturally guide the eye through your outdoor space, creating visual flow between your pool, seating areas, and landscaping.
We often recommend the 45-degree layout for patios with multiple functional zones—perhaps a dining area near the house transitioning to lounge chairs closer to the pool. The angled pattern helps these different areas feel connected rather than choppy. It’s also the better choice when you’re incorporating fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or curved seating walls, as the diagonal lines complement organic shapes better than rigid perpendicular patterns.
The trade-off is complexity. Diagonal herringbone requires more precise measurement and cutting, especially at borders and around pool equipment. But for Smithtown homeowners who want maximum visual impact and don’t mind investing in professional installation, the 45-degree pattern delivers stunning results that photograph beautifully and impress guests.
Herringbone patterns truly shine when you leverage color contrast strategically, but Long Island’s climate and architectural styles influence which combinations deliver lasting appeal. Two-tone herringbone using complementary shades creates pattern definition without overwhelming your space—think charcoal and light gray Cambridge pavers, or buff and sandstone tones that echo the natural materials common in Suffolk County colonial and cape cod homes.
For traditional Smithtown properties, warm earth tones work beautifully and hide the inevitable wear from pool chemicals and harsh weather. Cambridge pavers in autumn blend or harvest blend provide rich color variation within the herringbone pattern while maintaining that classic New England aesthetic. These blended colors also camouflage the minor staining and fading that even the best pavers experience over time.
Modern homes can handle bolder contrasts, but proceed carefully. Sharp black and white herringbone creates dramatic impact but requires diligent maintenance to keep looking crisp. Pool chemicals, leaf stains, and normal wear show up starkly on high-contrast surfaces. A smarter approach for contemporary designs uses varying shades of the same color family—different grays or sandstone tones that create subtle pattern definition without the maintenance headaches.
The key is choosing colors that enhance both your home’s exterior and your pool finish rather than competing with them. Your herringbone pattern should feel like it belongs in your overall design scheme, creating a cohesive outdoor environment that looks intentionally planned rather than an afterthought. Consider how the colors will look wet, as pool splash and morning dew will regularly darken your pavers.
Basketweave patterns bring a softer, more traditional feel to pool patios while maintaining the structural benefits of interlocking design. This timeless pattern mimics woven baskets through alternating horizontal and vertical paver placement, creating square clusters that form an inviting checkerboard effect.
The appeal of basketweave lies in its versatility and approachable aesthetic. Unlike herringbone’s dynamic movement, basketweave offers a more relaxed, non-directional pattern that works beautifully for intimate pool areas where you want to create coziness rather than drama. It’s also more forgiving during installation, making it a cost-effective choice for larger patio areas.
Standard basketweave uses pairs of rectangular pavers arranged perpendicularly to create the classic woven appearance. This pattern excels in smaller pool patios or areas where you want to create intimate seating zones. The repetitive square pattern provides visual calm that works particularly well around spas, quiet poolside reading nooks, or areas designed for morning coffee rather than large gatherings.
Installation is more straightforward compared to herringbone, making basketweave a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners who still want sophisticated results. The pattern naturally accommodates different paver sizes, so you can incorporate accent borders or transition strips without disrupting the overall design flow. This flexibility makes basketweave ideal when you’re working around existing landscape features, irregular pool shapes, or utility access points that require creative solutions.
Maintenance considerations are manageable with basketweave patterns. The square grid formation makes it easier to replace individual pavers if damage occurs, and the pattern tends to hide normal settling better than linear designs. The multiple joints do require attention to keep weeds out and polymeric sand in place, particularly important in the high-moisture environment around pools where organic growth thrives.
For Smithtown homeowners who want classic appeal without the complexity and cost of herringbone installation, basketweave delivers timeless charm that complements both traditional colonial architecture and transitional home styles. The pattern provides the durability needed for Long Island’s freeze-thaw cycles while creating the kind of welcoming outdoor space where families actually want to spend time.
Modern pool design has expanded basketweave beyond its traditional square format, creating exciting variations that maintain structural integrity while delivering fresh visual appeal. Diagonal basketweave rotates the entire pattern 45 degrees, transforming squares into diamonds. This variation adds dynamic visual interest while preserving the pattern’s inherent stability and relatively simple installation process. The diamond orientation works particularly well with contemporary pool designs and modern home architecture where clean lines meet subtle geometric interest.
Mixed-size geometric patterns combine basketweave principles with varying paver dimensions to create custom arrangements that feel both organized and dynamic. Using different square sizes—perhaps combining 12×12 and 6×6 pavers in strategic arrangements—allows for functional zone designation within your pool patio. Larger squares work beautifully for main entertainment areas where you’ll place dining sets or lounge furniture, while smaller patterns create natural walkways or transition spaces that guide traffic flow.
Pinwheel patterns take geometric design a step further by arranging rectangular pavers at consecutive right angles around square centerpieces. This creates more complex visual texture while maintaining the structural benefits of interlocking installation. The pinwheel effect works especially well as accent areas within larger patio designs or as sophisticated borders that define different functional zones around your pool area.
Border integration becomes crucial with geometric patterns. Contrasting borders using different colors or complementary laying patterns help define your patio edges while creating smooth visual transitions to landscaping or other hardscape elements. The key is maintaining overall balance—geometric patterns can handle bold borders, but your complete design should feel cohesive and intentional rather than busy or chaotic.
The best pool patio design balances your aesthetic preferences with practical considerations specific to Long Island living. Herringbone offers maximum durability and visual impact for high-traffic areas, while basketweave provides timeless appeal with more straightforward installation. Geometric variations deliver contemporary flair without sacrificing the structural benefits that make pavers the smart choice for Suffolk County’s challenging climate.
Consider your pool’s shape, your home’s architecture, and how your family actually uses outdoor space. A pool area focused on entertaining might benefit from herringbone’s strength and visual drama, while a quiet retreat could be perfect for basketweave’s softer, more intimate appeal. The right pattern enhances your outdoor living experience while handling freeze-thaw cycles, pool chemicals, and heavy use for decades to come.
When you’re ready to transform your pool area with professional installation that gets the details right, we bring the expertise and attention to quality that makes the difference between a good patio and one that truly enhances your property value and family enjoyment.
Article details:
Share:
Continue learning:
