Paver Pattern Layout Reference
A one-page printable reference card comparing four common paver patterns. Includes waste factors, cut complexity, structural strength, and the best application for each layout. Print it before you order.
What's on the Reference Card
The printable paver pattern reference covers the four layouts you will encounter at virtually every hardscape supplier: running bond, herringbone (45° and 90°), basketweave, and stacked (grid). For each pattern, the card shows the waste factor you should add when ordering, the number of cuts per square foot at the perimeter, structural interlock rating, and the projects where each pattern works best. The waste factor alone can save you a return trip to the supplier.
Pattern Comparison
| Pattern | Waste Factor | Cut Complexity | Interlock | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Bond | 5% | Low | Good | Walkways, patios, pool decks |
| Herringbone (45° / 90°) | 10% | High | Excellent | Driveways, heavy traffic, vehicle areas |
| Basketweave | 5% | Moderate | Good | Patios, garden paths, accent areas |
| Stacked (Grid) | 2% | Very low | Poor | Decorative borders, light foot traffic |
Why Waste Factor Varies So Much
Herringbone generates the most waste because every paver at the perimeter meets the edge at an angle and must be cut. On a typical 200-square-foot patio, 45° herringbone requires roughly 40–60 angle cuts around the border, and each cut produces a triangle of unusable offcut. Running bond and basketweave are more forgiving: the perimeter cuts are straight half-paver slices, and many offcuts can be reused on the opposite edge. Stacked grid produces the least waste because every paver aligns with the edge — only minor trimming is needed where the area is not an exact multiple of the paver size.
Structural Interlock Explained
Interlock is the reason herringbone is specified for driveways and any area with vehicle traffic. In a herringbone layout, each paver is locked on all four sides by its neighbors — lateral force from a turning tire gets distributed in multiple directions simultaneously. Running bond offers reasonable interlock (each paver overlaps the joint below it), but force along the bond line can still cause creep over time. Stacked grid has zero interlock: every joint aligns, creating a continuous fault line that shifts under load. The ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) explicitly recommends herringbone for vehicular applications.
Paver Size and Pattern Compatibility
Not every paver size works with every pattern. Herringbone and running bond work best with rectangular pavers (the classic 4×8 or 6×9 ratio). Basketweave requires pavers where the length is exactly twice the width (e.g., 4×8 or 6×12) so that two pavers side-by-side form a square. Square pavers (12×12) work well in stacked grid and running bond but cannot form herringbone or basketweave. The cheatsheet includes a paver-size compatibility matrix so you match your stone choice to your desired pattern before ordering.
Calculate Your Paver Order
Select your pattern in the Paver Calculator to get the correct paver count with the right waste factor already applied. The calculator shows total pavers, pallets, and base material quantities for your patio or walkway area.