Paving the Way with MCM Pavers

Update your hardscape pavers to make a big impact on your home’s exterior aesthetics.

One major exterior element some people don’t consider when updating curb appeal is hardscape. This is any manmade, ground-covering material that’s not plants or vegetation, like your driveway, front path, backyard patio, pool deck and even side-yard walkway.

“Often, it’s the last thing people consider in their project because they see their hardscaping in contrast with their new renovations,” says Christi Flanigan, CEO at Farley Pavers, a Southern California company that has been installing pavers for over 50 years.“You just painted your home, and then you realize the driveway looks outdated next to it.” But when well-chosen, your hardscape not only complements your exterior elements, it amplifies it.

exterior of Palm Springs home with pavers in driveway from Farley Pavers — This Palm Springs home received a new paver walkway from Farley Pavers. The pieces are Belgard Melville planks in Linen, which Farley arranged in “linear random” rows, alternating between 5-inch and 7.5-inch-wide blocks.

Pavers Versus Concrete

The most common hardscape material is a poured concrete slab. While it’s generally the most cost- and time-saving option, it has serious drawbacks. Slabs crack periodically, and while you can fill those cracks, the fills won’t blend in. The only real option to keep the hardscape looking good is to replace the entire slab.

If you want a longer-term investment that will age gracefully alongside your mid-century home, choose pavers, which are molded blocks made of either porcelain or concrete. Porcelain pavers are similar to tile but larger and thicker than their interior counterparts. Concrete pavers, while made from the same material as traditional slabs, are smaller and more agile. This makes them more customizable as a design option and more practical for care and maintenance. When a paver cracks or gets a stain, it’s easy to replace.“You can pop one out and replace one, or replace a small section,” Christi says. Because the paver blocks have an interlocking construction system, they can withstand earthquakes and weather changes better than poured concrete.

The Right Fit

Farley Pavers services both residential and commercial projects and has the expertise to perform the highest-quality job. “It’s a triangle of expectations: time, money and quality,” Christi says.“You have to find the best balance between the three. We may not be the cheapest option, however we are licensed, insured and professional with a long standing reputation for providing a quality product that will last for many years. We stand behind our product and workmanship 1,000% and you’ll always be able to contact us if there’s a question or concern. We ensure homeowners that the job will be done correctly so that they can enjoy their pavers for many years without issue.”

Mid-Century Paver Design

Based in the Coachella Valley, Farley Pavers has serviced its fair share of mid-century homes. “For a modern style, go with a linear design, not a multi-shaped set,” Christi advises. As mid-century style lends itself to straight, clean lines, choose a paver pattern with straight rows of thin rectangular pavers or triangular pavers in a geometrical pattern. “We can do just about anything,” she says. “We can even mix different paver styles for a more dynamic design. We’re always excited to work with someone who wants something different.”

Palm Springs MCM home with dark gray pavers in driveway courtesy of Farley Pavers — Farley helped this MCM home in Palm Springs achieve a cohesive look with Ackerstone Umbriano pavers in an onyx color that matches well with the garage door. “If a client wants a seamless look, we can take samples out and match the best shade,” christi says. “We always try our best to work with our customers to fulfill their vision.”

Paver Process

Belgard Catalina pavers made of concrete with a stone-inspired finish — These Belgard Catalina pavers are concrete but have a stone-inspired finish and come in several different color shades to complement the exterior of your home.

To get started, find the local company you’d like to work with. Farley Pavers services Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Before installation, they can help you choose a paver design. “We’ll go out for a field measure first, to know what kind of space we’re working with. Then it’s teamwork with the client, depending on whether they know what they want,” Christi says. Farley has an image-overlay service that can help you see what the end product will look like over your space.

Once the installation is complete, some basic care and maintenance will allow your pavers to last several decades. “We recommend that you clean and seal the pavers every three to five years,” Christi says.