Pavers are often used in areas that are affected by direct sunlight. That’s why it’s so important to use ones that stay cool. By tweaking your design layout and material choices, you’ll be able to create a space you’ll enjoy, even on the brightest afternoons.
Key strategies
Always choose light-colored pavers. This includes cream, light gray, and tan ones. These colors will reflect the sunlight, which helps keep the surface much cooler.
Opt for natural stone when possible. Travertine pavers are perfect. They stay cool underfoot, even when exposed to hours of direct sunlight. Light-colored marble pavers will also remain cooler than darker ones. Porcelain options can remain up to 30% cooler than concrete due to high reflectivity and low density.
The texture of your pavers further adds to their ability to stay cool. Choose a finish that’s tumbled or honed. This adds traction and won’t feel as hot as a smooth surface.
Permeable pavers allow for better airflow. If moisture gets underneath them, it will evaporate, which makes the surface seem even cooler.
If you have your heart set on some other type of paver, consider installing a structure that will add shade. This could be a pergola or a shade sail. You can use landscaping to create natural shade as well. Shade drastically lowers surface temperatures with any type of paver.
Materials to avoid
Avoid dark pavers, like dark brown or charcoal. They actively absorb and retain solar energy. This results in a much hotter surface, which can be harmful to bare feet. Dark pavers in direct sunlight are capable of absorbing up to 95% of sunlight. This can make the pavers hotter than the surrounding air.
Bricks and concrete are also poor choices for creating a surface that stays cool to the touch. These materials have a high thermal mass and low solar reflectance. They absorb huge amounts of solar energy during the day and release it slowly during the night. This keeps the surface temperature high around-the-clock.
Design tips
You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for a cooler paver surface. Use smaller, darker stones as a border. This defines spaces without contributing to an overall higher heat. Don’t forget to add plants. They’ll break up your paved areas and provide a natural cooling effect.
With some careful planning, you’ll have an attractive area that you can enjoy, even in direct sunlight. All of these options and ideas are versatile and beautiful. When you’re ready to get started on your paver project, you can find a local expert to help you by visiting our Marketplace. You can also follow us on Instagram for more tips on designing outdoor spaces and more.
