Crazy paving might sound like a cheap alternative to a full-scale landscaping job but it’s not only a bona fide design resolution for a stone finish, it’s a trend that continues to gain ground in homes everywhere.

Landscaping your backyard with outdoor pavers can take it from sad and neglected to a series of spectacular spaces to relax, entertain and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.

What makes crazy paving so popular?

“The natural texture as well as the colour and size variations make crazy paving an extremely versatile flooring option that is suitable for almost any application,” says Eco Outdoor marketing manager Rebecca Fox.

“The format allows for movement in a flooring aesthetic that is also a perfect means to visually break open a space. It can be used throughout the external and internal spaces of a home.”

How does crazy pave work?

Also called flag stone, the concept of crazy pave was born out of using up otherwise wasted off cuts or broken pieces during the installation of larger cut stone and outdoor pavers. From a simple tidy up in a small courtyard to a full-scale landscaping brief, this method of laying stone is super effective and, depending on your budget, can make a real difference using outdoor pavers to create zones.

“I love crazy paving,” says award-winning landscape and interior designer Adam Robinson. “To me, it provides a more organic approach to paving. I find it works especially well in areas where we don’t have a lot of room for planting and softness, but you still want an organic garden feel.”

What sort of architecture does crazy paving suit? 

With the rise in popularity of mid-century and 1970s home renovations, homeowners are embracing existing crazy pave patterns in outdoor pavers and restoring them with love, resulting in a combination of retro charm and good financial sense.

“If you’ve got a mid-century home, you could absolutely use crazy paving to be sympathetic to the period of architecture, but it also works beautifully in a contemporary space,” says Adam.

The final result doesn’t have to reflect the 1970s either – outdoor pavers laid in this style, “Can create a create a seamless, organic flooring surface that wonderfully complements contemporary, architecture,” says Rebecca.

What sort of architecture does crazy paving suit? 

With the rise in popularity of mid-century and 1970s home renovations, homeowners are embracing existing crazy pave patterns in outdoor pavers and restoring them with love, resulting in a combination of retro charm and good financial sense.

“If you’ve got a mid-century home, you could absolutely use crazy paving to be sympathetic to the period of architecture, but it also works beautifully in a contemporary space,” says Adam.

The final result doesn’t have to reflect the 1970s either – outdoor pavers laid in this style, “Can create a create a seamless, organic flooring surface that wonderfully complements contemporary, architecture,” says Rebecca.

Where can you use it?

Because it’s laid in a random pattern, crazy pave lends itself to irregular shapes and pathways just as easily as more formal styles of outdoor paving.

“Crazy paving is an ideal choice to bring texture and interest to a project,” says Rebecca. “We’re seeing it used to create a statement around a swimming pool or at the entrance to a home.”