Our Top Five Laying Patterns For Clay Pavers And Limestone Setts

In garden design, laying patterns aren’t just functional, they’re foundational. They define movement, character and structure. And when paired with the unmistakable warmth and authenticity of either natural stone or top quality clay pavers (or both!) the result is a timeless space that connects architecture with landscape.

We’ve compiled a photo library of projects using natural stone setts and/or clay pavers from the Arbour Landscape Solutions product range. These images encapsulate the talent of our clients for turning rectangular blocks into stunningly beautiful garden features. Also thrown into the mix are a couple of stock images - these are not necessarily laid to BS Standards but they may well inspire you to incorporate something different into your next project. Enjoy.

1. Herringbone Laying Pattern 

Strong, directional and timeless. This is a favourite laying pattern of Arbour Landscape Solutions’ clients and for good reason. The interlocking nature of this pattern provides structural integrity whilst being an absolute treat for the eye. 

Herringbone patterns are often combined with a picture frame effect and can also be used as insets to break up large areas of hard landscaping.

Limestone slim-setts laid in a herringbone pattern in a project designed by Tom Howard. Notice the adjacent one-quarter bonded running bond

Eyecatching inset feature created by ALS Landscaping

Wider than usual joints in this stock image featuring terracotta coloured clay pavers

2. Running Bond (Stretcher Bond)

A simple, yet effective laying pattern that is relatively quick and easy to lay. Choose between half offset and one-third offset for visually attractive results. The direction you choose for your laying pattern can be used to manipulate the perceived proportions of a space and to direct the eye towards particular features.

Blue-Grey Limestone Setts installed to perfection by R C Phillips

Meandering path for a Coastal Garden Created by Unique Projects Devon

Gardens Of Distinction have used limestone setts laid in a running bond pattern to frame this attractive planting pocket

3. Basket Weave

Symmetrical with a heritage feel. This layout adds texture and rhythm. Often used in courtyards and classic garden schemes, it lends itself especially well to paths and inset features. Note to the wise: Double-check the dimensions of your chosen setts or pavers before embarking on a basket-weave pattern, if in doubt, ask one of the Arbour Landscape Solutions team to help you narrow down the product choice for this one.

Stock image showing clay pavers being laid in a simple basket weave pattern

An alternative basket weave pattern with alternating 2-block and 3-block arrangements

4. Chevron Laying Pattern

Oh how we love to see a well executed chevron pattern. It’s something a bit different without being too outlandish or bombastic. The chevrons point the way incredibly politely and do a magnificent job of leading the eye towards garden focal points.

Exemplary work from Smith and Gorman using Limestone Setts to create an intricately detailed path

Chevron detailing on a garden step

5. Stack Bond

Minimalist and Architectural. The clean, grid-like pattern lends itself to modern designs and formal layouts. It’s neat, it’s simple and it lends itself to a multitude of applications. Take care when considering this laying pattern for driveways or in areas or heavily trafficked areas. A stack bond is not considered to have sufficient structural integrity to cope with the pressures exerted by twisting and turning vehicle wheels.

This stock image shows a rather crude example of a stack bonded laying pattern. Installed with care, this arrangement of setts or pavers can be sleek, stylish and eye-catching.

And Finally - Freestyling It

We couldn’t leave this article without showing you how elegant setts and clay pavers can look when mixed with other materials and installed to create an unstructured, relaxed aesthetic. This award winning show garden was designed by Daniel March and explores a whole new approach to hard landscaping.

How will you arrange your limestone setts or clay pavers? Will you use a tried and tested laying pattern? Or will you experiment with ideas of your own?

We’d love to help you bring your ideas to life - why not pay a visit to our stock holding and have a play with our samples. You’ll be able to explore the effects created by different coloured materials, different finishes to the natural stone products and how your setts or pavers look when combined with other hard landscaping choices. Simply call or message us to arrange a date and time - we can’t wait to meet up with you.