Totally get where you're coming from with the pavers. I did a similar thing last year—thought I was being clever with the mulch border, but it definitely found its way into every crack and crevice. Still, way less hassle than constantly re-leveling DG after a rain. You’re right about the weed barrier too; skipping that step is just asking for trouble later. It’s a bit more work up front, but your future self will thank you. Concrete’s tempting for the “set it and forget it” factor, but those cracks can be a pain. Sometimes I wonder if there’s really a perfect solution, or if it’s just about picking the battles you’re willing to fight.
- Mulch in the cracks is basically a rite of passage at this point. I swear, no matter how careful you are, it finds a way.
- DG (decomposed granite) looks great for about five minutes after you finish, then the first rain comes and you’re back out there with a rake.
- Weed barrier—100% agree. Skipped it once, spent the next two years pulling weeds and regretting my life choices.
- Concrete’s low-maintenance until it isn’t...those cracks are like invitations for weeds and ants.
- Honestly, I’m convinced there’s no perfect backyard solution—just whichever headache you can tolerate most.
Honestly, you nailed it—every option has its own set of headaches. I tried the “luxury” route with high-end pavers and thought I’d finally cracked the code. Nope. Weeds still found their way through the tiniest gaps, and cleaning between them is a full-time job if you want it to look pristine. Concrete’s great until it starts cracking, then it just looks tired. At this point, I’m convinced the only real solution is a full outdoor living room—decking, covered patio, maybe even artificial turf if you can stomach it. Everything else is just choosing your battles.
At this point, I’m convinced the only real solution is a full outdoor living room—decking, covered patio, maybe even artificial turf if you can stomach it.
Funny, I thought artificial turf was the cop-out option until I saw my neighbor’s yard last summer. Zero maintenance, always green, and honestly, it looked better than my patchy lawn. Still feels weird to walk on, though. Decking’s tempting but the price tags are wild.
I get the appeal of turf, but I just can’t shake the feeling I’m walking on a giant doormat. Decking’s gorgeous, but yeah, those prices are no joke. I’ve seen people mix gravel with pavers and some big planters—looks cool and way cheaper.