You’ve picked the perfect flagstone or pavers. Your patio, pathway, or firepit area is coming together like a dream. But wait – what’s going between the stones?
Whether you’re after that clean, elegant look or something a little softer and storybook, the material you choose to fill your joints is a quiet design hero. It not only impacts the look of the space – it determines how the patio is built, how it functions, and how much you’ll love it in five years.
Let’s break down your options – mortar, greenery, and loose aggregate – and what each one brings to the table (and what they demand in return).
1. Mortar Joints: Clean, Classic, Committed
If you love crisp lines, polished spaces, and zero weeds, mortar might be your match made in hardscape heaven.
Mortar joints are great for patios, outdoor kitchens and high-traffic areas where durability and polish are key.
Keep in mind, mortar joints must be planned from the beginning. You can’t start with a dry-laid patio and decide halfway through to add mortar. The base, the materials, the construction – everything changes.
Pros:
- Ultra Low Maintenance – no weeding, trimming or seasonal fuss
- Solid Surface – keeps stones from shifting, eliminates tripping hazards and makes furniture placement easy
- Sleek Look – perfect for modern or formal outdoor spaces
Cons:
- Not Permeable – water won’t drain through, so smart grading and drainage are a must
- Cracks Can Occur – repairs are trickier than just topping off gravel
- Commitment From the Start – mortar joints aren’t something that can be added later. The entire patio is constructed differently to support mortar joints from the start.
2. Greenery Between the Stones: Whimsical, Soft, and Full of Life
Want something with a little charm? Creeping thyme, dwarf mondo grass, sod or other hardy groundcovers can be tucked between stones to create a lush, living look.
Embrace a little wild magic in spaces like shady retreats, garden paths, and low-traffic patio nooks with greenery between pavers.
Pros:
- Adds softness and texture – makes your hardscape feel alive and inviting
- Eco-friendly – permeable and pollinator-friendly
- Visual appeal – this looks straight out of a fairy tale
Cons:
- Needs TLC – you’ll be trimming, weeding and occasionally replanting
- Not for Every Space – plants depend on sun, soil, and foot traffic.
- Won’t Stay Pristine – that perfect patchwork effect will evolve over time and look worn and broken in
3. Loose Aggregate: Casual, Flexible and Low-key Cool
Gravel, crushed granite or river rocks can be used in joints for a natural, relaxed vibe.
For casual gathering spots, meandering paths, designs that lean a bit more natural than manicured, loose aggregate is a timeless choice.
Pros:
- Great Drainage – water flows right through
- Easily Maintained – just rake and refresh periodically
- Earthy Feel – blends beautifully into organic, rustic designs
Cons:
- Movement – gravel will migrate and shift over time
- Not Ideal for Furniture – can feel unstable under chairs or dining areas
- Messy – if not maintained periodically, they can feel dusty and messy.
Pro tip: Want the look without the mess? A joint stabilizer can help hold everything in place without losing that laid-back feel.
What’s the Right Choice for You?
The answer is it depends on your priorities.
Mortar is for those who want structure, permeance and clean lines – and who plan in advance. Greenery is for the dreamers who don’t mind a little garden upkeep in exchange for charm. Loose aggregate is your go-to if you love a relaxed look and aren’t afraid of the occasional rake session.
Whatever your vibe, R&R will help you choose the joint filler than matches your style, space and lifestyle – and make sure it’s built the right way from the start.
Because at R&R, we’re not just throwing down stone and hoping it holds. Every little detail – from the gap between your slabs to the way water moves through your yard – deserves thoughtful design.
Ready to start your next hardscape project the right way?
Let’s talk joints (the patio kind, of course). We’ll help you fill in the gaps.
