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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Patio in Illinois 🧱

Planning a new patio in Illinois? JGM Landscaping shares expert tips for choosing the best pavers— from concrete and brick to natural stone— built to last through Chicagoland weather. Serving Mundelein, Barrington, Northbrook and surrounding areas.

If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard with a new patio, choosing the right pavers is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The material, style, and installation will impact not only how your patio looks but also how well it withstands Chicagoland’s tough weather. At JGM Landscaping Inc., we’ve helped homeowners across Cook and Lake County create beautiful, durable patios that add value and curb appeal. Here’s our expert guide to choosing the right pavers for your home.

Image of frozen snow on some pavers in the Chicagoland area.

1. Consider Illinois Weather Conditions

In the Northwest Chicago suburbs, winters bring freezing temperatures and summers get hot and humid. This means you need pavers that can handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Concrete and natural stone pavers are popular choices because they are strong and built for long-term use.

Image of fully installed stone pavers.

2. Popular Types of Patio Pavers

🔹 Concrete Pavers

    •    Affordable and versatile

    •    Wide variety of colors, shapes, and finishes

    •    Can mimic natural stone at a lower cost

🔹 Brick Pavers

    •    Timeless, classic look

    •    Eco-friendly (made from clay)

    •    Great for traditional homes in areas like Northbrook and Evanston

🔹 Natural Stone Pavers

    •    Premium, elegant appearance

    •    Options include bluestone, limestone, or flagstone

    •    Highly durable and unique, perfect for luxury patios in Barrington and Highland Park


3. Style and Aesthetic ✨

Your patio should compliment your home’s architecture.

  • Modern homes often look great with sleek concrete slabs.

  • Traditional homes pair beautifully with brick.

  • For a natural, rustic feel, flagstone or bluestone works best.

Image of a natural stone retaining wall still standing besides the weather conditions and time.

4. Maintenance & Longevity

  • Concrete requires sealing every few years to prevent staining.

  • Brick may shift slightly over time but is easy to reset.

  • Natural stone lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.

5. Budget Considerations

  • Concrete: 💰 most cost-effective

  • Brick: 💰 💰 mid-range

  • Natural stone: 💰 💰 💰 higher upfront cost, but long-term investment


Image of pavers being professionally installed in the Chicagoland area.

6. Professional Installation Matters!

No matter which paver you choose, the installation makes all the difference. At JGM Landscaping, our team ensures proper base preparation, drainage, and sealing so your patio not only looks amazing but also withstands Illinois weather for years to come.

📌 Choosing the right paver is the first step toward creating your dream backyard. Whether you’re in Mundelein, Northbrook, Barrington or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, JGM Landscaping Inc. is here to help you design and build a patio that’s both functional and beautiful!

📲 Call us today for a free consultation and paver patio estimate in Illinois!

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🌿 Top 5 Landscaping Trends in the Chicagoland Area (2025)

When it comes to creating beautiful outdoor spaces, homeowners in Chicagoland are looking for more than just a lawn and a few shrubs. They want functional, stylish, and low-maintenance landscapes that add value to their homes. At JGM Landscaping Inc, we’ve seen exciting trends take over in 2025— and they’re here to stay.

Here are the Top 5 Landscaping Trends in the Chicagoland Area that homeowners love right now:

  1. Outdoor Living Spaces with Paver Patios

Forget plain concrete— brick and stone paver patios are the new must-have. Homeowners in Mundelein, Northbrook, and Barrington are investing in outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas that extend their living space outdoors.

👉 With durable materials and custom designs, these patios look amazing and add long-term value.

2. Low-Maintenance Native Plant Landscaping

Busy families are choosing native plants and perennials that thrive in Illinois weather. From vibrant coneflowers to ornamental grasses, these choices cut down on watering and upkeep.

👉 Plus, native plants support pollinators, making your yard both eco-friendly and low-maintenance.

3. 3D Landscape Design Before Building 🏡

Technology is changing landscaping. Instead of guessing, more homeowners are requesting 3D designs to visualize their dream yard before construction begins.

👉 At JGM, we provide detailed 3D renderings so clients know exactly how their patio, garden or hardscape will look— no surprises.

4. Modern Retaining Walls & Walkways 🧱

Retaining walls are no longer just functional— they’re a design feature. Sleek stone walls and custom walkways are being used to highlight garden beds and create stylish entryways.

👉 These features improve curb appeal while making your outdoor space more inviting.

5. Sustainable Lawn Care & Sod Installation

Homeowners in the Chicagoland area are switching to sod installations for instant green lawns and using smart irrigation systems to save water. Sustainability is a big priority in 2025, and it’s shaping how yards are designed and maintained.

Ready to Upgrade Your Yard?

At JGM Landscaping Inc, we help homeowners across Chicagoland transform their outdoor spaces with professional landscaping, hardscapes, and 3D design. Whether you want a new patio, a lush lawn, or a complete backyard makeover— we’ve got you covered.

👉 Contact us today for a FREE estimate and let’s bring your outdoor vision to life!

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