Pavers 101
TYPES OF PAVERS
Choosing the type of pavers to use for your new installation can be quite daunting since there are so many different types of pavers on the market today. The first choice you have to make is the type of material you want your pavers to be made from. Here we will discuss natural stone pavers, concrete pavers, clay brick pavers, and rubber pavers, as these are the most commonly used materials for both residential and commercial paver projects. Keep in mind that the decisions don’t end there, you will then have to choose the color, the shape of the paver and the patterns in which you want the pavers installed.
When making all of these decisions it’s a good idea to look around at the rest of the features and materials used on your property. Matching and complimenting the existing materials is a good place to start, or you can always get the advice of your contractor or hire a landscape designer. You should also consider the application of the paver at hand. Some pavers are more suitable for certain applications and not so much for others. For example; pavers used for a garden walkway do not need to be as strong as pavers used for a driveway.
Natural Stone Pavers
Natural Stone is an ideal paving material for they are natural, which means that they are durable and strong, and can withstand the harshest of climates. Stone quarries extract the stone from the earth and then they are cut into the shape of pavers for ease of installation. The use of natural stone will always create a rustic, natural appeal. There are thousands of types of natural stone such as; limestone, bluestone, granite, travertine, cantera, marble and flagstone, to name a few. Natural stone pavers can be applied to garden steps, pathways, patios, driveways, pool surrounds and garden borders. With a variety of colors, sizes and shapes available, there is bound to be something to suit your needs. Natural Stone pavers are sure to make a dramatic statement and will enhance the appeal of your property.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are a 100% manufactured material. They are made with a combination of two main ingredients; cement and aggregate. This has its own benefits in that they can be manufactured and produced to withstand harsh conditions and high traffic areas, unlike stone that it naturally produced. Concrete pavers are available in a variety of styles to suit a variety of applications. They are also manufactured to resemble the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. This makes concrete pavers a very commonly used material for those on a tighter budget, who still want the look of stone. Another advantage of concrete pavers is that they can be found in almost any color that you could imagine. For color dyes and pigments are added during the manufacturing process to create any color desired. It is however recommended that you use color sealants on concrete pavers, so as to preserve and maintain the vibrant color.
Clay Brick Pavers
Clay Brick pavers are made from natural clay that is fired in kilns at extremely high temperatures. This type of process ensures that all the ingredients are well bonded together, making them very strong pavers. Brick pavers have proven to be one of the most durable types of paver material, which is why they have been used for thousands of years, and continues to be so popular today. Another benefit of using clay brick pavers is their long-lasting vibrant color. Because clay is a natural material, it maintains its natural bright color, and will never fade. The colors range from dark charcoals, browns, reds and even pink shades. Clay Brick pavers are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the traditional rectangle to bull nose, boardwalk and interlocking octagonal ones. There is a variety to suit any individual needs.
Rubber Pavers
Rubber Pavers have become very popular because they are an environmentally friendly paving material. They are made from recycled tires that would otherwise be clogging up our landfill with roughly 300 million tires disposed of each year. They are great for stables, sporting arenas, play grounds and gymnasiums. Not only are they great for the environment but they are cost effective, easy to install, very low maintenance and provide an extremely safe non-slip surface. It’s easy to see why they are becoming a popular paving material.
From contemporary to rustic, the style lab guides you, inspires you and defines your style.