Introduction
Usually, homeowners opt for asphalt or poured concrete for paving their driveway, a path, or a patio. However, the concrete paver has risen in popularity in recent years and for all the right reasons. If you want to pave something from concrete pavers, you can search for “paving companies near me” and hire professionals for the job. Let’s check out everything you need to know about hardscaping with concrete pavers.
The Guide
- Concrete pavers – While they have the word “concrete” in their name, concrete pavers are very different from regular poured concrete. Concrete pavers are pre-made concrete blocks that are molded into shape and look like beautifully crafted bricks or stones. Usually, pavers can be classified into two types. There are thick and highly durable interlocking pavers. These pavers are as dense as regular bricks, and you’ll often see them used for driveways due to their high load tolerance. They won’t crack or break even when you drive or park your giant SUV numerous times over them.
While interlocking pavers are thick, the other type of pavers is architectural pavers. They are thin and visually look stunning. These kinds of pavers are more suitable for foot traffic. While they can’t compare to thick interlocking pavers in terms of load tolerance, they do make up for it with their stunning designs. That’s why these types of thin pavers are more common for patios and paths where aesthetics ranks high on the priority list.
- Pavers vs poured concrete – Apart from the cost, pavers triumph over poured concrete in every possible way. Unlike poured concrete, that’s a single slab reinforced with steel rods, pavers are individual pieces that are less prone to cracking. Whether it’s expansion or contraction due to extreme temperatures during the winter and summer seasons, shifting soil, or active tree roots, pavers are more resilient compared to poured concrete.
Pavers are smaller pieces that can move independently and hence are quick to adapt to changing situations. While they may shift positions in the worst condition, they would rarely crack. Pavers also help to eliminate a lot of runoff and water puddles. Pavers have space between them that’s usually filled with sand or a polymer-based compound. This allows you to make the patio or driveway permeable. That means water can make its way into the ground instead of puddling at the top and damaging the concrete. They won’t run off to the sides and ruin the garden either.
Moreover, pavers provide far better traction than poured concrete. Unlike regular poured concrete, pavers come with all sorts of designs and textures. You can even have anything printed on your paving blocks. They also have joints in between them that all add up to provide better footing and tire traction.
Pavers are also far more visually appealing than regular gray concrete. Since pavers can be molded in any shape or design, they offer you more geometric choices. They also come in all sorts of colors that allow you to treat the ground like a giant canvas. Allow your creativity free reign and create a picture, or abstract modern art if you want.
- Uses of concrete pavers – Pavers don’t have a lot of limitations for use. You can use them anywhere that demands outdoor flooring. From garden paths, steppingstones, and driveways to patios or even rooftop flooring. However, you need to be mindful of your choice. For instance, if you live in a hot climate, it’s not recommended to install dark heat-absorbing pavers on parts of your property where you plan to be barefooted.
Since pavers come in all shapes and sizes and can be custom created according to your needs, the options are unlimited. You can make a path out of long concrete pavers with contrasting gravel in between and around it or go the traditional route with interlocking thick pavers. These pavers can be used for large paths and driveways or for creating a loose path in the embrace of nature and a lot of green covers.
- Colors and textures – As mentioned above, the aesthetic options are unlimited when you have concrete pavers. It’s a blessing and a curse. The options are so varied and limitless that you always have the fear of missing out. While there are numerous color options, it’s safer to stick to natural earth tones. If you choose vibrant colors, you need to make sure that you have a cohesive theme going on for your entire property. On the other hand, natural earth tones look good in any setting.
When it comes to shape, precast pavers at home improvement centers come in all sorts of shapes. From concrete pavers that look like natural stone to paver tiles that look like they have been plucked right out of the ancient Roman empire. Apart from the color, you can also choose the patterns and textures on your concrete pavers. For instance, you can even make those pavers look like cobblestones or wood with a charcoal color.
- Cost and Installation – Depending on the design, color, and other factors, paver costs can vary drastically. On average, you can usually find concrete pavers for around $5 to $10 per square foot. While they cost more than asphalt or poured concrete, they are certainly far cheaper than stone pavers.
Installation of these pavers also varies depending on your unique use. For instance, a garden path installation with concrete pavers would be radically different from a driveway installation. In the garden, there’s no need for a gravel base or any base. However, driveway installation requires a base, with sand or other materials in between and sealants applied at the end of the process.
Conclusion
Concrete pavers are amazing for many reasons. They make up for their higher material and installation cost with higher durability and weather resistance than traditional options. You also have a lot of flexibility while designing your hardscape with concrete pavers. You can search for “paving companies near me” and hire pros for paving a patio or driveway.
