Blog

Decorative pavers are a cast-type of concrete pavers available in various shapes, colors, textures and styles. They provide homeowners more choices besides the usual paver for their walkways, driveways, decks, patios, and pools.
So why should you opt for decorative paving?

They’re cost effective. While some decorative pavers may be a bit pricey to install, they’re economical over the long haul since they need not be replaced.

They’re durable. In the event of an earthquake, decorative pavers stand strong compared to the usual not-so-flexible solid concrete that is susceptible to cracking as the earth beneath it moves. Decorative pavers are installed on a gravel base with sand filler between each paver allowing them to shift along with the earth.

They last longer. Decorative pavers can withstand the wear-and-tear of regular use as well as the onslaught of nature’s elements such as wind, rain, and dust, especially when properly maintained.

They are more appealing to the eyes and so add more value to your property. Decorative pavers offer a wide range of colors, sizes and even textures to choose from. Homeowners can let their imagination run wild when planning their driveways, walkways, or patios. And unlike stamped concrete where the color or design is bound to fade due to constant exposure to heat and light, decorative paving stones have a natural color that permeates through them making their color and design more permanent.

They’re easier to maintain. Regular sweeping, hosing, and mild brushing are all that’s needed to keep pavers looking fab all the time.

It’s also a big bonus that pavers are ready to use once they’ve been installed unlike concrete that needs to be totally dried before being available for use. And in case a paver gets chipped or cracked, only that particular paver stone needs to be replaced without disrupting the rest of the set pavers. On the other hand, repairs on cracked concrete definitely show.

Brick pavers are inexpensive hardscaping materials you can use to upgrade the look of your pathway or patio. They are also easy to clean and maintain. Here are several simple steps to keep your paver walkway or paver patio looking fab:

1. Sweep them regularly.
As often as you can, use your everyday outdoor broom to sweep away dry leaves, dirt, and debris from your pavers. This prevents leaves and other dried materials from leaving a stain after a rain.

2. Hose them carefully.
Unless there are unsightly stains on your pavers, there is no need to use a power hose. Your regular garden hose and a specific attachment will suffice. After sweeping away dead leaves, grime and debris gently hose dried dirt that still cling to the pavers. However, if moss and mold have formed, a pressure wash is in order.

3. When necessary, use a cleaning solution.
For stubborn molds and stains, use a green, paver-cleaning solution that is sold in most home improvement stores or concoct your own cleaning solution. You can opt for the usual soap and water solution or a white vinegar and water mixture. Gently scrub pavers with it.

4. Rub in some sealer over the pavers.
An application of paver sealer at least once a year can keep your paving stones looking new. Simply make sure the pavers are clean and dry before applying the sealer.

5. Replace broken or cracked pavers.
To prevent moss or weeds from growing in cracks, replace broken or cracked pavers. Replacing pavers is also necessary when they are severely stained. Paver replacement is quite and easy DIY project that can be done in a couple of hours.

If you’re wondering how to highlight your outdoor living spaces? Pavers are the ideal flooring that can be used on:

• Backyards
• Steps
• Walkways
• Gardens
• Patios

Pavers are durable and long lasting, thus are most suitable to withstand outdoor elements like dust, water, snow, rain, mud and other particles.

Homeowners with sizeable backyards can use pavers to accentuate certain areas of their yards. Pavers aren’t easily damaged and come in different designs to suit your preference.

There are so many ways to work with different paver designs for garden steps and walkways. They do not have to be straight and plain. You can have the pavers cut into irregular shapes to create absolutely stunning patterns or use curvy designs for a more free flowing form.

Pavers can also be placed in the middle of a garden as a footpath or to create a sitting area. Pavered footpaths keep people from stepping on the grass and serve as an alternative route to other parts of the garden or house. Also, pave the edges of your garden to protect it during windy and rainy seasons.

Setting stone pavers in a circular fashion produces the look of a courtyard. You can use it to highlight a garden or lawn feature such as a mini waterfall or fountain.

If you’re laying the pavers yourself, make sure the foudation stones that are found at the very bottom are level to avoid uneven paving. If some foundation stones are higher than others, pound them with a rubber mallet to level them.

Use accent stones in between paver bricks to highlight geometric patterns. Accent stones take the place of grass that usually grow in these spaces. So you don’t have to worry about maintaining the grass or pulling them out every now and then.

If your house is more linear and geometric in design, using round pavers will break the monotony. You can have them stained or colored to contrast with the surrounding plants and other outdoor décor.

Try out these ideas and tips with pavers to create a new and unique style for your home.

When done the right way, your patio, walkway and retaining wall can last for years especially with the proper care and maintenance.

So, it is critical that the paver or wall installation contractor you plan to hire really know what they’re doing and can guarantee high quality work. In order to find out if you’re getting your money’s worth, ask your potential hardscape contractors these questions.

1. How you plan to go about the paver and wall installation process? I need to compare it with those of other contractors.

Even if you don’t have any idea about the proper installation process, asking this question will signal to your contractor that you are trying to learn and that you are considering other companies for the job.

This is also an important question because other contractors do skip some steps in the process, such as ground stabilization and the use of polymeric sand.

2. Does your company have a certified retaining wall installer or paver installer?

Certified professionals of a particular industry are always a good choice because you can be sure that they are committed to quality installation standards. You also minimize your risks of getting substandard quality work on your paver or wall installation project.

3. How long has your company been doing hardscapes? Are you fully insured?

Knowing that your prospective contractor has more than adequate experience to do the project will add to your peace of mind. Before signing any contract, be sure to ask for work references from their previous clients. It is also important that all crewmembers are fully insured in case they are injured while doing work within your property.

4. What base materials do you use, and how do you do the compaction process?

If contractors give different answers, have them explain to you the difference between the materials being used, including the advantages and disadvantages of the various base materials.

Find out also if they do the compaction of the base layer for every 2-3” base that is being installed. For patios and walkways, experts recommend at least 6” of compacted base material.

5. How do you plan to do the drainage system on the patio or retaining wall?

Per quality standards, ask if they allot at least 1% slope from house structures. If you’re having raised patios or retaining walls, ask if an internal drainage is necessary to reduce or lessen static water pressure behind the wall.

6. What type of jointing sand can you recommend for this hardscape project?

Many contractors use either acrylic sand or angular jointing sand. Be sure to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of both materials, and what is more suitable for your own hardscape project.

One benefit of acrylic sand is that you won’t likely see weeds and ant hills developing on the pavers.

7. Do you offer warranty for your installations?

Properly installed pavers and retaining walls last for years. However, a good hardscape contractor will still offer warranty on installations up to a certain period.

Got additional questions on any landscaping project? Drop us a line.

For further readings, take a look at “Questions to Ask Your Landscaper before You Sign Anything”