Patio Paver FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
There’s nothing quite like a patio to enhance your outdoor living space. Not only does it create an area to entertain guests and enjoy the outdoors, but it also improves curb appeal and boosts your home’s value. Patios are usually low maintenance and don’t require much upkeep, but you will have to decide on the right surface to meet your needs.
Paving stones are a popular choice for a variety of different reasons, and you can use them to take your outdoor patio to a whole new level. Keep reading for 10 questions and answers that will tell you everything you need to know about patio pavers.
What Are Pavers?
Pavers, or paving stones, are small stones that can be made of a variety of materials, such as natural stone, concrete, brick, clay, or even porcelain. Pavers can vary in size and come in a range of different colours, textures, and patterns. They are used by many homeowners to create beautiful patios, walkways, pool decks, driveways, and similar surfaces.
Are Paving Stones Cheaper Than Concrete?
Initially, paving stones cost more than concrete, but the difference is usually made-up over time. You will end up saving money in the long run because they are easier to maintain, cost less to repair, and usually have a longer lifespan. If there’s an issue with one paver, you can simply remove it and replace it with another instead of having to repair the entire surface. Paving stones also add more value to your home than concrete.
What Is the Most Affordable Paving Stone?
There are a few paving stones that would be considered more affordable than most. Concrete pavers are probably the most affordable. They come in a variety of shapes, including rectangles, squares, octagons, triangles, and more. You can also get them in multiple colors or tints.
Brick and procelain pavers are also quite affordable and are available in several different colours and patterns that include herring bone, basket weave, and more.
How Do You Lay Paving Stones Down?
To lay paving stones down, you need to follow a handful of easy steps, including:
- 1. Building the paver base
- 2. Creating a sand bed on top of the base
- 3. Laying your pavers in the desired pattern
- 4. Adding edge restraints
- 5. Tamping down the pavers
- 6. Filling the area between the pavers with the appropriate filler material
- 7. Sealing the pavers
Your pavers will also need to be cut when necessary, in order to fit into the space you have allocated.
Need some additional guidance? The experts at Grand River Natural Stone will gladly walk you through their recommendations & tips for laying paving stones!
What Are the Benefits of Paving Stones?
Using paving stones for your patio offers a range of benefits that include:
- Durability – They can withstand heavy foot traffic and any type of weather.
- Low maintenance – They are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance year-round.
- Customizable – Paving stones are available in many shapes, sizes, and colors so you can create a custom look.
- Eco-friendly – Rainwater can run through the cracks between the stones to help reduce erosion and runoff and replenish groundwater.
- Slip resistance – The surface of pavers is designed to be slip resistant, which makes them a safe option.
- Easy to repair – It’s easier to replace a damaged stone than having to replace the entire area.
- Increased home value – pavers help boost your curb appeal and improve the value of your home.
What Are Interlocking Pavers?
Interlocking pavers are a type of paving stone that includes unique designs that allow the individual stones to fit together like a puzzle. The stones have small ridges on one edge and grooves on the opposite edge, which allows them to interlock tightly without having to use any mortar or other adhesives. You can get interlocking pavers in a variety of different materials, including natural stone, clay, or concrete.
What Is the Difference Between Interlock and Paving Slabs?
The main difference between interlocking pavers and paving slabs is that paving slabs require mortar or another adhesive to hold them in place, and interlocking pavers do not. Paving slabs are also usually larger and thicker than interlocking pavers. Both of these types of stones can be made of concrete, clay, or natural stone. Interlocking pavers are often more versatile, Being used for a variety of different outdoor features while paving slabs our best for larger, more permanent outdoor features.
How Do You Fill Paving Stone Gaps?
There are a few different ways that you can fill paving stone gaps to make your patio or outdoor feature look spectacular and function the way you want. Sand is the most common type of joint filler, but it can be challenging to keep in place and occasionally needs to be refilled. You can also use small rocks to fill larger gaps and gravel or crushed rock to fill smaller gaps. For some types of pavers like flagstone, bark, or lightweight pieces of mulch make a good filling option.
How Do You Mark Pavers For Cutting?
When marking a paver for cutting, you’ll want to mark the cut with a pencil or piece of chalk along a straight edge like a ruler. Use a square or angle tool to ensure that the line is perpendicular to the edge of the paver. If you’re cutting with a hammer and chisel, mark along the top, bottom, and both sides of the paver, and if you’re using a circular saw, you can just mark the top and bottom. Once the cut has been made, you can smooth the edges with sandpaper or a masonry file, if necessary.
How Long Do Paving Stones Last?
Paving stones, typically made from concrete, can last for decades with proper installation and maintenance. A well-prepared base and careful installation techniques are crucial to prevent heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, sealing your pavers can further extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance. With appropriate care, paving stones can serve as a durable and attractive hardscape solution for 25 to 50 years or longer.
If you have any questions about stone pavers, or you’d like to work with us at Grand River Natural Stone for your new patio, get in touch with us today so we can get the process started.
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