Pavers are slabs and blocks made from different types of materials. A few of them are clay, concrete, flagstone, marble, travertine, rubber, porcelain, plastic, asphalt, and many more. Pavers are used for creating driveways, patios, pool decks, etc. Pavers are very popular and alternative to concrete in such projects. Pavers look better than concrete.

Paving stone installation service in Edmonton

Planning the area to be paved is your first step. Decide where the pavers will go and determine if there is enough space for this. Measure the width and the length of the area to be paved. Then multiply the width by the length. The result gives the square footage of the area to be paved. Add 5% to get count cutting and wastage during installation. Establish the height that the pavers should reach and not exceed. Paving stone always slope downward from the home or building.

Once the excavation is complete, the next step is the laying of the base material. We normally use crushed rocks as a base material. Edging is essential in the maintenance of your paved area. Before laying the pavers, a layer of bedding sand is placed over the compacted base material. This layer provides a bed into which the pavers are set. The sand bedding also helps to protect the sand joints from being eroded away.

Lay the pavers in the pattern and design that you have planned for. Lay them close together. Some pavers have space bumps incorporated into the paver design. Sweeping sand over the surface which fills up the joints locks the pavers into place. Wait till the pavers and sand become dry.

Clean and sweep the newly paved area, in order to remove all materials and debris. Seal the area with the help of a sand binding sealant. This will ensure that sand will not disappear. Sealing your pavers helps prevent stains from oil, grease, grime, rust, moss, algae, tire markings, and day-to-day spills.

Pavers are made from

1. Clay
2. Concrete
3. Bluestone
4. Flagstone
5. Marble
6. Travertine
7. Porcelain
8. Cobblestone
9. Rubber
10. Plastic
11. Many more

Clay pavers

Clay pavers are also known as brick pavers. Clay pavers were used for surfacing materials for some centuries. They are made from molded clay that is baked in a kiln and is set into a mortar on the driveway,

Brick pavers are available in different types of patterns and color combinations. They are available in various textures, characters, and colors. Clay pavers are one of the popular alternatives to concrete. 

Pros of clay pavers

• They come in a range of colors and shapes. Brick pavers can be laid in a range of patterns to realize distinct visual effects.
• They are made from natural materials which can be reused, cleaned, or salvaged hence clay brick pavers are an eco-friendly alternative.

Cons of clay pavers

• They are somewhat fragile hence can crack or chip easily or over time.
• They require a good base and frequent maintenance to sustain regular driveway usage over time.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are pavers in many shapes and sizes made with concrete. The use of concrete pavers is one of the most popular flooring options for driveways and roadways. Concrete pavers are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, textures, and thicknesses. It is also available in customized shapes. Installation of concrete pavers is very easy and hassle-free. Because concrete pavers come in a uniform shape.

Pros of concrete pavers

• Concrete pavers are easy to install.
• It comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
• It is cheaper than brick pavers.
• More durable than poured concrete since it has undergone some processes.

Cons of concrete pavers

• Since its color can be customized, artificial pigments can fade over time.
• It can crack in an extreme change of temperatures.
• Needs high-maintenance in terms of sealing to prolong life.
• Have short longevity due to its low-cost raw materials.

Bluestone Pavers

Bluestone is one type of sandstone. It creates elegant and sustainable driveways. Bluestone comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It can be crushed in gravel, so bluestone pavers give a variety of looks. 

Pros of bluestone pavers

• Bluestone is quite durable.
• Bluestone can be shaped into any basic shape.
• It has a magnificent color. The color often starts as a royal blue, but constant exposure to sunlight makes the color fade until we are left with a light grey.
• It can be integrated with various paving materials.

Cons of bluestone pavers

• Beware of fake bluestone paver. Counterfeits are being sold as authentic bluestone.
• It can be a bit costly to acquire an authentic bluestone as they are rare.

Bluestone pavers vary in their cost. Because it comes in different thicknesses and different types of it. Irregular pavers are a bit less costly. And, thermal pavers are more expensive.

Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that is used as pavers most often for patios. The pavers are uniquely shaped and fit together like a puzzle. It’s a thinner paver compared to brick and concrete. So, it’s not all that good for a driveway.

Pros of flagstone pavers

• Flagstone has a quality of non-slip texture and surface making it an ideal flooring option.
• It is also durable and will last longer than concrete pavers.
• It is versatile to use in landscaping since it offers many variations in colors, sizes, and shapes.
• Flagstones come in varying shapes. So, It allows homeowners to create nearly any pattern they want to achieve.
• Its shapes and colors can collaborate well with other stones in case you want some extra customizations.
• Flagstone is naturally-formed, so it has a unique and beautiful finish.

Cons of flagstone pavers

• Since flagstones are natural, it is difficult to achieve the exact same planned output, if you have one.
• Flagstones have a significantly higher cost than any other pavers since it is mined and transported from the actual source.

Marble Pavers

Marble pavers are also available for your garden! Marble is formed when limestone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Marble pavers are used in all places. Marble pavers are used in patios, driveways, walkways, and many more places. These pavers make outdoor landscapes feel very charming.

Pros of marble pavers

• After marble pavers smooth and regal polish, it looks more sophisticated than other paver stones.
• Marble pavers come in natural tones and patterns create a unique finish to your driveway, pool deck, and flooring.
• These pavers add value to your home.

Cons of marble pavers

• Marble pavers conduct heat very well, expect your area to be scorching hot especially during the afternoon.
• Marble stones are softer than others. So there is a possibility of scratching easily.
• Might have stains and discolorations when exposed to some acidic chemicals like sauces, beverages, or even cleaning products.

Travertine pavers

Travertine pavers are like marbles are all-natural and eco-friendly. It is used in different ways. Travertine pavers are sedimentary rocks formed and developed under pressure and changing temperature. It has a natural appeal, travertine pavers have a popular option for outdoor landscaping and flooring. It looks good with patios, countertops, pool areas, and even indoor floorings. Travertine pavers can be found almost anywhere around the globe so their availability will never be a problem.

Pros of travertine pavers

• Travertine pavers are very durable.
• Natural and environment friendly.
• Cheaper than marbles.
• Available in vivid color and tones.
• No fading of colors or discoloration.
• Insulates heat.

Cons of travertine pavers

• Highly-sensitive to acids, cleaning it with vinegar or other acidic formulas might leave an unwanted stain.
• It is much heavier than other pavers.

Porcelain pavers

Porcelain is a clay-based material, treated with extremely high temperatures. This method fabricates a hard and durable output with a non-porous finish. Porcelain pavers can be used both indoors and outdoors but since it has a less-absorbent surface compared to other permeable materials, people practically use it for wet areas such as pool decks. With the help of modern technology, manufacturers can now produce thicker porcelain pavers with a close resemblance to natural materials like wood, stones, etc.

Pros of porcelain pavers

• Porcelain pavers are cheaper compared to natural raw materials such as slate, granite, marbles, etc.
• Its subtle beauty and elegance are very appealing.
• Needs less maintenance because it is very hard and not easy to break easily. 
• Easy to clean.

Cons of porcelain pavers

• If you live in a highly-elevated area that can experience harsh frost, porcelain pavers might not be able to hold up well in the long run.

Cobblestone pavers

Cobblestone pavers are made of granite. Sometimes, it can be made out of basalt, limestone, or sandstone. Cobblestone pavers have been in practice for centuries. Cobblestone pavers indeed have the best of both worlds: Long-lasting durability and an attractive aesthetic.

Pros of cobblestone pavers

• Less maintenance just needs a wash yearly.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• The wide array of styles and colors.

Cons of cobblestone pavers

• Expensive compared to other pavers
• Installation labor cost is also more than others.
• Time-consuming but doesn’t need special skills or machinery.

Rubber pavers

Rubber pavers are usually made of recycled materials. It is eco-friendly yet it is also durable and tear-resistant, plus it’s affordable.

Pros of rubber pavers

• Rubber pavers have safety features, they are shock-absorbent than stone pavers.
• Rubber pavers are slip-resistant.
• Recycled material such as tires, so it is environment friendly.
• Less susceptible to chipping and cracking.

Cons of rubbers pavers

• Rubber pavers come in different colors but it is not as attractive as stone or porcelain pavers.
• The lifespan of rubber pavers is still not identical because it is new in the market. 

Plastic Pavers

Plastic pavers are made from newly manufactured or recycled plastic wastes. Although it will be more beneficial if it is the latter one. A recycled plastic paver is made by melting down the plastic with water and mixing this liquid output with soil. The mixture is then stirred and poured into a paver-shaped container until it dries. 

Pros of plastic pavers

• Recycled plastic pavers help to reduce plastic waste in the community.
• Plastic pavers come in different shapes and styles that will suit your necessity. 

Cons of plastic pavers

• Might be costly.
• Not durable compared to pavers made from stones, gravel, and asphalt.

If you live in Edmonton, Beaumont, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, or Leduc and are looking for patio design and construction service or any other landscaping services, consider giving us a call at 587-986-7398. We assure you that we will meet all your requirements regarding landscaping services. If you need any particular landscaping services, visit our website: Mylandscaping.ca/. So if you need any landscaping service, give us a call right away, and we assure you that all our services will meet your expectations and budget.

Reference: homestratosphere