Concrete Pavers Guide

On other places on this site, we’ve discussed the merits of installing concrete paver patios, along with using other materials to create a backyard getaway. One of the best patio ideas – an amazing way to continue to add to your backyard paradise – is to create an enclosed patio. Also known as enclosed porches or an enclosed decks, these structures allow you to enjoy your patio paving while being sheltered from the elements.

There are a lot of choices and other things to consider when thinking about adding a new patio enclosure. To help guide you in this decision, we’ve assembled a brief enclosed patio guide that will show you the major aspects of your project to consider. Come back often, as we’re always adding new material and updating this site to continue to bring you valuable information and insight.

Types of Patio Enclosures

There are two major kinds of enclosed patios that you can add to your home. The first is a room that is simply part of your house; these so-called sunrooms simply have lots of windows that allow in lots of light. Thus, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful elements, especially the sun, without having to actually be outside and deal with the heat and UV rays and other weather conditions. This kind of project is more of a ‘room addition’ than an enclosed patio, though some may tend more towards a patio than a room given their properties. The main difference that sets them apart from enclosed patios is their expense – because they are added on directly to your house, you’ll end up paying more for the work.

The second is more like a patio in that it is primarily an outdoor structure that has been ‘enclosed’ or ‘covered’ in order to protect the inhabitants from the elements. The degree to which a patio is enclosed varies from design to design. One covered patio may simply be topped off with an awning; thus, bugs and wind and other elements can get inside your covered patio, while the sun and heat will be diminished. Others are more like outdoor rooms, in that they are enclosed with screens or other materials to completely surround the patio and guard against bugs, wind, and even hot and cold temperatures (when the room is climate controlled).

Which one you want depends on how you want to use it and on how you conceive of your enclosed patio. For instance, if you think of your room as simply an extension of your home, and you want it to be climate controlled and comfortable and usable year round, you’ll probably tend more toward the sunroom approach. However, if you see this space more as an enclosed porch, one that is part of your yard as opposed to your home, you’ll want to look into enclosing a patio instead. This patio will only be usable during temperate or hot times of the year and depending on how enclosed it is.

Note that you can also use your enclosed patio for many different purposes. Some simply like to have a covered place where they can entertain guests in the more temperate seasons without having to worry about inclement weather and other worries. Others, however, like to make the space an area to hang out continually; some even turn them into family spaces, exercise rooms, libraries, and dining rooms. Thus, give some thought as to how you want to use your space, as this will largely determine what kinds of materials and designs you’ll use for your project.

If you crave flexibility, you can also buy retractable patio covers that can be deployed when you need them, such as on an especially hot or rainy day. Thus, you’ll have the flexibility to manage how much of the ‘outdoors’ you want to experience.

The Benefits of Enclosed Patios

The first obvious benefit of your enclosed patio is its beauty and aesthetic appeal. Looking outside while inside your patio is one great aspect, but patio rooms look almost as good from the outside looking in. In addition, this beauty and function will add value to your home, both financially and in terms of increased living and working space for you and your family.

Second, you can enjoy the ‘outdoors’ in comfort. How much of the outdoors you feel will depend on if you only have a patio roof or if you opt for the more enclosed structure. Nevertheless, you’ll be blocked out from the sun, deal with cooler and more comfortable temperatures, and not have to deal with mosquitos and other annoying bugs.

You can also enjoy the safety and privacy of your enclosed patio. You won’t have to worry about nosy neighbors watching you at all hours of the day, and you can be sure that you can be safe from the weather or anything that bumps in the night.

Enclosed Patio Designs

The first thing to think about is how enclosed your patio room or sunroom will actually be. At the very least, you’ll have canopies or awnings that will cover the top of your patio and block the sun and rain from reaching the contents of your room.

You’ll then need to decide how best to enclose your patio on the sides, if this is something you want to do. Some opt to have nothing blocking the sides; this makes the room more of a covered patio than an enclosed one. As for enclosing materials, you can opt for many different types, from screened patios to patios with nets covering the side. If you build in walls and windows as part of an extension to your home, it’s more of a sunroof and thus more expensive but also the most beautiful and valuable. You may also opt for glass enclosures to allow the maximum amount of sunlight in, though you will also sacrifice privacy and increase the structure’s vulnerability.

To save money and decrease the time and hassle involved with installing your new patio, some companies sell ‘modular’ systems that are pre-assembled and then assembled on the spot.

Another thing to think about is what the ‘floor’ of your patio will be. If you already have a patio made from concrete or concrete pavers, then you can simply add your patio roof or patio covers, screen porch, etc. and be done with it. Or you can install an entirely new patio surface out of these materials or others; if you want a more ‘indoor’ feel, you can go with tile, carpet, wood, and other options, though keep in mind that some of these materials won’t be viable with particular patio designs.

Your best bet is to get design plans created by a professional architect. They will best know the options available for you and what you can create given your resources. They will also give you an estimate so that you can get an idea of how much this will cost. There are an incredible number of different designs, products, and variations to the sunroom/enclosed patio, so you’ll need to do further research to find what suits your tastes and budget. Look for images of sunrooms that you like and present them to your contractor or sunroom company. They can then use these images as a guide to best create the addition that’s right for you and your family.

Building an Enclosed Patio

While creating these projects may be out of the reach of many homeowners, some may still seek DIY solutions, especially if they are looking to install modest enclosures. For instance, if you already have an outdoor porch or ‘framed’ patio, it’s relatively easy to buy thin mesh screen and put it up around the sides of the patio. This will not be the most elegant solution, but it will serve its primary purpose: keeping out bugs and irritants. You can also buy screen with vinyl attached so that you can easily assemble your enclosed patio to the proper specifications without having to deal with plain mesh.

It is also possible to buy sunroom ‘kits’ that you can assemble yourself. They may not look as great as the professionally installed kind, especially since those will be exactly customized to your taste, but they are great in a pinch. The great thing about these DIY projects, however, is that you can easily take them down and put them up at will, so you’ll have flexibility as seasons and weather changes.

You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t need to get any permits from your local municipality, as some require paperwork to be filed if you’re at all adding on to your ‘home,’ so make sure to check with officials in your area.

To start off, the term brick concrete pavers is actually somewhat of a misnomer. It is a combination of two different kinds of materials – brick pavers and concrete pavers. Brick pavers are made from clay, while concrete pavers are obviously made from concrete. Similarly, concrete brick pavers only make sense insofar as the shape of these precast pavers is ‘brick-like.’

With this knowledge in mind, let’s give a brief discussion of the pros and cons and similarities and differences of concrete pavers and brick pavers.

Similarities of the Materials

Both of these materials are used for outdoor hardscape applications. Thus, they can be equally used for driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks, among other potential uses. This is because these materials are very strong and durable – they can stand up to all kinds of abuse from foot traffic, vehicular traffic, weather, and general wear and tear.

The secret behind the strength of the paving stones is their interlocking ability. These interlocking pavers are pushed together as close as possible, and thus have a certain amount of friction between them due to the rough surfaces of the brick. However, there are still spaces in between the pavers – this forms the ‘joints’ of the project. Coarse, irregular sand is then swept in between the joints – when the surface is compacted, the sand settles down further into the joints of the project, causing the pavers to hold together and ‘interlock’ even more. Each brick holds together and is held by its neighbor.

Differences Between Paver Types

Both brick and concrete pavers come in a variety of colors and styles, but overall concrete pavers actually have more varieties, as they come in more shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. Brick pavers are more limited in their color, and most, if not all, come in the standard ‘brick’ shape.

Another differences is the cost. The prices for concrete pavers are usually lower than brick, both because the material is cheaper and because they are manufactured more easily. However, though the cost for materials differs, the labor costs for installing these pavers is about the same because the process is quite similar for both. The only major difference is that clay pavers can be harder to cut than the concrete paving stone – this is because clay is harder and more brittle, and thus may not cut as easily and quickly. This limits, to a certain extent, your design choices. For example, easier cuts allows you to make your project ‘curve’ more than it can if cuts are more difficult.

Pros and Cons of Pavers

Taking both of these materials together, there are a few pros and cons to be mindful of when thinking about using brick or concrete pavers:

PROS:
* Easy to install.
* Widespread materials; easy to obtain.
* Relatively cheap compared to certain options.
* Great value in the long term.
* Many design options available (especially with concrete pavers).
* They look beautiful for any home application.
* Low or no maintenance required.
* Safe, durable, and strong.

CONS:
* Might be out of the skill level of homeowners to install, especially if the project area is problematic in some way.
* It’s all about the base – a poorly installed base will have negative effects on the paver structure above.
* More expensive than slab options like concrete and asphalt.
* Beautiful, but not as beautiful as natural stone options.
* May be overwhelming to navigate all the possible design, brick, and installation choices.
* May settle in certain environment, such as over a soft foundation or in cold environments with freeze/thaw cycles.

One of the great advantages of concrete is its relatively cheap price and ease of installation. However, its main downfall, besides the problem of cracking, is its looks – concrete is grey, drab, and pretty boring to look at. It goes fine with most decors, but it isn’t the most optimal material to use for most projects.

However, there are ways to spruce up your concrete project so that it will be more stylistically interesting. The most common method is installing stamped concrete. Stamped concrete has particular designs, shapes, and textures ‘stamped’ into the wet concrete in order to make it look like something else. Combined with concrete paints and finishes, an otherwise boring slab of concrete can be made to look like something finer – concrete or natural stone pavers, bricks, and even wood! Luckily, making your own stamped concrete is relatively easy, as long as you can pour it yourself, making installing stamped concrete a viable DIY project for many homeowners who have the skills and time. Note, however, that some stamping projects can be challenging, so when in doubt, go with a professional whose work you admire to ensure that your project turns out right.

If you are interesting in a do it yourself stamped cement project, you’ll need to buy concrete stamps that you can use to create the designs you want. This article will describe the tools, materials, and products you’ll need for successful concrete stamping. It will also give suggestions for how to find and save money on concrete stamps for sale.

The Different Kinds of Concrete Stamps

The number of concrete stamp patterns out there is simply astounding. You can find every kind of designs, from regular patterns like brick and stone to irregular shapes and textures. You can also find interesting shapes and designs that you can use to make your concrete patio, walkway, driveway, pool deck, or other installation uniquely your own.

The following is a list of decorative concrete stamps – it is not an exhaustive list, of course, but it does cover many of the most popular varieties of designs and textures. Using stamps, your concrete can look like:

• Stone
• Rock
• Tile
• Brick
• Pavers
• Granite
• Cobblestone
• Wood
• Pebbles
• Slate

You can also add the following textures and designs:

• Seamless textures
• Beach
• Borders
• Fans
• Circles
• Animals
• Names
• Words
• and much, much more.

In fact, it may even be possible to make or obtain custom stamps – you are thus only limited by your imagination and your budget.

The Properties of Concrete Stamps

Most stamps are made from rubber and plastic, making them flexible, light, and easy to work with. They can be easily washed and reused from job to job, so you won’t have to worry about having to buy new ones.

There are two main types. For small jobs, you can simply buy one unit stamps or stencils. For instance, if it’s a shape of dolphin, you only need to have a single dolphin stencil that you apply where needed. However, if you have a pattern that repeats, such as a cobblestone, paver, brick, or stone appearance, you’ll need to buy mats. Mats are simply big versions of normal stamps – they contain the “unit pattern” so that you can have it repeat regularly throughout the entire surface of the concrete. These mats vary in size, depending on the pattern, but most are in the 4 square feet range.

Using Concrete Stamps – Some How To Notes

How many stamps will you need? Stamps can be expensive, so you may feel tempted to save money by skimping on the number you purchase, but don’t! You’ll need at least enough to go across the whole width of the project, plus a couple to start the next course. Think about it – you want the texture or pattern to be even and nicely distributed. Any mistakes can be costly to the appearance of the final project. In addition, you want to be able to stamp everything necessary within the time that the concrete is wet and amenable to stamping. If you are too slow, you may have serious problems with the final result.

Note that stamps should only be used on concrete 2 inches thick or more. While stamping and staining may be a potential DIY project for someone with the experience and skills to do it, it can be challenging, and mistakes can make a concrete slab look terrible – this can be a very expensive mistake to make. Unless you have the chance to practice and find out what works, it may be best to leave all this to the professionals. In that case you wouldn’t have to buy or rent concrete stamps, so it may be worth it in the end.

The Cost of Concrete Stamps

The cost of the stamps depends on a number of factors, including the size and pattern of the stamp. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 per stamp. Most of the time, these stamps are bought by contractors who will use them on the job. This is due in part to the fact that these stamps are incredibly expensive for many homeowners to purchase in the quantity necessary. However, there are other options available to these homeowners, including renting and buying used stamps. See the saving money section below.

What Else You May Need

There are some other concrete stamping tools and products you might need to fill out your concrete project. First, in terms of using the stamps, you may need floppies or flexes; a tamper; and other hand tools. If you want to give your concrete a different color or stain, you may need acid stains, colors, release agents, and other materials. You may also need particular forms and molds to properly shape your concrete creations.

Saving Money on Concrete Stamps

One way to save money if you need stamps for a single job is to find stamps for rent. Finding rental concrete stamps may be difficult to do if you don’t have a supply yard or a contractor in your area willing to do this. You may also be able to find used concrete stamps for sale, either from individual homeowners or from professional contractors.

Note that it also may be possible for you to create your own stamps and patterns out of materials and objects laying around your house. Use your creativity and don’t be afraid to test on sample (and eventually disposable) concrete.

If you are looking to create a new hardscape creation in your front or backyard, one great material to use is concrete paving slabs. These are similar to pavers in that they are precast and made from concrete, and they are both very strong, but there the similarities end. Paving slabs, also known as paving flags, are flatter, longer, wider, and thinner than pavers – they thus cover more square footage per slab than pavers but less thickness and depth.

Paving slabs combine the strengths of concrete with some of the benefits of concrete pavers. Because there are ‘joints’ throughout the structure, the concrete will resist cracking, especially if dry (sand bed) methods are used to install the pavers. In addition, you’ll enjoy the strength and durability of the concrete, which will stand up to years of weathering and traffic. All in all, your investment in paving slabs will last you for decades.

Types of Concrete Paving Slabs

Precast concrete paving slabs come in many sizes and shapes; the most popular include square and rectangular shapes. However, you can get interestingly shaped slabs, such as hexagons and octagons, though you’ll sometimes have to get these custom ordered, as they are rather unusual. Typical sizes of slabs range from one square foot (1′ x 1′) and up (such as 24 x 24 concrete pavers), but other sizes are possible. Very large sizes, up to a square meter, are also possible, but these require special installation by a professional due to their large size. As for color, slabs most often come in the standard color of concrete, grey-white, but you can get them artificially colored if you’d like to match them to your home’s style and theme. You can also get them with a variety of finishes and textures, so your design options are quite good, especially when compared to normal concrete slabs that are poured on site.

The type of slab you select will have a profound impact on the designs you can build for your project. Paving slabs can be cut, but it is more likely that they will be laid in a more rectangular and regular pattern – if you want curves for your project, you’re better off with smaller options like paving stones. You can also get paving slabs of varying thicknesses, and you will need thicker slabs if you want to drive on your new project, such as for a driveway.

Note that you can also get paving slabs made out of other materials, most commonly stone. These slabs look different than concrete, giving a natural look, but they are usually much more expensive than the concrete variety.

What Projects Can You Use This Material For?

Paving slabs are most commonly used for walkways and patios, though in some situations they may be used for driveways as well. They have also found a home in garden and landscape applications as well. Note, as stated above, that different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses of slabs will be needed for particular applications. Driveway slabs, for instance, need to be a bit more robust to handle the rigors of driving.

Be creative – you can uses the slabs for a variety of other options as well. Don’t ignore the possibilities of garden paving slabs and other uses. For instance, you can use them as a path through a flowerbed or through a garden. They can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, though note that their rigid and square construction will work better with certain decors than with others.

Laying Concrete Paving Slabs

Paving slabs are similar to concrete pavers in that they must be laid individually by hand. Luckily, their simple installation means that homeowners can do it themselves; they don’t necessarily need to hire contractors to get the job done. However, since wet applications, using mortar, are usually used to install these slabs, you should not attempt this type of installation unless you are skilled in working with this material.

Concrete Paving Slabs Prices

The cost of paving slabs is relatively low compared to other paver options, most notably because they are larger and thus are more economical to purchase and install, especially if you can find cheap concrete paving slabs to install in your home and garden. You will pay around $4 to $10 per square foot, or more, depending on the type of slab, color, texture, finish, and so on. It is also possible to find cheap paving slabs if you know where and when to look. For instance, you can usually find concrete paving slabs for sale on classified ad sites like Craigslist – local homeowners may simply want to get rid of old material, so all you’d have to do is show up and take it. You can often get decent quality material through this method.

Note as well that you can get very cheap slabs if you make them yourself. All you need to do is find concrete block molds or any other concrete molds for sale and pour the concrete – or, with the right materials, you can make your own molds and forms.

Brick pavers.

If you’ve decided to use clay brick pavers for your patio, walkway, driveway, pool deck, or other home installation, you’ve made a good choice. However, pricing and budget is probably a big deal for you, and brick pavers aren’t the cheapest option available. Thus, the more work you do to find a good deal on these pavers, the more you’ll save overall, so it should be worth your time to do a little research. To help you out, here is some information on brick pavers prices – what you’ll usually pay and ways to get a good deal or discount on your next paver project.

Note that none of the below takes into account installation costs – this is just a discussion of the cost of the material itself per brick or per square foot.

A General Brick Pavers Price Estimate

Brick pavers are usually bought in pallets, so the cost is usually described in units of per square foot. In general, you’ll pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot; this works out to $.50 to $3.00 per brick or more. Remember, this is just for the material – tack on another $5 – $10 per square foot for installation. In general, you’ll pay more for interlocking brick pavers than you will for concrete pavers, as the material and method to make the brick is a bit more expensive than for concrete.

In addition, this price will depend on the exact kind of brick you select. There are many brands, types, and colors out there, as well as different shapes and sizes that can be used to make certain brick paving patterns. The most common and popular option is the standard brick size that you’ll find with standard red brick in other applications, but other options are available if you’re willing to pay. The color and style of brick paver you select will depend on the designs you have in mind for your next brick paver project, but be open to changing your design if it can save you money in the end.

How to Save Money on Brick Pavers

If you really want to install a brick paving project but have a limited budget, there are ways for you to save money when you buy brick pavers. Most of the time, if you have a contractor come in and do the work for you, he will buy the material for you. However, you can skip this step and purchase the material yourself in order to lower overall costs. Here are some ideas:

(1) Price shop. Obviously, you’ll want to visit as many supply yards and home improvement stores as you can, or at least call, to get a quote on the price per square foot. You might even get lucky and happen upon wholesale brick, which can be significantly cheaper.

(2) Brick paver prices ultimately depend on the specifics of your job – what kind of project you’re building, the design, and so on. Thus, consider making the job simpler or smaller if it will lower your overall materials design.

(3) Don’t rule out going the ‘used brick paver’ route. You may be able to find brick pavers that other homeowners are trying to get rid of for bargain basement prices – or in some instances, even free. Check sites like Craigslist and freecycle for local leads. As always, make sure you personally inspect the material before paying for it – you want to make sure the color and strength of the brick is still good. Of course, you won’t be getting pristine materials, so be ready to compromise, but don’t compromise too far.

(4) Note as well that there are other materials you’ll have to pay for in addition to the brick. Of course, the brick will be the most expensive part, but mortar, sand, edging, and the material to form the aggregate base and foundation will all cost. Don’t skimp when it comes to a base or proper installation, but you may be able to find some cost cutting measures here to help defray the total cost of the project.

(5) Visit home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot and other mason supply yards to see if you can get bricks for sale. They may have salvage or left-over material that you can get for a steal. The more legwork you do, the more likely you’ll find inexpensive materials.

(6) Your last resort is the internet. Since you are pretty much limited by your geographical area, you should use the internet to do research on suppliers in your area that you can call or visit.

(7) When getting bricks from used sources, make sure they are the right kind of brick! Some bricks are not made to go into the ground, as they will not stand up well to water or to the abuse of vehicles, foot traffic, and weather. So make sure you’re getting proper ‘clay brick pavers’ rather than the pavers used to build walls, stoops, and homes.

The Verdict

To get a firm price for your project – which will depend on many factors such as availability, labor, and your area – you’ll need to get an estimate from paver contractors. There are cost calculators out there that can give you an estimate, but since the exact cost is so dependant on many factors, you’ll have to take the cost on a case-by-case basis. Follow the link for a discussion of more brick pavers cost information, particularly those costs associated with installation and labor.

If you want to get a new asphalt driveway installed in front of your home, you are probably going with this material due to its low cost. Let’s face it – blacktop isn’t the most unique material in the world, and it doesn’t look as great as other options like concrete pavers. It is strong and durable, however, and it is very cheap because it is so common.

General Asphalt Paving Pricing Estimation

So how much will you pay for your new driveway? The asphalt driveway cost will depend on a number of factors, many of which will be detailed and described below. Note, in general, that the main paving costs will derive from two main sources: the materials and equipment needed to lay the new driveway, and the contractors and laborers needed to actually do the work. It is these two main factors that will ultimately determine the asphalt driveway cost per square foot.

In general, the price for your new driveway will be between $1 to $5 per square foot. If you get any special type of asphalt, such as stamped or colored, expect to pay more. For isntance, the stamped asphalt driveway cost can be nearly double the unstamped variety. This may or may not include any excavation that needs to be done or any other special preparatory work that has to be done. Prices will be lower per square foot if you have a larger driveway – the more work done, the less you will pay per unit area, as it will be more efficient for the blacktop contractor to come in and do a larger project than a smaller one. (The fixed costs are much the same regardless of the size of the project, and these fixed costs will be diluted more if they are associated with a larger project.)

However, as stated above, these costs will depend on more specific factors. Let’s take a look at some of the important ones.

Factors that Will Affect Paving Costs

The main factors that will affect the blacktop driveway cost estimate include:

*Oil and other commodity costs. Blacktop is an oil product, so as oil prices increase, you’ll pay more for blacktop. That’s just the reality of the chemistry and economics and is largely unavoidable. And with the continually increasing cost of oil, don’t expect this to decrease any time soon!
*The thickness of the asphalt. Some climates may require thicker asphalt in order to protect against frost and other damage. Obviously, this would cost more money.
*The depth of the base. 4 inches of gravel is usually the standby, but more or less may be needed depending on the environment.
*Your location. If you live in a richer area, you’ll have to pay more for the work. But you probably already know that you’re paying more for products and services, so this is most likely expected.
*The contractor you hire. Expect to pay for quality, and be ready to suffer the consequences if you look for and receive a ridiculous bargain. Anyone doing work for bargain basement prices will give you a bargain basement driveway, so buyer beware. However, there is some leeway in the price here, especially if you can team up with your neighbors to get driveways done at the same time. You could get a nice discount this way.
*The square footage of your driveway. This is obvious, but remember that a large project may enjoy lower prices per square foot due to increased efficiency of laying the blacktop.
*The season. If you get your driveway done during the busy season (spring to early summer), expect to pay more due to increased demand.
*The specifics of your job. If you want curves, or if your driveway is sloped, or a myriad of other design features, you may have to pay more for the privilege.
*If any problems or issues pop up during the installation, expect to pay. For instance, if the contractor has to deal with utility lines at all and needs to hire a subcontractor, you’ll be footing that bill. A general rule: The smoother the job, the less you’ll have to pay, so try to be open about any potential issues before the work begins.
*If you want special kinds of asphalt, such as stamped or colored, you’ll pay more.
*If you combine asphalt with other driveway materials, you’ll obviously have to pay for the installation of those materials too. For instance, many people get concrete pavers or natural stone pavers (cobblestones) as an apron and border for an otherwise asphalt driveway. This will cost you more than a plain blacktop drive.

Getting an Estimate From a Contractor

Ultimately, it’s hard to give an exact price given that costs depend so much on local factors. For an exact measurement of your cost, you’ll need to get an estimate done by a local contractor. You can also use an asphalt driveway cost calculator to help give you a more focused estimate, though it won’t always be entirely accurate. Always get more than one bid or quote, as you’ll want to see what different contractors will offer you for the job. Don’t necessarily take the lowest price – balance out the quality of the work with the price you’re willing to pay. Substandard work will always come back to bite you.

Repair, Maintenance, and Other Costs

Note that your expenditure won’t end when the asphalt is newly installed in your front yard. You will also have to pay repair and maintenance costs down the line if you want your driveway to last long. Consider it part of the fixed cost of the driveway – the consequences of not maintaining your driveway could be getting a whole new one, a very expensive endeavor. Periodic sealing, sealcoating, and resurfacing will help keep your driveway looking great. Expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 20 cents per square foot for these services if you don’t do it yourself.

If you want to create a backyard patio, you don’t have to settle with the ‘slab’ options, like concrete, that must be poured into one large structure. Instead, you can go with concrete patio blocks as one option. These block are separate and are layed on an aggregate sub-base and either a sand bed or in mortar; this depends on the size of the material, the patio, and the traffic it expects.

Benefits of a Patio Made From Block – And Some Cons Too

The first major benefit is strength. These block will stand up to nasty weather, foot traffic, and other kinds of abuse. This is especially true if you use any of the interlocking varieties, as these pavers will form strong bonds with each other that will nonetheless remain flexible to resist cracking.

With all the types of block available, you’ll be sure to find a material that fits your needs, both in design and in value. For instance, you can find pavers, blocks, flags, and slabs in a large variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. This ensures that you’ll be able to create the patio from your dreams, as long as you put in the time and effort to create or imagine a good design.

Since you don’t have to deal with wet cement or concrete (unless you have to use mortar), these brick can often be installed by homeowners, as long as they have the experience and skills necessary to do the job right. As with any hardscape installation, the most important part of the project is the base – the most time and effort should be spent here to ensure that the project turns out solidly built.

Note, however, that these block can be expensive to install. The larger varieties may also be difficult to handle since they will be heavy and cumbersome. You can try to find more lightweight block, but by doing so you’ll sacrifice some strength and durability. In addition, if you want to know how to lay patio blocks, the procedure will depend on the type of block you’re using, the patio you’re building, and the features of your particular environment – there is no one size fits all formula here.

The Sizes and Types of Concrete Patio Block

Note that these block differ from cinder blocks and other materials used for walls in that they are not hollow. Cement blocks for patios are flatter than these kind of block which allows them to cover more square footage for a project. Hollow block should really only be used for vertical projects like walls and steps.

There are many different sizes of this material you can buy. Each will have its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the design ideas and possibilities that will come with using the material. On one end are the blocks that are much like concrete pavers – they come in 6×9″ and 6×6″ varieties. Others are larger, and are more like ‘flags’ or ‘slabs’ than pavers. These include the square shaped blocks – 12″ x 12″, 16″ x 16″, 18″ x 18″, and 24″ x 24″. Other rectangular shapes are also possible, such as 8″ x 16″. You may also be able to get ’round’ concrete block that are actually more like round stepping stones than anything else.

You can also get these blocks with different finishes, textures, and veneers. For instance, you can get smooth, textured (the aggregate shows through the surface), brickface, decorative, and others. For instance, you can get block that looks like another material – such as bricks, cobblestone, and even slate. The exact types will depend on what material is available in your local area, which can be found out by contacting your local mason supply yard.

Costs and Prices

Concrete block prices will depend on a lot of factors. One, of course, is the size of the block. Another factor is the texture – if you get plain concrete, you’ll pay less than if you get a fancy texture or decorative surface like brickface or cobblestone. Other factors that will affect the cost include your location, if you install them yourself, if you get any deals or blocks for sale, and the complexity of the job. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 a square foot or more, all depending on these various factors. Ask a contractor or mason for an estimate to be more precise.

Note, of course, that you could also try to make your own concrete patio blocks with molds you either buy or make yourself. You’ll have to pour your own concrete, and it may take awhile to create all those block, but it might be worth it in the end considering each block will be much cheaper than if you went out and bought them. However, note that your design options – color and texture – may be limited with this method.

If you want to use concrete pavers for your next outdoor applications, you are not limited to purchasing the materials directly from manufacturers, mason supply yards, or home improvement stores. In fact, if you want to save money, you can make concrete pavers from the comfort of your own home!

Note, as well, that you can make many other concrete materials with this method. If you want to learn how to make concrete stepping stones, bricks, blocks, statues, and other shapes, read on, as much of the information below will apply.

Warnings and Things to Know Before Making Concrete Pavers

The benefits of making your own paving stones are clear. You’ll save money per stone due to the low costs of concrete. (See below, however, on this point, as you may not save as much money as you think.) In addition, you’ll be able to make the brick to your liking, and you won’t have to get involved with dealing with manufacturers, supply yards, and delivery of the material to your home.

There are a few caveats to keep in mind before you make your own concrete pavers. First, realize that you shouldn’t do this unless you have the experience and skills required to work with concrete. If you’ve never poured concrete before and shaped it in molds, you may not be able to create “reproducible” bricks. In other words, each paver needs to be near identical in order for the project to work. (This is true, to an extent, even with an irregular pattern filled with different sized paving stones.) Thus, if you don’t have the abilities required, you’re probably better off buying them pre-made.

Second, if you have a large installation coming up that will require a lot of brick, this may not be the best method for you. Think about it – if you can only produce 10 pavers at a time, and you need 1000, how long is it going to take you to get the supply you’ll need to finish the project? If the project is small, such as a mini-patio, it may be more doable. You could increase the size of the pavers, making the more slabs or flags, to lower the numbers of total stones you’ll need to make. Of course, if you only need a few of the materials, such as for stepping stones, then you won’t have this problem.

In fact, making tons of pavers may not even be cost effective if you take your own time and effort into account. If it takes you twenty hours to make all the brick you need, how much are you really ‘spending’ through the value of your time? This is true even if the concrete itself is dirt cheap.

One final reason not to make your own materials is that you’ll be limited in your design options. Making concrete pavers is difficult enough without worrying about color, size, shape, and so on. With manufactured pavers, you’ll be able to select from a wide variety of style, color blends, and shapes that you can then use to complement your already existing home design. The most basic do-it-yourself pavers will be an ugly, flat grey – usually not that appealing, especially if aesthetics matter for that particular project.

If none of these warnings apply to you, read on!

How to Make Concrete Pavers

First, you’ll have to obtain molds for your pavers. There are two ways of doing this. First, you can buy molds pre-made. Doing this will allow you to pick the size and shape of concrete paving stone that you want to make.

The second option is to make your own paver molds – click here if you want to learn how.

Once you have your molds, it’s time to make your ‘paver factory.’ Set aside a part of your yard that will stay dry if it rains. Put some ‘mold release agent’ inside the mold to prevent the paver from sticking to the mold when it dries.

Mix the concrete as directed, and pour it into your molds. Spread it to make sure it is level and covers all the corners. Bounce the concrete and mold to get rid of any air bubbles. Let them solidify over the next 24-48 hours. Remove the bricks or the molds when they are done, and prepare the next set.

Note: if you want to add color or texture to your brick, do it during the pouring phase, as it will need to be mixed in with the wet concrete ahead of time. Consider experimenting, as well, with the shapes, sizes, and textures on the paver right after it has been poured in the mold.

Once you’ve created all the pavers, stepping stones, or blocks you need, lay them as needed according to your design. Good luck!

This post is meant as a way to clear up some confusion about the term “stamped concrete pavers.” In fact, this is actually the combination of two different things: stamped concrete and concrete pavers. The confusion lies in the fact that stamped concrete can be made to look like concrete pavers. Let’s explore the differences.

Stamped Concrete vs. Real Pavers

First, stamped concrete. Let’s say you are building a patio, though this may also apply to walkways, driveways, and other projects. After pouring your concrete slab, you then use tools to “stamp” patterns and textures into the surface of the wet concrete. If you want to make the concrete look like pavers, then, you simply ‘stamp’ the wet pour with a pattern that makes it look like you’ve got pavers. You can also get particular textures to replicate the look and feel of other types of materials, such as cobblestones, wood, seashells, and more. Stamped concrete pavers, then, is just stamped concrete that has been imprinted in a way to look like concrete pavers.

Concrete pavers are separate pieces of concrete that have been formed into separate brick. These paving stones are laid by hand on an aggregate base and sand bed. They are then filled in with more sand and compacted to make a whole structure. They are thus made from the same material as stamped concrete but put together in a different way.

Thus, stamped concrete pavers don’t really exist – instead, you can either get stamped concrete that looks like paving stones, or you can by concrete pavers themselves. But what’s the difference? Why does this matter anyway?

Let’s look at stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is really just one huge slab of concrete like any other installation. The only difference is that the surface has been modified. Thus, it enjoys the same benefits and drawbacks as any concrete. It is cheap and relatively easy to lay; it is durable and strong; and it can be incorporated into many different designs and themes. On the other hand, these slabs can crack, especially due to the activity of freeze/thaw cycles. This may be exacerbated by the fact that it’s supposed to “look” like something else, so when it does crack, the illusion is revealed and the overall look is worse than usual for concrete.

Pavers, as opposed to stamped concrete, are more expensive than poured concrete, as they must be purchased and laid individually. This increases the materials and labor costs. However, they are as strong as concrete, and perhaps more beautiful. They are certainly more durable as well, as they will resist the cracking that plagues concrete due to the joint system that holds the project together.

There are many different uses for concrete blocks. Some use them to build retaining walls. Others use them to build curbs or foundations for steps. Others use them for concrete walls for foundations and for footers. These block are very versatile and, fortunately, quite cheap. They can be even more inexpensive, however, if you make them on your own. To do this, you will need concrete block molds of the appropriate size. There are two major ways to get these molds: by them or make them. Here is what you need to know:

Buying Concrete Block Molds

There are many places to buy these molds if you have a specific shape in mind. Since these block can be used for many projects, there are accordingly many block molds availabe. Check your local home improvement store, mason supply yard, or other concrete supplier for the cement block molds available.

The general block size is 8″ x 8″ x 16″, though the actual block is smaller to allow you to apply mortar to it without affecting the final dimensions. In addition, you can by either two-core or three-core blocks – this refers to the number of ‘holes’ that are in the block when looked at from the side.

There are also different types of block depending where they are in the structure and what kind of project is being built. The block used for foundation walls are not necessarily the same as those used for retaining walls, Standard blocks slightly extend past the corners, while corner and end blocks do not in order to provide smooth corners and edges. Other types of blocks are sash block for windows and jamb blocks for doors. There are also ‘capping blocks’ which are used to seal the top of the structure. Thus, the type of block you need depend on the project – the more complex, the more of these types you’ll have to obtain. If you are hiring a contractor, he or she will obtain the materials for you, so don’t worry if you are not doing it alone.

There are also different colors and textures you can get depending on how you want the structure to look and feel.

Making Concrete Block Molds

Some of these molds are easy enough to make on your own. If you need blocks of a peculiar shape, it will probably not be possible to make them without specialized materials and tools. However, a simple block can be easily made as long as you know how to make concrete block molds. Here are the basic methods:

-1- First, get wood of the appropriate width to make your blocks. You will need to determine the size of the block you want first before buying the wood.

-2- Next, cut the wood into the lengths and widths you need to make the block. So, if you want to make a block that is 6x9x9, cut 6 inch width wood into 9 to 10 inch slabs.

-3- Connect these planks of wood with double headed nails so that the internal dimensions of the wood are a little larger than 6x9x9″.

-4- Put down plastic or some other material to make sure the concrete doesn’t stick. This is why you need to leave a little breathing room in the dimensions of the mold.

-5- Pour your concrete, let it set for 24-48 hours and your brick are ready to go.

-6- You may not be able to reuse the wood, but make every effort to recover the wood so that you don’t have to go through many raw materials. The more you can mass produce this process, the better.

-7- Note that this process creates molds that will produce solid concrete block. If you want hollow concrete block, you are better off going with two other options: buying the concrete block itself from a supplier, or buying molds that are premade to make these block.

Finally, don’t make your own block if the structure needs to be robust, such as if it is for a foundation or for a retaining wall. You want to make sure that the project will hold together, and you may have problems if the block are made by hand and are thus not consistent in their craftsmanship, despite your best efforts of course.