Concrete Pavers Guide

Using paving blocks in your home or business is a great way to increase the beauty and value of your property. Block paving, done with concrete pavers, paving stones, brick pavers, clay pavers, or any other type of brick material, may incur an initial high cost, but the overall value will far outpace this investment. This article will give you a brief introduction on the many aspects of paving block that you should be aware of – much more information on these and other related topics can be found on this site, so I’ve linked you to the relevant articles in this text.

Project Types and Design

The possibilities for using paving block are nearly endless. From block paving driveways, to walkways, to pool decks, to garden projects, to other outdoor projects, the size, shapes, and colors of pavers available allow for the full creativity or individuality of the homeowner or designer to be expressed. When designing a project, homeowners, business owners, contractors, and designers should keep in mind the general design theme of the area. If multiple projects will be completed at once, they should be coordinated so as to reduce costs and maintain a common theme.

Block paving bricks may be made from an assortment of materials, including clay, stone, concrete, and brick. This article will focus on one of the more popular options – concrete paving stones. With all the options however, you will find a strong, durable paver that will stand the test of time, weather, and traffic. One of the great advantages of paving stone projects is that they do not crack like asphalt and concrete. These materials usually form one huge slab, which cannot bend if the ground or base below freezes. Instead, over time small cracks form, and these cracks then enlarge as time goes on, leading to unsightly and unsafe fissures in the installation. Pavers, because they are connected with many flexible joints, will be able to absorb this expansion/contraction due to freeze/thaw cycles.

Paving Block Should Be Properly Installed

To ensure stability, paving blocks must be laid on an aggregate base, about 6-12 inches thick depending on the traffic type and frequency. They are then laid directly on top of a level, 1 inch layer of fine (concrete) sand. The paving block are then laid in the selected pattern, which will depend on the size and shape of the block purchased, the general design theme of the installation, and the size of the project (along with personal preferences). To finish, sand or some other joint material is swept between the joints. It is this friction between the joints that gives the pavers their strength. The whole is then edged and compacted. Depending on the size of the installation, the whole process could take anywhere from one day to a week or more. More information on installing pavers can be found here.

Block Paving Costs

Block paving prices will vary on a number of factors. How big is the intended installation? How much excavation needs to be completed? What brand of paver will you use? Are you completing the project yourself, or hiring a contractor? These and many other aspects of the project will heavily influence the overall cost. I go over a discussion of various costs for materials on this site under the Costs and Saving Money section, but I’ll also direct you to the article on pavers cost for a good background on some of the factors that will affect the overall price of your project.

Maintaining Your Block Paving Project

Maintenance time is quite low in comparison to some other materials – this is one of the major advantages of the material. Periodic sweeping and cleaning (such as with a power washer) of your paving bricks will keep the area looking new. Stains can also be relatively easily removed, depending on the stain and the time it’s been allowed to set – more information on cleaning pavers and removing stains can be found in this article. Sometimes, weeds or anthills will form in the sand in between the joints; weedkiller or insecticide can be used to fix this problem. A great way to prevent staining, dirt accumulation, fading, and weeds is to seal the paving blocks with a paver sealer. This only needs to be done once every two years, and greatly extends the life and beauty of the paving installation. If you would like more information on sealing pavers, check out the article.