Concrete Pavers Guide

If you have an area that requires detailed water management and drainage, needs to withstand heavy traffic and abuse, and doesn’t need to be aesthetically exquisite, grass pavers (also known as turf pavers, pervious pavers, and porous pavers) may be the best choice for you. The grass paver  differs from concrete pavers in that they are hollow and “grid-like,” as you can see in the picture to the right.

There are many different uses, both residential and commercial, for turf paving stones. They have been most commonly used in commercial applications, particularly in places where lots of driving and parking occurs. However, they have also recently gained in popularity for uses in the home. At home, these pavers can be used for driveways, walkways, garden applications, landscaping projects, patios, and many other ideas. Commercially, grass pavers can be used anywhere high vehicular traffic can be expected, such as parking lots or construction sites, or anywhere soil or grass erosion can occur. Other common uses include:

• trails
• emergency access paths
• golf cart paths
• sewer access roads
• barn flooring
• drainage channels
• parking lots
• and more.

For those with environmental concerns, grass pavers are one of the best ‘green’ options out there.

The Benefits of Grass Pavers

Grass pavers are primarily used in areas where soil erosion or water drainage is of paramount concern. For example, grass driveway pavers help stabilize the soil in an area where lots of vehicular traffic may unsettle and damage it. Water can also drain easily in between these paving stones, putting less pressure on water draining systems that would otherwise have to accept all of this rainwater running down grade. This can help with containing and controlling water pollution, as runoff from asphalt driveways can be very polluting due to all the chemical it carries. Grass pavers, however, allow water to drain free and clear, and thus represent an environmentally friendly driveway and paving solution.

Another example of where this material may be used is where there is a hill, slope, or other slight grade that might run off or erode due to wind, rain, or other inclement weather or abusive forces. Grass pavers keep the area secure and stable while also providing a sleek look.

A final example is any area that is flooded often. Normal paving options – concrete, asphalt, or even concrete pavers – do not drain water as well as regular ground, as the water will often slide down the grade. However, turf pavers provide both the strength and durability of concrete pavers with the drainage capability of grass or soil – a useful combination for some applications.

Another benefit of these permeable pavers is how they support and protect the grass roots system. Constant driving and parking on the grass can easily tear it apart and damage it beyond repair. This can look ugly and require work to replace if you ever want to have grass in the area again. Well-installed grass pavers will help protect this grass and prevent major damage due to ruts and tears caused by moving wheels.

Different Kinds of Grass Pavers

Grass pavers are made out of many materials depending on the needs of the project. One common option is concrete, much like standard paving stones. Another choice is plastic; this is often used for applications that don’t need as much strength and need more subtlety instead (i.e. so they can’t be seen as easily by the naked eye). Plastic grass pavers are often used for areas like backyards that need the soil protection and water management but not the strength intended for vehicular applications. These “lawn pavers” actually leave more space for the grass in between the plastic, letting you get the benefits of the permeable paving system without the robust quality of the concrete variety.

Grass Turf Pavers and Design

Grass pavers, because they are functional, do not focus much on looks, so you won’t find much variety in color, shapes, or sizes as you will with other concrete paving stones. If looks are a concern to you, you may want to look elsewhere, though there is certainly something to be said for the simplicity and utility of these grass paving stones. However, some people do enjoy the natural ‘grassy’ look of these pavers, especially as the grass grows over time. It can also help you blend in different areas of your yard regardless of whether or not you park on those areas – instead of installing a concrete or stone driveway to accommodate extra parking, for example, install grass pavers and you won’t have to have a jarring concrete blob on your property.

Installation of Grass Pavers

Luckily, installing grassy pavers is quite easy compared to other options, and can often be completed by the homeowner. You should still consult your local contractor or paver manufacturer for assistance with your particular project. Maintenance is also easy, and you can often still mow the areas where these pavers are installed to keep the grass in check. Overall, grass pavers are often the most environmentally conscious and functionally effective paving material you can purchase.

The concrete grass pavers ‘honeycomb’ is laid first on a graded, properly excavated area. Even though it drains well, it should still have a slight grade away from the home to ensure that the water doesn’t pool or flood. Depending on the volume of water you expect, you may have to install a drainage system and catch basin to help channel the water to where you want it to go. The base will want to be made up of 3/4 to 1″ of gravel or crushed aggregate. You’ll want to compact this surface.

If the grass pavers are the concrete variety, they are laid much like concrete pavers are – by hand, one by one, in the pattern and shape as needed. Plastic grass pavers may be laid in the same fashion, or they may come in a roll (such as EZ Roll), in which case they are ‘unrolled’ around the area as necessary.

Next, sand or aggregate is spread over the system. This material helps keep the grass pavers in place and keeps them strong while also allowing for proper drainage of water. Next, the grass paver blocks are then filled with a top layer of topsoil to allow for grass to grow; however, more aggregate or stones can be used instead of grass isn’t desired given the desired look of the installation. Then, grass may be planted in the area, if desired. You can also roll sod over the top of the pavers as well. Eventually, the grass will grow between the pavers, creating a mixed grass/concrete look that is also quite permeable and durable. (Or, simple stone or sand will fill in the hollow grass pavers network.)

After the paving system is installed, homeowners should check on it over the next few months to make sure water is draining properly and that there are no problems with the installation. After everything checks out, normal lawn and grass maintenance may go on as if the paving system weren’t in place.

Grass Pavers Cost

Best of all, the grass pavers cost is quite low compared to other paving options, and will depend on the usual factors (location, size, complexity, etc.). You can expect to pay somewhere around $2.00 a square foot. For plastic rolls, you can pay anywhere around $250-$300 per 4′ x 24′ roll – this translates into about $2.50 to $3.00 per foot. Installation may be extra for both of these depending on the project. All in all, you’ll probably pay more for grass pavers installation than for other materials options like concrete, asphalt, and the like. Note that you can save money on these projects by finding the material for sale or by laying it yourself – it is definitely a possible DIY project, within the skill of many homeowners.

Tags: basics, concrete grass pavers, driveways, grass driveway pavers, grass paver, grass pavers, grass pavers cost, other materials, projects

Outdoor pavers can add beauty and functionality to any home or business. Also called concrete pavers, paving stones, or pavers, they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes that complement any landscape or hardscape theme or design. This article will describe some of the fundamentals of the outdoor paver, including information on varieties of paving stones, hardscape design, and installation and maintenance tips. (Note: Other pavers, including brick pavers, flagstone pavers, and other natural stone pavers will not be discussed here.)

While this is a solid introduction to the topic, I’d also suggest that you search around this site for more specific information on many of these topics, not only for concrete pavers but also materials as diverse as bluestone pavers to paving flags and everything in between. This will ensure you that you are making the right decision on the material to use when it comes time to install your next driveway, walkway, patio, pool deck, or other project.

The Strengths of Outdoor Pavers

First, outdoor pavers are very strong and durable. You won’t have to worry about installing a new application for many decades, if at all – as long as they are installed correctly, of course. Second, these stones are very beautiful and unique – they will add more elegance to your home than other, more typical hardscaping materials (such as poured concrete and asphalt).

Another of the strengths of outdoor concrete pavers is that they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. The shapes and sizes you select will depend on the particular installation you are pursuing. For instance, outdoor patio pavers will require certain properties that may or may not differ from driveway or walkway pavers. Depending on the size and shapes of the brick selected, many different patterns and layouts are possible. The color of the outdoor pavers – either single, double, or triple blends – will depend on any other projects installed in the area and on the general theme, style, and design of the home or business itself. We go over a discussion of paver patterns, paver colors, and more on these pages on this site.

One of the best aspects of outdoor paver installations is that they are nearly maintenance free. Their flexibility and strength resists the rigors of freezing and thawing cycles. They will thus rarely crack (though they may settle). If any pavers do crack or chip or fade over time, they can be easily replaced: simply remove the damaged paver from the area, fix the base, reinsert a new paver, and fill in the joints with sand. It’s that easy!

Outdoor Paver and Hardscape Design

Many different interesting designs can be incorporated into an outdoor paving stone application. For instance, curves or circles can be added to give the project a more luxurious look and feel. Borders (called ‘soldier courses’) can be added to highlight particular aspects of the area. Fancy patterns and layouts can be used to draw attention to a walkway or patio, or a simpler design can be used to make the project blend in more with its environment. Whatever your intention, you can be sure that these pavers will meet your needs.

There’s not enough room in this article to describe all the various kinds of designs that you can build. For more specific information, such as patio ideas, front yard walkway ideas, and others, check out the articles by following the links provided.

Installation Procedures of Outdoor Paving Stones

Installation of outdoor pavers can be rather challenging, however. In most cases, it is probably best to hire a contractor with experience in this field. For the adventurous do it yourselfer, paving stones can be installed with the proper effort and preparation. The most important part of the installation is preparing the proper aggregate base (6″ or more, depending on the project) on which the patio, walkway, driveway, etc. will sit. This includes as well around one inch of fine sand that will act as the main bed for the stones. The area should be correctly graded (sloped) to ensure that water drains away from the home or business and to prevent flooding. Homeowners should also be mindful to obtain the proper equipment, such as plate compactors, necessary to complete the job right. These compactors can be rented for the day. For more installation information, always contact your local contractor or paver manufacturer. You can also check out our pavers installation guide here on this site. Note, however, that the particularities of your project may significantly alter the proper installation discussions – this is why you either need to have the experience to tell what is different or the guidance from a professional.

As for other installation/DIY projects, sealing pavers is something that you can do to increase the beauty and lifespan of your pavers, though it is certainly not required. In general, outdoor pavers do best when sealed once every one or two years. More information on sealing pavers can be found by following the link. They can be easily cleaned with pressure washers or other cleaners, especially if any stains appear. They are also easy to remove snow and ice from, either with plows, shovels, or de-icing salts. More information on cleaning pavers and removing stains can be found by following the link.

Costs of This Material

Though outdoor pavers are more expensive than other options, they more than pay off the investment over time. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot for your next project. The exact cost you’ll pay depends on so many factors that it’s impossible to list them all here – instead, check out this discussion of pavers cost for more guidance. In the end, though, nothing will replace an individual inspection by a local contractor.

The range quoted above may seem kind of expensive to you, though. However, the important thing to remember here is that an outdoor paver project should be seen in part as a financial investment as well as simple consumption. These brick projects last longer than other materials (like concrete and asphalt) and they add more to the beauty and value of a home. Thus, if a house with paving stones is sold, the selling price will be higher if it has an outdoor paver patio, driveway, or walkway than if it doesn’t.

Tags: basics, outdoor pavers

Of the many possible applications for paving stones, garden pavers are among the most interesting, due to the potential stylistic and thematic connections between the many paver sizes, shapes, colors, and designs of paving stones and the garden’s inhabitants and style that you’ve already set up. Garden paving stones can complement many gardens in aesthetic design while also increasing the functionality of the garden, either by providing walking spaces or by protecting the valuable plants inside it.

Garden paving slabs and stone are essentially equivalent to that used for other projects – driveways, walkways, pool decks, and the like. The only difference is in its functionality in the garden itself. The walkway, patio, or garden edging pavers both contribute to and are affected by the design of the garden. Using outdoor pavers not only can protect and beautify the fruits of your hobby, but they can also increase your enjoyment of the home itself, as well as represent a financial investment since the brick, if installed correctly, can increase the property value of your home.

Reasons to Use Garden Paving Stones

Note that there are many kinds of garden paving stones available; each has its own pros and cons. The three main categories of pavers include brick, concrete, and natural stone; a comparison of these materials has been made elsewhere on this site, in particular in the comparison of stamped concrete vs pavers and other paving materials. The major difference you’ll see, aside from looks, is price – landscaping with stone, like cobblestone for instance, will be much more expensive than using manufactured options like concrete.

Pavers, as discussed elsewhere, are strong and durable. You won’t have to reinstall them for many decades as long as they are properly installed. They will stand up to the rigors of their environment, especially if this includes close contact to soil and gardening chemicals.

One advantage of pavers that is important for garden applications  is the balance they strike between smoothness and roughness. They are not too rough as to be uncomfortable if one walks on them with bare feet but they are also not too rough as to be worn down by the elements. Their roughness also makes them less slippery when wet – an important feature if they are installed around pools or gardens. On the other hand, many concrete paver brands retain their smooth finish over time, keeping them beautiful and new looking for many years.

Another good reason to install these pavers is if you park your car, machine, or other equipment in the garden area. Driving and parking over grass and dirt will eventually create a messy area, one that could clash with the beauty of your garden. There are many dedicated grass pavers that are subtle, environmentally friendly, permeable to water, and durable to stand up against any kind of traffic. If you have a high traffic garden (in terms of feet or wheels) you may benefit from installing these kinds of pavers in addition to the typical walkways, borders, and the like.

Garden Design Ideas with Paving Stones

As stated above, garden pavers can be used for many applications in your hardscape and landscape. One potential application for these pavers, and perhaps the simplest, is their use as garden edging. These borders made from landscape pavers can  delineate and protect the boundaries of your garden. This will prevent people (or animals) from walking through fresh planted gardens. In addition, the pavers can be used to mark off particular sections of the garden – and the color and style you choose for each section can nicely complement each section as you see fit. Functionally, the garden edging  can prevent dirt and mud from escaping from the flower bed and mucking up your patio or walkway (or your yard or garden itself).

Aside from simple edging, you can mark off the boundaries of your garden by installing  walkways to mark off the garden and provide a place for visitors to walk; another strategy is to install walls or retaining walls if a more heavy duty solution is needed, or if a wall would fit better with the theme you are trying to create in your yard. You can thus use these walls as part of your garden fencing ideas – if you need to keep people or critters out of your garden, you can use beautiful and regal walls instead of or in addition to the normal fences you might use. You can use the same garden brick for flat projects (walkways and patios) as you can for walls, so you won’t have to worry about mixing and matching brands.

Of course, your garden edging ideas don’t simply have to be purely functional – don’t forget about the aesthetics of your garden as well as the experiences it can provide to you and your guests. If you have a large garden, installing a walkway or patio can help you create a special garden space, through which you, your friends, and family can travel or simply relax. Your garden can thus be more than functional, but also aesthetic – you can create a space for contemplation, relaxation, or conversation with the judicious use of a garden pavers walkway or patio. You could also create a central space in your garden to hold parties or bar-b-ques. The only limit is your imagination.

Don’t forget that there are other paving options at your disposal besides pavers. You can also use stepping stones to fulfill many of these functions; garden stones are cheap and easy to install, so they make a great DIY project if you want to lay down a hardscape quickly. You may also find rubber pavers that may be of benefit to certain garden applications.

Note that all decisions should be made in concert with professional landscapers and gardeners who may be able to give you additional backyard landscaping ideas in addition to those you’ve read here or thought of yourself. The more eyes and ideas that come into a project, the better the project will turn out – as long as you have the funds to pay for these services, of course.

Laying Garden Pavers  - DIY or Contractors

Overall, installing pavers, either in a small or large project, may be a great addition to your home and garden. If you are installing the concrete pavers yourself, make sure you follow the directions, and pay special attention to the problems of grading, as you want to make sure water leaves the garden area in the right ways – you don’t want any flooding to wash away all your hard work. If you’re having a contractor install them, make sure he or she knows the specific needs for garden pavers installation, and that they have experience in that particular application. Note that the cost for installing these paving stones will be similar to what you’d pay for any hardscape project, like walkways, driveways, and the like, though you may have to pay more if you need to protect your delicate creations during the process, as this will require more effort and time. You can also lower the overall price you’ll pay for the installation if you lay the material yourself; you can also save money if you find cheap pavers for sale, a subject that is discussed in that link.

Tags: des, design, garden edging pavers, garden pavers, garden paving, garden paving stone, garden paving stones, landscape pavers, projects

When we think about improving our landscape, we rarely think about how improving our hardscape could improve the landscape as well. This means installing new walkways, driveways, patios, and other projects around the landscape to heighten, protect, and beautify your landscape and your yard. This article will give you the basics of paver landscaping to help you design and construct your next project – or at least give you the information you need to feel comfortable dealing with a paver contractor or designer.

Benefits of Landscape Pavers

As described elsewhere on this site, concrete pavers offer the homeowner many benefits that make up for its relatively high price of installation. Note that much of this also applies to pavers made from other materials, such as brick pavers and natural stone pavers (like flagstone pavers, bluestone pavers, sandstone pavers, etc.).

One of the benefits of landscaping with pavers is that your installations will hold up over time, regardless of any weather or other stressors. The flexible aggregate base underneath will buckle and bend with freezing and thawing of water, as will the landscape paver installation itself (due to the joints between paving stones). The patio, walkway, etc. will thus not crack as would concrete or asphalt. This is especially useful when your pavers have an aesthetic quality to them – i.e. they are there primarily to look nice. Having them crack and fall apart would mar your otherwise beautiful project.

In addition, building walkways and patios and borders around and in your landscaping can help protect your meticulously created landscape. Landscaping edging pavers are a great way to both separate different sections of your yard while also protecting that which must not be stepped on or disturbed.

These landscape pavers, regardless of how you use them, will not clash or not fit together – they are no different than any other concrete paver used for driveways, patios, or walkways. Thus, you can use the same materials throughout your yard, ensuring continuity and integration of your design. What is especailly useful about using landscaping pavers versus other options like concrete to decorate and separate other landscaping features is the design options possible. Paving stones come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, offering many options for the homeowner or contractor to complement other features of the landscape or home. The different blends of colors available can bring match or complement any color palette. In the next section, we will discuss the various design options at your disposal, as well as some of the more interesting projects that you can add to your yard to enhance your landscaping.

Designing Landscaping With Pavers

Should you create your landscape or your hardscape first? In a perfect world, the answer is ‘both.’ What you do with your hardscape should affect your landscape design and vice versa.

When designing your pavers landscaping project, try to plan other paver installations at the same time. Not only is this more cost efficient than doing single projects, but you can also streamline designs across different projects. Your options to highlight and frame your landscaping are many; they include walkways, garden pavers, patios, pool decks, and retaining walls, among others.

Note when designing your projects that you can use straight and curved lines throughout your design. Straight lines are more ‘formal’ and rigid, but are much easier to install. Curving lines are more informal and perhaps more interesting, but overall cost more money. Balancing out cost and features, depending on your budget, is a priority before you begin any project or contact a contractor.

Here are some of the best landscaping paver ideas that you can implement in your yard today. Building a walkway or patio in your yard is a nice way for you to complement your landscaping while also creating a space for you and your family and friends to relax and enjoy each others’ company. Patio pavers are especially nice, especially when they are framed by fresh flowerbeds or other landscaping installations.

One great way to highlight (literally!) your landscaping pavers is to install paver lights around your walkway or patio. These can increase night time safety while also boosting the beauty of your home at night.

Another way to highlight your landscaping is to put them at varying heights, not merely at ground level. This will often require you to build a retaining wall…which you can do with retaining wall pavers! You can thus use the same material – style, color, design – for your walls as you do for your flatwork. Building a paver retaining wall can serve a dual function – first, it can certainly raise the beauty and style of your entire landscape. But perhaps more importantly, it can protect your hard work from water and mud damage, especially if there are any steep slopes near your home. Retaining walls can keep back mud or dirt from sliding down a hill onto you beautiful lawn, patio, or other project. In addition, they can help properly drain water to avoid flooding – an important aspect of keeping your landscaping fresh and new.

Note as well the benefits of installing pool pavers. The combination of your landscaping, paving stones, and the bright blue of the pool can make for a stunning look for any home and yard.

If you need something more functional, consider adding grass pavers to your yard. This is a great way to keep your grass/lawn intact while making sure it is protected from the elements and vehicular traffic.

Once you decide the basic elements of your landscaping paver project, sketch out a design and the dimensions of the parts. You will need this information to tell the contractor or, if you are doing the installation yourself, when ordering materials.

How to Install Landscape Pavers

Installing landscape pavers are in principle no different than installing concrete pavers in other contexts – it is merely the design and use of the pavers that may differ a bit. Thus, those interested in knowing how to do this should check out this page on how to lay pavers.

Tags: design, ideas, landscape pavers, landscaping, landscaping paver, landscaping pavers, landscaping with pavers, pavers landscaping

One great use for paving stones is to build a paver retaining wall. They are used primarily for landscaping in both residential and commercial applications. They have two primary functions. First, they serve an aesthetic end for home gardens and other landscaping and hardscaping projects. A paver patio retaining wall combined with a patio is a great way to mark off an area for friends and family to relax and enjoy. The second use is entirely functional and perhaps the most important reason: it protects dirt or fill from falling down slopes, especially during rain, and generally handles water drainage down slopes. Well-placed paver retaining walls can protect a patio, garden, or other installation from a dirty mudslide. Like all paving stone installations, walls last for many decades – even up to 100 years – though this depends on local conditions.

Walls can be very tricky to install. While we give you some basic ideas below on how to install retaining wall systems, in general it’s best to leave this work to a competent professional, especially for high walls or for walls near sensitive areas.

Retaining Wall Options and Paver Designs

While there are many different materials that can be used for retaining walls, pavers retaining walls are becoming a popular option due to the variety of designs options and general ease of installation. Retaining wall pavers are available in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. You can use the same concrete pavers and paver colors for different projects around your yard, ensuring that there will be harmony and order around your yard.

If you purchase the retaining wall systems, they are also quite easy to install, as they are often just paving blocks that need to be stacked together. Each brick in the set will have a specific purpose and can be installed more easily than having to use mortar to hold everything together. They are ‘interlocking’ just as interlocking pavers are in flatwork.

When planning your paver retaining wall, determine its height first, as the height of the wall will have implications for the design and materials required. You may have to use fabric to manage water flows and other details of the installation, such as the stability of the soil. If you want to build a very tall retaining wall, a number of factors come into play, such as the stability of the soil, the slope, water content, etc. As with all projects, consulting with a contractor or paver manufacturer may be a good bet. This is especially true with retaining walls – these structures can be finicky, so you want to make sure to get it right. In addition, walls are often subject to particular rules and regulations of your local area. For instance, walls of certain heights must be designed and approved by an engineer before they are installed. Make sure to check with all the regulations of your local area before you proceed – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Like with other paving stone applications, retaining wall pavers can be laid in many different layouts and patterns. The pattern you select will depend on your tastes, your home’s theme, and any other paver installations nearby. One type of pattern is the “random” or “mosaic” layout. This layout features paving stones of different sizes, creating a natural, handcrafted look. Another pattern is the running bond pattern. In this patter, half of each retaining wall paver covers half of the one before it. One other pattern is the coursed pattern. In this layout, the brick are just laid out in simple rows.

Installing Paver Retaining Walls

Installing a paver retaining wall will be easier if you use segmented brick. These brick fit together easily and stay together. When designing your wall, you may be able to add in curves depending on the particular layout and design of your setup. Before you install the brick, you need to dig a trench to the appropriate depth and width. The general rule is that the trench should be one inch deep for every eight inches of total height of the structure. You will need to add 5-7 inches to this depth for the aggregate base and sand. After digging the trench, make sure to compact the soil. Then add 4-6 inches of aggregate base and compact. Finally, pour a 1 inch bed of coarse sand. You will then need to compact one final time. Make sure the base is secure.

Next lay the first course of brick, making sure to keep them straight. Backfill before moving on to the next course, and backfill more after each row is completed. Finally, put caps on the wall to put the final aesthetic and functional touch to your new retaining wall.

All retaining walls should be filled in with backfill. About one foot of the backfill should be course stone; the rest can be fill. In addition, the wall should be slightly sloped into the backfill. This will increase the stability of the unit. Geogrid or other fabric may be needed for certain installations. You may also need to install drainage behind the wall to prevent any disasters. Consult with a professional if you have no experience in this area.

Though this is some basic advice, you can still use it to install a wall if you are comfortable and familiar with the work. In general, though, stick with a licensed and insured contractor to make sure the job is done right the first time.

Retaining Wall Pavers Cost

The price you will have to pay for your retaining wall will vary due to a large number of factors, many of which are discussed here in this article about pavers cost. Obviously, the price you’ll pay will depend on the dimensions of the wall, but expect to pay in the low to mid 4-figures for the most standard and typical walls. (This is for labor and materials.)

Pairing Walls With Other Structures

One of the best things to do for your new outdoor project is to pair your retaining wall with other flat hardscape structures. For instance, a new patio with new walls is a great addition to any backyard. Installing walls around a pool deck is also a great idea. Most of the time, retaining walls will be installed for structural reasons. This can happen especially when you install a new hardscape or landscape project in your yard – the new structure may necessitate your installation of a new wall. Landscape pavers or garden pavers also benefit from the addition of a wall made from the same pavers. A good contractor will let you know when you will have to install a new retaining wall – some will avoid giving you this ‘bad news’ because they don’t want to scare you away from their bid. However, you may ‘pay’ for this down the line when there is a massive and messy failure in your yard. Thus, it pays to pay up front to help avoid disaster.

Tags: paver patio retaining wall, paver retaining wall, paver retaining walls, projects, retaining walls

One great addition to any front or backyard paver installation is paver steps. Many people have a stoop made out of poured concrete, brick pavers, or other materials, and may want something different. This is particularly the case if the existing installation is in poor condition, or if they are replacing a walkway or patio with concrete pavers. The same concrete pavers, with the addition of coping, can be used on walkways, driveways, and patios as on the steps. This affords the homeowner many opportunities for design given the wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of paving stones available. In addition, there are many places besides the entrance to a home that steps can be used. Other applications include entryways for gardens, courtyards, patios, and pool decks.

Concrete, brick, and natural stone pavers can all be used to create the paver stoop. Each has its own particular look, but all are strong and quite suitable for the job. The only major difference is price – concrete pavers are the least expensive, followed by brick and then natural stone steps. One way to get the look of expensive natural stone without having to use the entire brick is to use a stone veneer or thin tiles. These tiles will cover the surface of the stoop without being the thickness of normal pavers.

The Benefits of Paver Steps

Using paving stones for steps is very advantageous for many of the same reasons as for any project. Four will be highlighted here: first, pavers are slip resistant, which is important for people climbing up and down steps. Second, they are durable, and will withstand years of traffic and weather. Third, the presence of pavers so close to the home is often a unique and desirable addition, increasing the looks, function, and ultimately the value of the home. Fourth, pavers, or even thin pavers over concrete, are very beautiful and add a certain amount of class and elegance to the entrance of your home.

There is one minor drawback to installing these pavers – they can be expensive. Certainly not as expensive as natural stone steps, but pavers cost will be expensive nonetheless. However, you will pay for quality if you want it – taking a look at the typical aged concrete stoop will often make you believe this very quickly!

Designing your Paver Stoop

There are some aspects of pavers steps design that are unique to the particular project. When planning your project, you should clearly calculate the width, length, and height of your steps. Remember when building steps with pavers that safety is paramount, and steps should neither be too narrow nor too high. The dimensions of your steps will be important when you select the pattern of pavers that for your stoop. You will want to select a pattern that can be successfully used on the steps of the particular dimensions you’ve chosen. Some good patterns for stoops include the running bond pattern and irregular pattern. Circle kits are usually not acceptable because the area is too small.

Stoops can be installed at any entrance of your home, either front, back, or side. They can be installed in concert with a patio, walkway, pool deck, or other project. Note that steps and stoops can also be constructed throughout your yard wherever there may be a significant change in elevation that a simple paver path cannot handle alone. For instance, you can build patio steps to connect your patio to another part of your yard.

Note that the structure underneath does not have to be made from poured concrete – other options to exist, such as retaining wall pavers, concrete blocks, and more. Consult with a contractor to find the best available options for your project.

Installing Paver Steps

Unlike some outdoor pavers projects, stoops are generally not great candidates for DIY paving work. They can be complicated to install, especially if a concrete foundation needs to be formed and poured first.

Still, a minor stoop replacement may be doable as long as the job isn’t overly complex. The main steps of installing a new paver veneered stoop is to first grind down the concrete surface so that it flat and even. Then, new trenches must be excavated if new steps or risers are to be added to the existing structure.

Here are some additional tips: first, your approach will depend on what stoop already exists. It is possible to veneer steps rather than build one from scratch. If you do decide to follow this method, make sure that the heights of the bricks won’t be different, as you’ll want to make sure that the step from the home to the stoop isn’t too high, or that the paving stones don’t stick up higher than the entrance, creating a tripping hazard! An amazing guide to installing your own paver steps can be found here.

Finally, you may have to add accessories to your steps, like a hand rail, if they are very steep. When you ask someone how to build steps with pavers, also ask where you can obtain these rails.

In most cases, though, you’ll want to hire a contractor to do the work for you. This is especially true if the stoop is high or contain many steps. Since people will be walking up and down these steps, you want to make sure they don’t present a tripping hazard – better to be safe than  sorry.

Tags: building steps with pavers, how to build paver steps, how to build steps with pavers, paver steps, pavers steps, projects, steps and stoops

Thinking of installing a new in-ground pool or doing some pool remodeling? Consider the beauty that can be added to your backyard paradise by investing in a new pool deck to surround your pool. This article will give you a detailed rundown of the benefits and advantages of using paving stones for your next pool deck as well as some tips you’ll need to consider when designing and installing your next hardscape creation.

The Benefits of Pool Pavers

One great use for concrete pavers, as has been mentioned on other parts of this site, is installing them around a pool (a.k.a. a pool deck). Pool pavers are a great choice for any inground pool or above ground pool because of their great flexibility and customizability: you can pick from many different colors, shapes, sizes, and paver designs of pool pavers in order to complement your patio and backyard theme or design. Concrete pavers are a great choice over the major alternative – poured concrete – because it does not crack over time. These cracks are both unsightly and a safety hazard.

One special type of brick used in these projects is pool coping pavers. Coping protects both the pool and swimmers from damage or injury, as it covers the edges of the pool. Coping come in a similar variety of styles and colors as their paving stone brethren. There are also other materials that can be used for coping instead of pavers, including precast and poured concrete. (I’ll have a bit more to say about pool coping in a little bit.)

One great advantage of pool pavers is their slip resistance. They are smooth enough to be easy on the feet and retain their beauty for a long time; they are rough enough, however, to provide enough friction to prevent someone from slipping on them, especially if they are wet (as they will be when they are near a pool). For those who have children who enjoy playing around the pool, pool paving stones can be a great investment in safety.

Installing Concrete Pool Pavers

Installing concrete pavers around a pool can be expensive, depending on the project. However, they represent a great investment over the long term, as their durability makes them last a long time compared to other methods. In addition, they beautify your entire backyard and pool area, increasing the appraised value of your home.

One thing to keep in mind with pool deck pavers is that their proximity to the pool can cause problems. Specifically, if care is not taken joint sand can fall into the pool, damaging or degrading the filter and other pool accessories. To prevent this, have your pavers treated with a stabilizing sealer. This can prevent sand from escaping from the joints. Sealing may be a good idea in general because pavers near a pool see more damaging weathering effects than other pavers from the combination of water, chlorine, sun, etc.

Installing swimming pool pavers can be tricky business. Coordinating the height of the pavers with the height of the pool, as well as installing coping correctly, without damaging the poolside, can be challenging for those without experience. A beginner paver installer should not attempt this without consulting a professional. In fact, it may pay to hire a contractor in this case. Working around a pool presents particular difficulties that other projects do not – for instance, workers need to take care not to knock material or brick into the pool!

Pool Decking Design Options

Selecting particular colors of paver should depend on a number of factors. Lighter pavers do not get very hot on a sunny day, but they do reflect a lot of light, which can be bothersome. Darker pavers don’t have this problem, but can get hot on a sunny day. You will thus probably want to pick a color somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. Whatever color you select, make sure it complements your pool, patio, and backyard.

If you are installing pavers near a body of salt water, take care in selecting a paving stone that will stand up to salt. Many are not able to, and will degrade and break down after constant exposure to salt water. Your contractor or paver manufacturer should be able to give you recommendations as to the proper brick to select for this purpose. If you are not building your pool deck near a body of salt water, you should make sure that your pavers can withstand constant exposure to chlorinated water. Concrete pavers often fit these requirements, but check with your contractor or manufacturer.

Also remember that you will be adding pool coping pavers around the border of your paver deck and pool. These aren’t pavers per se, but they do come in the same color and style as the pavers you install around the pool itself. These coping materials will cap and cover the boundary between the deck and the pool, providing you with both the beauty of the sleek design as well as the safety needed to protect those entering and exiting the pool.

When it comes time to install your new pool deck, don’t discount the other designs and projects you can combine into this work. For instance, this may be the perfect time to explore doing some extra pool landscaping in conjunction with your paver project. Indeed, landscaping pavers that are of the same kind and type as your pool pavers can be used to ensure that you maintain the harmony among all the projects in your yard. Consider as well that you can add to or expand your patio, perhaps connecting the patio pavers to the pool deck to make a nice place for you and your friends/family to hang out. you could also add walkway pavers around your pool deck to connect areas of your yard, or even to integrate the whole structure into your front yard walkways and driveway. Again, all the same materials can be used for these structures, and it will be cheaper per square foot to get all of this done at the same time than if you just did all of this in separate projects over many seasons.

There are many pool ideas out there if you keep your eyes open; use some of those listed here while also checking out examples in magazines, friends’ homes, and so on.

Saving Money on Pool Deck Pavers

Of course, installing pool pavers isn’t cheap, mostly because the material and installation is so time and labor intensive. This is made even more significant due to the fact that the pavers must be installed near the pool, making the job that much more difficult and sensitive. Thus, you should know that this project won’t be cheap; however, it will most definitely be worth it in the long run. Usual prices run around $10-$15 per square foot, though other costs may also accrue if your project needs special grading, excavation, etc. Indeed, though the pool pavers cost may be relatively high in the short term, you will benefit from an increased property value for your home and pool as well as a beautiful place for you to hang out in your own yard. This can save you money indirectly, as you can stay around the house more to relax – no need to go driving to public pools or beaches or taking expensive and long trips just to get a little R&R!

Regardless of these benefits, you’ll still want to save some money where you can when it comes to installing pavers. I wouldn’t try to take shortcuts when it comes to the installation of the pavers – you want to make sure the job is done right, especially near your pool where one mistake could have catastrophic consequences. (Believe me, I’ve seen some terrible things happen to pools where hardscape and landscape work is done incorrectly!) However, you can try to save money by finding pavers for sale. This can be done in many ways, and I’ve covered this on this site in places like this article. Of course, the same warning above applies – don’t get discount pavers without making sure that they are top quality and integrity, both in their looks and strength – not all pavers are created equal!

Tags: pool coping pavers, pool deck pavers, pool paver, pool pavers, swimming pool pavers

One of the best uses for concrete paving stones is making a pavers walkway. The paver walkway can be located in many places around your home and can serve many functions. Perhaps the walkway will connect your driveway to your front door or stoop. Or perhaps the walkway connects the front yard to the backyard, such as a walkway on the side of the house. Walkways in the backyard are also possible, perhaps connecting patios to the house, or patios to pool decks. Walkways can even be installed in gardens as landscape pavers that can both section off particular parts of your landscape while providing you and your visitors with a path through your creations. The location and function of walkways is only limited by your imagination and the size and features of your home.

(Note that much of what follows applies to pavers of other materials, such as natural stone and brick paver walkways. However, we just focus on concrete pavers in this article.)

Advantages of a Paver Walkway

Using concrete pavers for your walkway will yield many benefits. First, the obvious benefit of  pavers walkways is that they withstand heavy foot traffic. A dirt or grass pathway will get beaten down over time, looking more and more unseemly. In addition, mud can be tracked from this path into your home. Asphalt and concrete walkways don’t have this disadvantage, of course, but do have the problem of cracking over time, especially due to freezing and thawing. Paver walkways have none of these problems.

In addition, paver walkways add much beauty to your home while also representing a solid financial investment. Concrete and asphalt may be relatively durable, but they don’t hold a candle up to pavers when it comes to the beauty department. They are relatively low maintenance and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, providing a larger number of design options for the homeowner.

Aside from the aesthetic benefits of the paver resistance to cracking, paver walkways are generally safer than other options. Dirt and grass walkways can get muddy and slippery during rain storms. Concrete and asphalt walkways can crack over time, becoming a tripping hazard. Paving stone walkways, however, have none of these problems, especially because the brick are “grippy” due to their roughness and high friction, preventing slipping. They are also easy to maintain in the winter. For extra safety, you could install “walkway lights” that outline the walkway, providing a clear path for travelers at night.

Walkways can also represent a solid commercial investment. A well designed and installed paver walkway can set the right tone for any business.

Concrete Paver Walkway Designs

There are a number of design strategies one could pursue with paver walkways. The first step is laying out the general dimensions – length and width – of the walkway. Where will it originate, and where will it terminate? Your walkway will be the main guide for your friends and family through and to you home and the gathering places in your yards, so you’ll want to plan out your walkway with a walker in mind. The next step is where your design ideas can become more creative. For instance, perhaps you will design rolling curves, making your walkway a winding with an aesthetically pleasing curve. Or perhaps you prefer a straight ahead, perpendicular or parallel walkway. Whatever your choice, make sure it complements the style and theme of your other installations – driveway, patio, etc. (It might be a good idea to install paver driveways and/or patios at the same time – it will keep the total price down, and the design can be more fully integrated.)

The next step is to consider the various size, shapes, and paver colors you could select for your paver walkway. You will want to match or complement your particular color blend with the theme or style of your other installations and with your home in general. There are also a large variety of paver patterns available (that is, how the paver are actually laid on the ground). You will want to make sure that the paver pattern complements any other paver pattern for a nearby driveway, patio, etc.

Before selecting your paver color, make sure you see the brick in person, because sometimes the color in the real brick won’t exactly match the color you see in pictures, regardless of how hard the manufacturer tries to make the colors match.

Installing a Paver Walkway

One of the ways to keep the cost of your paver walkway down is to install it yourself. DIY paving is definitely possible when it comes to paving stones, though DIY concrete pavers do require a certain amount of skill and knowledge to get right. Thus, it’s best to leave the work to a professional if you don’t feel comfortable – even if you are installing pavers walkway yourself, you should probably consult with a professional just to make sure everything’s right. One of the hard parts of how to lay a paver walkway is that you’ll have to do many cuts to make sure that the pavers fit in the pattern and in the design you’ve laid out – especially if you have curves in your walkway.

The one challenging wrinkle with walkways is that they will often have multiple levels to them – in other words, they are “step like.” This can create a challenge, as installing a pavers walkway with multiple steps is really like installing multiple walkways. Grading and depth issues will need to be considered closely when designing, escavating, and laying the paver walkway. For more information on installing pavers, see the article on this site.

The cost of your paver walkway will depend on a lot of factors – I’ve given a detailed discussion of the factors that affect pavers cost here. In general, expect to pay around $10-15 per square foot for your walkway, usually on the higher end of this prices scale. This is because laying a smaller walkway can cost more per square foot than a larger installation due to the amount of cuts required, the pattern desired, and economies of scale.

Tags: projects, walkways

Installing a paver driveway is an excellent decision for most homeowners: you will see financial, aesthetic, and structural benefits from using paving stones for your next driveway project. This material is a great choice especially  if your driveway experiences heavy traffic, as concrete paving stones are a great way to preserve your driveway against the elements and your vehicles while simultaneously beautifying your home and increasing its appraised value.

Planning, designing, and constructing your new paver driveway will take a lot of work – and with lots of work comes the need for information. This page will attempt to give you everything you need to know in order for you to make an informed decision. Since you’ll be putting a ton of money and time into this, it’s best if you know as much as possible about the process. First, let’s discuss why you’d want to pick pavers over the other materials that are often used for driveways.

Why Pavers Over Other Materials? The Benefits of Concrete Paver Driveways

There are many options out there for the material used to build your driveway. Besides a paving stone driveway, your choices include stamped and poured concrete, asphalt, or stones. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. You can find more information about these pros and cons on other areas of this site. The main three winning features of pavers we will focus on in this article is cost, strength, and longevity.

In terms of cost, driveway paving stones are certainly among the most expensive in terms of initial capital outlay, especially when compared to slab options. For example, the price per square foot for a proper installation of these bricks will be higher than that of the concrete, stone, or asphalt driveway. (See below for a discussion of the price of laying these pavers.)

However, the driveway will pay for itself over time, both in lower maintenance costs (money and time) and sheer longevity, as you will probably not be forced to replace the driveway for decades. The reason why this occurs is due to the structure of paver driveways versus the other options. For concrete and asphalt driveways, the project ends up being one huge, connected slab. While strong (but not as strong as interlocking pavers, actually), this slab does not do well with freezing and thawing cycles. As water freezes underneath the slab, it forces itself into it. The slab cannot bend, so in response it cracks. As freezing and thawing continues, these cracks get worse, eventually forcing you to install a new driveway.

However, for pavers, this is not a problem. The bed of aggregate underneath the driveway is strong yet flexible. In addition, the joints between the concrete pavers give them the best of both worlds: strength and flexibility. These driveways will not crack due to any freezing or thawing. Slabs do have the advantage of not being susceptible to settling, while interlocking pavers sometimes do settle. However, this is easily fixed, as the offending pavers can be removed and reset as necessary. Overall, the maintenance and replacement costs are lower for paving stone installations than for other options over time. The fact that these driveways add property value to your home is just more icing on the financial cake.

All of this results in a durable paver installation that will withstand the rigors of driving, parking, and weathering. In many ways, it is as close to ‘set it and forget it’ as you can get in the home improvement world  - as long as it is installed correctly and with attention to detail!

Other Paver Types

Of course, if you are interested in pavers in general, there are many options to look at besides the concrete variety. You could try natural stone pavers, such as granite, travertine, bluestone, cobblestone, and flagstone pavers. These will be much more expensive, but many people prefer the look of this material. You could also try brick pavers; these are made out of clay. In addition, you can try grass driveway pavers and other permeable options if form and function are your primary concerns. There are still other options, such as using thin pavers over an existing concrete slab, or installing rubber pavers.

However, with concrete paving stones you will find the best balance between selection of sizes, shapes, and colors, beauty, value, and durability. The other options will suffer in one of those areas or another but will be better in other areas than the concrete variety.

Designing Your Paver Driveway

For anyone with little experience designing a concrete paver installation, figuring out exactly how to set up the driveway can be challenging. If you hire a contractor or designer to do the work or give suggestions, the work is done. But here are some general ideas and tips to think about.

The first thing to figure out when deciding on a driveway for your home is the size of the project when it’s finished. You could just build the driveway in the same size as your old driveway, or you could choose to expand the driveway to give you more parking room. In addition, consider adding other complementary features – walkways, stoops, patios, and the like – to get the biggest bang for your design and installation buck.

Aside from the size and shape of your driveway, you also need to consider the various patterns you can lay it in. These patterns have been described elsewhere on the site, but for now realize that different patterns can have different consequences for the look of the driveway. You’ll also want to consider the color options, and how the color blend you select will interact with the pattern, shape, and size of your driveway, as well as the other features of your home, landscape, and general environment and decor.

Also consider the various types of edging for your driveway, as some will be more expensive than others but provide more benefits. Consider this carefully, especially if you have a lawn, garden, or flowerbed nearby that you will want to preserve or cordon off. Other options for boundaries between your driveway and your yard and home include all kinds of walls and retaining walls.

There are also special designs you can incorporate within the driveway. One example is the use of the circle kit to add circles to the driveway – shown in the photo above. Another design option to think about for your driveway is an “apron,” or the part of the driveway closest to the entrance. Some customers decide to put a fancy design there, like fans, though of course the options are limitless and it’s ultimately up to you to decide.

No matter what your design choices, a paving stone driveway will look great. Since your driveway is one of the first things visitors see in front of your house, you will be sure to make a good impression with this installation.

Installing a Paving Stones Driveway & Hiring a Contractor

When designing and implementing your ideas, make sure you take into account the environment (is it hot or cold, generally? Rainy or dry?) as well as the soil or material naturally occurring in your front yard. Make sure you communicate this information to your paver contractor, as it could seriously affect your project.If you plan on hiring a contractor to install your driveway, make sure they have experience in this area. These are usually big projects and require working on a scale that some may not be comfortable with. If you are installing the driveway yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. Because there will be vehicular traffic, you will need to make sure your aggregate base is deeper than usual – anywhere from 10-14″ of compacted, aggregate base will be necessary to give you driveway pavers the necessary foundation. Furthermore, keep in mind the “pitch” or the slope of your driveway. Make sure water will flow off it, preferably into your yard or the street, and not simply stand in place. The worst outcome of all is that water flows back into your house, potentially flooding the basement. Note, however, that the paver surface will be somewhat porous due to the joints, so some water will drain through the structure. Make sure you design your driveway with the proper amount of pitch to prevent any damage to your or surrounding homes. This may require some extra excavation or the addition of fill to properly grade out the area.

When designing and implementing your ideas, make sure you take into account the environment (is it hot or cold, generally? Rainy or dry?) as well as the soil or material naturally occurring in your front yard. Make sure you communicate this information to your contractor, as it could seriously affect your project.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of your driveway will depend on a number of factors, some of which are described elsewhere on the site. To get the pavers installed by a contractor, you’re looking within a range of $10 to $20 per square foot. Of course, the pavers cost will be lower if you get the pavers for sale or if you do it yourself, among other factors.

Maintaining Your Pavers Driveway

As mentioned above, maintenance of your paving stone project will be minimal compared to other materials. However, periodic cleaning and sealing of the surface will help preserve its beauty, color, and strength. You can obtain driveway sealer and apply it yourself, making for a cheap and quick DIY paving project.

Tags: advice, driveways, installation, projects

If you are thinking about a new project for your home, garden, or landscape, you might be having trouble deciding among the various material choices at your disposal. Should you use concrete, asphalt, brick pavers, paving stones, natural pavers, or stone? The list of potential materials, and all the various permutations and variations that are possible, can be very confusing and overwhelming for the uninitiated.

To help you out, here is a brief paving guide that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each material type. There is no one “best” material, as the material you use will depend on a lot of factors. In some circumstances, stone would work best; in others, concrete; in others, pavers. What we can tell you, however, are the various features of each material so that you can make an educated decision.

The Comparisons and Categories

We will begin with the least expensive material and continue through the more expensive options available. Each material will be evaluated according to the seven following metrics:

• Strength
• Durability
• Design Options
• Installation
• Beauty
• Maintenance
• Price/Value

At the end of the article, we give our basic comparisons for each material across these dimensions. You can thus compare the relative merits of concrete vs pavers, stamped concrete vs pavers, and any other comparisons you may need to make. While our decisions are arbitrary, and may differ with those of other experts and contractors, we hope at least to give you a rough guide on this topic.

STONE:

This is loose stone that is spread in the area. They are used most often for driveways, though they can also serve as parking areas or as landscaping materials. There is a large variety of stones available, from small to large, and in a variety of colors.

Strength
Obviously, these stones won’t break or crack. Stone withstands vehicular traffic, weather, sun, water, and other effects well.

Durability
You won’t have to worry about replacing this material due to damage as long as it all stays in place. Stone is a great long-term option. However, it will get thrown around, so you’ll probably have to touch the project up once in a while.

Design Options
You are relatively limited when it comes to the design options at your disposal. Obviously, you can mix and match colors and types of stone, and you can make your projects any kind of shape, from rectangular to circular and anything in between. Otherwise, however, you’re relatively limited with your design possibilities.

Installation
Installing stone is very easy. Simply clear an area, fill it in with stone to the appropriate depth, and you’re done.

Beauty
In the right contexts, stone can look nice. However, it an also look boring. In addition, it can often get spread out throughout your lawn and home, making a big mess and a nuisance.

Maintenance
This is an area where stone suffers. You will probably have to deal with stone being scattered around your lawn and yard, making it a pain to clean up. You’ll also deal with weeds. Over time, the stone may have to be refilled as it inevitably wanders off. You may have to level it out if it ever gets distributed unevenly – this might happen if you drive on it, for instance. It’s also impossible to plow or shovel snow off it without disturbing the surface.

Price/Value
Stone is very cheap. Combined with how durable the material it is, stone is a good overall investment, though the property value of your home won’t be seriously changed.

ASPHALT:

This ubiquitious, oil-based product is very popular for driveways, parking lots, and other outdoor projects that require vehicle traffic. Also known as ‘blacktop.’

Strength
Asphalt is very strong yet flexible, as it will stand up to both heat and cold. However, if it gets too hot, it could get soft – this could be especially problematic if you drive on it. However, asphalt will withstand stains, the sun, water, and general wear and tear.

Durability
Asphalt will last you for decades, as long as it installed and maintained properly. However, you will have to deal with cracks and fading, so you’ll probably have to do repairs along the way. Otherwise, expect to replace this after a decade or two of service.

Design Options
You’re very limited with your design options. While colored or stamped asphalt is possible, it will increase the cost of your project. Otherwise, you’re limited to the standard black driveway. You can create your own shape and dimensions, but otherwise you’re pretty locked in, unless you add a cobblestone or paver apron and border, or some other embellishment.

Installation
An asphalt driveway and other projects are usually out of the reach of most homeowner’s skills, so it’s not a great DIY project. You’ll have to hire a contractor to do it; unfortunately, asphalt contractors are notoriously unreliable, making getting the job done quickly a pain in some circumstances.

Beauty
Asphalt is very common and it doesn’t look as great as other options, especially when it cracks and fades.

Maintenance
You’ll have to seal it to maintain its strength and color. In severe circumstances, patching and resurfacing may be necessary as well. Snow can be easily removed from this surface.

Price/Value
Asphalt is relatively cheap, hence its popularity. In terms of value, it is a good buy, as the material will last you a long time, assuming it’s installed well.

CONCRETE:

An incredibly popular material due to its strength and low cost, concrete is most often used for walkways, driveways, and patios.

Strength
Concrete is incredibly strong. You won’t have to worry about force from above (cars, heavy objects, weather) damaging it. Force from below, however, can be a problem – freeze thaw cycles put pressure on the slab, often leading to cracks.

Durability
Concrete, if well-installed and maintained, can last you for decades, so you shouldn’t have to reinstall the material.

Design Options
You are rather limited with the standard concrete, as the grey color of the material can be boring. However, if you are willing to pay a little more, you can get stamped, colored, or stained concrete. This can multiply your design choices, allowing you to create concrete that will match and complement your home’s decor. You’ll have to pay for that privilege, however.

Installation
Homeowners who’ve worked with concrete before can install it themselves, especially if the project is small. Homeowners with little experience should look for a contractor; ditto for those skilled homeowners trying to tackle a large and/or complex job.

Beauty
Regular concrete is rather boring, though it is ubiquitous. Decorative concrete is far better, as long as it doesn’t crack or chip.

Maintenance
You may have to seal concrete once in awhile, especially if it’s showing signs of damage, but for the most part concrete is maintenance free – as long as everything goes right with the installation. Snow can be easily removed from this surface.

Price/Value
Concrete is quite cheap, especially given its strength and durability. Investment in concrete is an investment for the future, but don’t expect your home value to increase that much.

CONCRETE PAVERS:

Made from concrete, these pavers interlock through a system of sand-filled joints, ensuring that the entire structure stays together.

Strength
Concrete pavers are incredibly strong, both individually and collectively. In fact, some pavers are two to four times stronger than concrete. Thus, they will withstand all rigors of the environment.

Durability
Due to their strength and flexibility, and the interlocking nature of pavers, this material will last you for decades. You will likely not have to worry about installing a new patio, driveway, walkway, etc. unless you want to make a change.

Design Options
Your design options are limitless. There are a ton of paver shapes, paver sizes, types, and colors available. You can lay them in a variety of paver patterns. In addition, you can pair your project with other accessories, like steps, stoops, barbecue pits, retaining walls, and more – all made from this material.

Installation
Pavers installation can be difficult, but since there’s no concrete involved, it can be within the skill range of some DIYers. However, most will want to have their projects installed by professional paver contractors.

Beauty
Pavers, when well-designed and installed, look beautiful. They go well with all home styles and themes, and they retain their beauty for many years.

Maintenance
Pavers are near maintenance free. You may have to seal them occasionally with concrete paver sealer, and perhaps reset pavers that have settled, but for the most part they are a hands-free material. You can easily remove snow from them.

Price/Value
Concrete pavers can be expensive, mostly because they have to be laid by hand. However, they add much value to your home, so you can consider the high initial price as an investment in your home and in your future.

BRICK PAVERS:

A similar material to concrete pavers, these resemble the bricks you see around your house, but they are also different in many important ways.

Strength
This material is similar to concrete pavers – the only major difference is in the material they are made from. Brick pavers are made from clay, not concrete. In terms of the battle between concrete vs brick pavers, they are relatively equal in terms of strength, with perhaps a slight edge to concrete.

Durability
Brick pavers will stand up to all kinds of abuse, and your projects will last many years. You won’t have to worry about reinstalling a new material for a long time.

Design Options
Though options used to be very limited, manufacturers are coming out with new brick designs all the time. While you will largely be limited to the standard ‘brick size,’ you will be able to try different colors and textures. You can thus lay them in a variety of patterns and project designs, just like concrete pavers.

Installation
Like concrete pavers, most homeowners will want to have a contractor come in and install them, though it can be a potential DIY project.

Beauty
Brick pavers look quite nice, though perhaps not as ‘modern’ and ‘elegant’ as concrete pavers. However, with teh right home decor, brick pavers can and do look fantastic.

Maintenance
Brick pavers are very low maintenance – just some sealing and resetting of pavers on occasion. It’s very easy to remove snow from this surface.

Price/Value
These brick pavers are a bit more expensive than the concrete variety, but you can expect a good bump in your home value when you add them to your yard.

NATURAL STONE PAVERS:

These pavers are literally carved from the earth. There are many different types of materials that fall into this category, from flagstone to granite and cobblestone to travertine and everything in between. Thus, we’ll have to generalize a lot here.

Strength

While it depends on the particular material, stone pavers are very strong – indeed, they are made from stone carved from the earth itself. If you are looking at flagstone vs pavers, its pretty much a toss up when it comes to compared strength. They may fade in the sun, but they stand up to all kinds of abuse.

Durability
A stone paver project will last for decades. You won’t have to worry about installing a new project ever again if you use this material, barring some unforeseen circumstance.

Design Options
Given the huge variety of stone types, colors, shapes, and sizes, you have near unlimited options when it comes to designing your project.

Installation
Given the weight and difficulty in handling this material, most homeowners will want to leave installation to the pros.

Beauty
Stone pavers are incredibly beautiful – arguably the most beautiful material out there. You are pretty much bringing the beauty of Mother Earth to your yard when you install this material.

Maintenance
Stone pavers are stone. They require almost non-existent maintenance. Snow removal is easy.

Price/Value
The major downfall of flagstone pavers and other natural stone is price. Depending on the stone you pick, you could pay double, triple, or more than any other material. However, you’re adding a ton of value to your home as well, so you can consider it an investment in the future.

THE VERDICT

Strength

Concrete Pavers = Stone Pavers > Brick Pavers > Concrete > Asphalt = Stone

Durability

Concrete Pavers = Stone Pavers > Brick Pavers > Concrete > Asphalt > Stone

Design Options

Concrete Pavers > Stone Pavers > Brick Pavers > Concrete > Stone > Asphalt

Installation

Stone > Concrete > Concrete Pavers = Brick Pavers > Stone Pavers > Asphalt

Beauty

Stone Pavers > Concrete Pavers > Brick Pavers > Concrete > Stone > Asphalt

Maintenance

Stone Pavers = Concrete Pavers = Brick Pavers > Concrete = Asphalt > Stone

Price/Value

Stone > Asphalt > Concrete > Concrete Pavers > Brick Pavers > Stone Pavers

Tags: advice, comparisons, costs, DIY, FAQ, other materials, types of pavers