How To Choose the Right Pavers
So you’ve decided that you need a new walkway or deck for your home, pool or backyard patio. Maybe you want to create a new walking path through your beautiful gardens. Perhaps you don’t like the look of your existing walkway or patio—maybe it’s formed from concrete that’s cracking and degrading. Perhaps you’re just tired of the same old, same old and you want something fresh and new.
Pavers can be an outstanding answer to putting a new face on your patio, deck or walking path, but of course, you’ll want to choose the right kind for your needs. Let’s review some tips and advice for how to choose the right pavers so you can take your walkway or deck surface to heights you’ve only dreamed of.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAVERS
Unlike surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, pavers are incredibly versatile and long-lasting as a solution to replacing your driveway, walkway, patio, pool deck or other outdoor surfaces. They’re strong, require very little in the way of maintenance, and are available in a vast array of styles, shapes, color patterns and materials. This leads many people confused as to how to choose the right pavers for their needs.
BRICK PAVERS
Choosing the right materials is the first step in choosing pavers. Among the most popular choices is brick, because it is affordable, attractive, durable and provides excellent traction, so in places where slipping might be of concern, it’s a good option. However, brick can be more time consuming to install because it’s smaller. Still, if you’re looking for consistent color and intricate layouts, it’s a good way to go.
NATURAL STONE PAVERS
Natural stone pavers like limestone, also known as travertine, are also incredibly attractive due to their stunning look and smooth finish. They can be “roughed up” by tumble finishing if traction is needed or a rough texture desirable. They’re very durable, are very low maintenance and resistant to decay, and can hold up to very high traffic. They also come in a nigh infinite range of appearances, patterns and colors.
CERAMIC PAVERS
Utilizing innovative technology Ceramic Pavers combine the best of both worlds. Ceramic pavers combine the classic ceramic tile look with the strength of concrete. These pavers allow for a wide range of customization and provide excellent durability.
PORCELAIN PAVERS
Similar to Ceramic Pavers, Porcelain Pavers feature a modern European look that is sure to draw the eye. Porcelain pavers are easy to clean, durable, skid-resistant, and frost-resistant.
CONCRETE PAVERS
Concrete pavers offer the broadest selection of sizes, shapes, and finish designs, but they can be high maintenance, and concrete does degrade and deteriorate over time. In colder climates especially, they’ll need to get a special treatment to hold up as long as possible.
COLORS AND PATTERNS
The pattern and color of your paver installation is closely tied to the material you choose. Bricks, for example, tend to be a single, solid color and if you want a mix, you’ll have to use different kinds of brick. Natural stone pavers have a variety of patterns and textures, but you’re generally going to be restricted to those that occur naturally.
Concrete pavers, though the highest maintenance, are man-made and so they can be finished and designed in an infinite number of varieties.
SEEK HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS
If you’re not sure what kind of pavers are appropriate to your walk or deck, seeking help from professionals like Unique Pavers Design can be your best bet. We are respected and experienced Fort Myers Pavers who are here to get it right for you the first time. Give us a call for more information today!