Pavers

From stone walkways and edging to driveways, patios and pool decks, there are many outside areas that can benefit from the beauty and durability of paving stones, or "pavers." Pavers are made from a variety of materials, including natural stone, brick and concrete and come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and colors. Pavers are relatively inexpensive and installation can easily be accomplished by a do-it-yourselfer with just some general tips and guidelines. Pavers require little maintenance, and repairs are relatively simple, making them a perfect addition to your garden or backyard. Before you buy paving stone, consider the following questions:

• What type of paver is best suited to your project?
• What materials can pavers be constructed from?
• Are you looking for a specific color range?
• What are the proper steps for installation?
• How can you best care for and maintain paving stones?

Types, Uses, Maintenance and Installation

There are three basic types of paver materials -- natural stone, brick and concrete. Within these simple materials there are hundreds of different styles and colors. Since concrete pavers are actually a manufactured product, colors are introduced during the manufacturing process to produce a wide range of strong, bright colors that resist sun and fading. Manufactured pavers are interlocking, which makes them particularly easy to install. Lay them side by side to create neat borders that separate your lawn and garden or stack them in a low wall to make a raised bed. You can use concrete pavers, as well as natural stone or clay bricks, to create beautiful, intricate designs on walkways and patios.

Types: Natural stone pavers, such as flagstone or fieldstone, are very attractive and are the most expensive type. Limestone is often used as edging material, particularly in parts of the U.S. that experience harsh winters because the stones are extremely strong and stand up well under extreme weather conditions. Paving brick is made of clay, which is very strong and resistant to stains. Brick also offers timeless design appeal and presents a quiet, stately elegance when used on pathways, patios and more. Concrete pavers are made of molded concrete mixed with aggregate.

• Use flagstone or fieldstone as decorative steppingstones in a garden pathway
• There are a wide variety of colors and textures of brick to choose from
• Some concrete pavers are colored and fashioned to look just like brick pavers
• Joints between pavers eliminate the cracking of conventional concrete pavement
• You may need to replace or seal concrete pavers to retain the color

Uses: Natural stone is most often used in pathways, walkways, edging or on patios. Brick is extremely versatile and durable and can be used on pathways, driveways and as edging or patio material. Precast concrete pavers are a uniform size and are specifically designed for outdoor use, although you should check with the manufacturer about durability for use in driveways or other high traffic areas. If you are planning to use pavers for a pathway, make sure to allow at least 3' of width. If you are building a driveway, measure your vehicles and allow enough space with the doors open for people to exit and move comfortably around the car.

• Flagstone is used in patios, walkways, stepping stones and even indoors
• The uniform size of precast pavers simplifies planning and measurement
• Use simple paver patterns in small areas and save ornate designs for larger expanses
• Brick can be stacked or laid flat for a cleaner look and easier mowing
• You do not need mortar to achieve a tight fit between interlocking pavers

Maintenance: Pavers are virtually maintenance free, though there are a few things you can do to enhance their appearance and longevity. Clay paving bricks resist most stains, although they can develop a white, chalky substance, called efflorescence, which washes away. Sweeping helps maintain pavers and periodic treatment with a pressure sprayer keeps them clean. You can also seal some varieties of pavers to minimize staining and increase longevity. You can reseal concrete pavers every two years or so, especially in areas with heavy traffic and wear. Clay pavers do not usually need sealing unless they regularly come in contact with grease and oil, such as around a barbecue.

• To avoid efflorescence, don't use calcium chloride deicers on brick driveways
• To clean brick, use water and a small bit of detergent to wash away grime
• To clean pavers, wash with a substance of ten parts water to one part vinegar
• If you have a cracked paver, only fix it if the crack is large and noticeable
• It's sometimes cheaper to replace individual pavers than to try to fix cracks

Concrete Paver Installation Checklist*

Planning Create a project design and plan Obtain a building permit, if needed Check for underground utilities and mark accordingly Measure the project area Estimate type and quantities needed of: Underlayment -- base materials Edging Pavers Arrange for any special equipment needed Schedule pickup or delivery of pavers Site Preparation Excavate soil to the recommended depth and remove rocks and other debris Tamp or "compact" the soil, removing any large plant roots Level the surface Ensure proper drainage Underlayment Install a weed barrier Add base sand and level Moisten and tamp sand until packed and smooth Install Pavers If needed, cut pavers to appropriate size Install edging around the perimeter to keep stones in place Set pavers into place using a plate compactor Level all pavers Spread sand on the surface, sweep away excess and moisten Continue with sand until you fill the joints between pavers Clean up site

* Installation of natural stone and brick differs from concrete pavers. For more detailed installation instructions for other types of pavers, see "Installing Paving Stones."

Features

Precast Concrete Pavers: Precast concrete pavers are composed of cement and fine and course aggregate with color pigment added to create different colors and styles. The cement mixture is molded into place under factory conditions that apply both pressure and vibration to create pavers of a uniform size that are strong and very durable. Some concrete pavers interlock, making them especially easy to install.

Natural Stone: Stone lends a natural look to your landscaping or patio. There are hundreds of types, but the most commonly available are flagstone and fieldstone. Color choices include black, brown, red and yellow with textures ranging from smooth to ultra rough or rustic. Natural stone varies in hardness and density, which affects its ability to resist cracking and staining. Stone may be installed in a sand bed, set in mortar or placed directly into the earth as steps. Natural stone is usually from 1.5" to 2.25" thick. Despite its attractive appearance, stone tile is not always desirable in high-traffic areas because it can break under pressure.

Brick Pavers: Brick pavers are made of clay (natural brick) or are manufactured from concrete and aggregate and dyed to look like brick. Genuine brick, made from clay and shale, is dried and fired at extremely high temperatures, making it very strong. True brick also features rich, lasting color that will not fade. Like brick pavers, concrete pavers that are manufactured to look like brick are available in different styles. However, there are fewer color choices and the colors can fade. A sealant can help prevent fading. Bricks are somewhat more versatile than concrete because you can lay them side-by-side, end-to-end or even in a diagonal pattern.

Limestone Pavers: Limestone pavers are a type of natural stone that is most often used in edging. Although a bit expensive, limestone is extremely durable and can withstand your lawnmower or weed trimmer. Because of its strength, you may never need to replace it. Limestone is available in several forms, so you can use it throughout your landscape for consistency of design. Limestone edging is typically available in 4" or 6" widths.