The word “paver” refers to thin, flat stones designed for use in paving projects such as walkways, patios, and driveways. Interlocking pavers can help create a gorgeous space you want to enjoy for years to come at an affordable price, all while increasing the value of your home. They come in an almost unlimited number of sizes, shapes, colors, and many different materials, so deciding on what paver may be right for you can be a challenge. Read on for some great tips on how and when pavers should be considered for your next home upgrade.
1. Did Someone Mention Durability?
Pavers are incredibly durable. No other material can endure the wear and tear of daily use quite like pavers. In comparison, wood may splinter, concrete slabs can crack, and natural stone may experience splintering or cracking. For green enthusiasts, using pavers is also a great way to lower your carbon footprint. Polymeric sand serves as the final fill between pavers and unlike traditional sand, the polymeric material almost eliminates the need to use pesticides and herbicides. It is also a superior binding agent over traditional sand, which creates a more rigid set and doesn’t have to be reapplied as often.
“Pavers are incredibly durable.”
2. But My Design Needs to be Flexible!
Pavers can be created to mimic a wide variety of stones and can be arranged in many patterns and designs. This offers homeowners incredible design flexibility, allowing them to choose the options that are most cohesive with the rest of their outdoor space and their taste. If your home is in the San Francisco Bay Area, in a city such as San Ramon, Lafayette, or even Walnut Creek contact DPG Pavers so we can help guide you through this process.
Some popular choices are between brick and concrete pavers. The choice, again, largely depends on your taste. Concrete pavers offer far more design and color options than brick, but brick retains its color better than concrete and requires less maintenance. Examine your options to determine what details are most important to you. The great range of paving materials makes shopping and designing fun. Pavers for poolside patios have been an increasingly popular choice as the interlocking concrete pavers act as excellent alternatives to plain concrete and are designed to resemble cobblestones, granite, tile, or traditional bricks.
Make sure to choose pavers for your climate. Brick is a porous substance and may break down more quickly than concrete in areas with a lot of rain, heat, or wind. If you live in a moderate climate, however, brick is likely to weather well. Concrete and stone hold up better in harsh climates. If you live somewhere with extreme weather conditions, look for brick designed for inclement weather. If you live in a harsh climate but love the look of brick or limestone, go for it! Make sure to contact an amazing design and build firm like DPG Pavers in Brentwood, California to help guide you through the process.
“Concrete pavers offer far more design and color options than brick, but brick retains its color better than concrete and requires less maintenance.”
Your home’s color should also play a role in your decision regarding your pavers’ color. If your home is a neutral color such as white or beige, most paver colors will work well. If your home is a more distinct color, such as forest green or a deep gray, be more selective with your pavers. You can also use multiple paver colors to tie in your home color and your vision for your paved space. If you cannot find a color scheme you like that works with both your pavers and your existing home and yard colors, you can even use your pavers as the template for a remodel of your home. This will allow you to experiment with colors and shapes without worrying about your existing decor.
3. Will Pavers Break the Bank?
Once you factor in hiring labor and machinery, and the cost of pouring a slab of cement, the cost of doing going with concrete can be significantly higher – up to nearly twice as much as laying stone pavers over sand. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, are precisely uniform and easier to cut, making them a popular choice for DIY projects and your outdoor living space. Pavers can cost between $16 and $24 per square foot, making them one of the more budget-friendly options. Pavers are easy to find and easy to replace if any gets damaged. All-in-all, pavers are an amazingly affordable alternative that will lay the foundation for enjoying your outdoor living space for years to come.
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At DPG Pavers, we’ve been providing our customers with specialized Landscape and Hardscape Design and Build services for over 30 years. DPG Pavers, headquartered in San Ramon, California is the best curb-appeal and outdoor living space designer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Appearing on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and featured on Discovery Channel’s program Renovation Nation, our team of skilled designers and landscape engineers provide top-quality service and professionalism our customers love. DPG Pavers offers 2-D and 3-D conceptual home and landscape design plans that allow you to visualize your dream space and make that dream concept a reality.
Have a driveway in dire need of replacement? Moved into a new home and not happy with your home’s curb appeal? Can’t seem to finish your backyard project? Contact DPG Pavers to schedule your free consultation today!
Sources
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-choose-the-right-driveway-pavers-1398333
- https://www.thespruce.com/pros-and-cons-of-concrete-paver-1398077
- https://www.belgard.com/blog/2018/06/05/best-pavers-and-paver-patterns-for-driveways/
- https://unilock.com/top-ten-reasons-for-paver-driveways/
- https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/all-about-concrete-pavers