Types of Pavers and Where To Install Them

Pavers are a unique and smart decor option for several areas throughout the exterior of your home. After installation, they quickly boost your home’s value. They are easy to maintain and cost less to fix compared to poured concrete or asphalt. But you should not use certain pavers for certain projects.

We offer many different design and project options. We create driveways, home front accents, pool decks, fire pits, and more. You can view our photo gallery here! It is important to note that not all pavers are the same. We do not use the same type or size for all our projects. Different areas and designs call for different types of pavers.

There are three main types of pavers. Those types are natural stone, brick, and concrete. There are many different types of stone, brick, and concrete to choose from. In this blog, we are going to look at each type and talk about which pavers are best for your project.

NATURAL STONE PAVERS

Natural stone is a broad term. This is any stone that is not man made. If you can find it existing somewhere in nature on its own, it’s a natural stone. Common natural stone options include marble, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, fieldstone, and flagstone. Marble, granite, and travertine are more often used as interior tiles or countertops. Pavers are usually made out of the stronger natural stones. These are limestone, fieldstone, and flagstone. In this list, limestone is the strongest. Fieldstone and Flagstone are the most common.

Even though limestone is the strongest, we still do not recommend using it in high traffic areas. Natural stone can break under too much pressure. This means natural stone is not ideal for main walkways, driveways, or pool decks.

Stone is very easy to maintain. It needs no more than regular sweeping and rinsing. Naturally sourced stone can hold on to moisture. This makes this type of paver prone to freezing over in the winter. Freezing can create cracks in your beautiful stone. Homeowners in locations with brutal winters may want to consider another material to use in their design.

The colors in natural stone do not fade over time. No matter how much sun exposure they get, they keep their original shine. But, without regular maintenance, they can develop mold or mildew. This leads to a slippery surface on the stone.

Luckily, the upkeep for stone is easy. Complications are easy to avoid, though. We, at Unique Paver Designs, are experts in proper placement, installation, and upkeep!

WHERE TO INSTALL NATURAL STONE PAVERS

Natural stones are best for areas that do not get a lot of wear and tear. Limestone is best used for edging projects. For instance, lining a garden bed to keep soil and mulch tidy. Stone edging also allows for good drainage for your bed. Excess water can escape through the stone while keeping mud in.

Stone is a good companion paver to concrete. Place stone at the edge of a concrete project to help with water drainage.

Natural stone can also be a pleasing addition to any home front.

Natural stone pavers also tend to be bigger. This makes them ideal for a whimsical stepping stone path. They can make a beautiful accent walkway in your yard. Just be sure to sweep and rinse them regularly to avoid slippery stones.

BRICK PAVERS

On to our second material, brick. Brick was once a common building element. Over time, its popularity for buildings has dwindled. But brick is still an excellent material to use.

When we talk about brick it is important to clarify what that means. Brick pavers are often not traditional brick. Clay or a concrete aggregate mix poured into a mold makes brick pavers. Construction aggregate is many small pieces of material. Types of aggregate are gravel, sand, and crushed stone. Its purpose in concrete mixes is to add stability, volume, and strength. Dye is also added to the mixes. This helps them look more like a traditional brick. It allows for a greater color selection than traditional brick, though. There are also a variety of textures for added curb appeal.

Brick tends to fade a bit over time. To prevent this, ask us about sealing your brick project. Sealing is essential to preserving their lifespan. Brick pavers need sealing after every clean.

WHERE TO INSTALL BRICK PAVERS

Brick pavers are quite strong. This makes them ideal for driveways. Compared to stone, brick is much more durable under pressure. It can withstand the weight of more than one car without breaking. It is also stain resistant. So, this means you can stress less about oil stains on your driveway.

Brick is also an excellent choice for patios. Pop a grill on top of your brick patio! You can rest assured that any grease, propane, or charcoal will not stain your design. Sealing your brick helps make it, even more, stain resistant.

Brick will last a long time. On average, it lasts around 25 years. This makes brick a good choice for projects you need to last a long time. They also cost less than stone.

CONCRETE PAVERS

Finally, we come to the last of the three main types. Concrete is a versatile material. Like brick, concrete pavers are created in a mold. They come in a large variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Often, manufacturers dye the concrete to look like brick or stone.

There are two types of concrete pavers, architectural slab, and interlocking. Architectural slab pavers are thinner. This is the more aesthetic option when it comes to concrete. Slab concrete pavers are the type that look like stone or brick. But because they are thinner, they are a bit weaker. This makes them less ideal for a driveway.

Interlocking concrete pavers are thick chunks of concrete. They fit into each other perfectly. Think about it as a concrete puzzle.

Texture is another feature that concrete offers. Stamped pavers mimic the appearance of stamped concrete floors. But stamped concrete costs less than a large area of poured concrete.

Concrete pavers are very strong and the least prone to breaking. They are also very durable. But you have to seal them. Sealing concrete helps prevent stains and fading. We recommend sealing your concrete every two years.

WHERE TO INSTALL CONCRETE PAVERS

Concrete pavers are a good choice for almost any hardscape project. Placement of your pavers will determine if we decide to use slab or interlocking.

Slab concrete pavers are perfect for a natural look with a smaller price tag. These are great for patios, walkways, pool decks, or fire pits.

Interlocking concrete pavers are better for driveways. They are also the better choice for any area you want to have perfect edges.

WE CAN HELP!

Whatever your dream project may be, give us a call at 239-303-4450 today! Let us help you design your perfect project! Together, we can decide what design and material is best for your project.

For more information on our services, call us or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram! We would be happy to install your pool deck, driveway, fire pit, patio, and more!

Finding the best paver installation company can often feel like a daunting task for many homeowners. There are not only a variety of options in the marketplace, but some disreputable companies claim to offer the world on a shoestring budget and fail to deliver on their promises. Buyers must beware of shoddy installation, poor quality pavers and bad business practices.

RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

It’s sometimes difficult to immediately tell the difference between a legitimate company and one that is simply out to make a fast buck. Choosing the cheapest option when installing pavers rarely yields optimal results and will likely end up costing you more in the long run. Here are some red flags to look out for when considering this important investment on your property:

•Unusually short timelines
Although their promises sound tempting, companies who promise installation within days to a week or two may be unscrupulous. A short timeline from start to finish could indicate that the company is using non-professional-grade products or pavers that are not under warranty. Installing old or used pavers will likely leave you with cracks, chips and color fading, which will cost even more to repair or reinstall. Be aware that professional-grade pavers are made on demand of each project from trusted manufacturers, and can take 2-10 weeks to produce. Once the pavers are ready, the company will contact you to set up a date for installation shortly thereafter.

•No portfolio or online presence
Ensure that your chosen company has a multi-faceted visual portfolio of their work to prove the scope of their experience. Social media presence can also be a valuable resource in viewing work in progress, finished projects and community involvement.

•Secretiveness
If the company won’t offer viewing of prior projects, be cautious. Although by law they must protect the location and identity of former clients, there should be ample model homes or commercial projects that you can view in person.

•Poor (or no) reputation
As companies do business, they leave a reputation behind them. What if your company has no reputation at all? It is highly unusual for an established organization to lack a digital footprint in the 21st century. Check for a website and online reviews from various sources – and assess them for authenticity. Do they feel like real comments from real people?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY

Don’t be dismayed in your search! There are numerous reputable paver installation companies out there. Here’s what to look for:

•Company Accessibility
Most reputable paver companies have physical offices and showrooms you can visit on weekdays. Look for businesses that have physical street addresses and professionals to talk to when you call. Even better, companies like Unique Pavers Design are owner-operated, and the owner reports to every installation to ensure you’re satisfied with the results.

•Education and peace of mind
A paver installer who educates you throughout the process is a wonderful find – and can be achieved by working with a business run by people who truly love what they do. Find one that treats you like an individual rather than a faceless number. After all, pavers are an important investment.

•Solid Warranties
Looking for a company who will fully back their product? You should be! If problems arise, you can rest assured that your pavers can be repaired or replaced. Unique Pavers Design offers a 5-year installation warranty and its manufacturers offer additional product warranties.

•Proper Licensing & Insurance
These factors are critical components for ensuring a safe and effective installation. You can ask the company for copies of these documents or find licensing status online. The Southwest Florida resource for finding a licensed installer is www.sunbiz.org, where you can research records to find companies who are abiding by lawful standards.

When you keep your pavers in tip-top shape, you preserve your investment and enhance the beauty of your property. Here are some specific steps you can take to maintain your pavers.

Sweep Regularly

Use a sturdy broom to sweep away dirt and debris on your pavers. Do this on a regular basis especially during Fall time when leaves tend to accumulate.

Wash Off Dirt

Washing your pavers can help to remove any additional dirt or grime after sweeping. You can use a garden hose to wash your pavers but do not to direct water into the joints as this can displace the sand.

Clean Stains Right Away

When you notice stains, clean them right away before they set in. If you don’t clean them immediately, they can be very difficult to clean.

Remove Leaves

Do not allow leaves and other organic matter to build up on your patio, driveway, or walkway. Sweep or blow away leaves right away as some leaves can permanently stain your pavers.

Leave Moss Alone

If you have moss growing in the cracks, the roots go into the sand. Resist the urge to pull them. This is may sound counterintuitive, however, when you remove the moss, the sand will come out. This means you may have to replace the sand and, ultimately, the moss will return.

Clean and Seal Pavers

We recommend getting your pavers professionally cleaned and sealed.