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.

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard pool, you know how fun and relaxing it can be.

But when your pool begins to age, it can become anything but a relaxing space. With old, deteriorating parts comes the risk of injuries and extensive damage to your home.

Upgrading to a brand new pool comes with a range of incredible benefits. From increased home value to the joy of creating your own space, it’s a decision that you won’t soon forget.

Keep reading as we break down the five best benefits that you’ll enjoy when you choose pool remodeling Boca Raton.

1. Increase Energy Efficiency

Your old, out-dated swimming pool could be costing you far more money than you realize.

That’s because old pool pumps, generators, and heaters are far less energy efficient than newer versions. Even if they were more energy efficient when those parts were new, over time they will become less efficient.

Besides just paying extra for energy costs, if your pool has any leaks or if it allows water to seep out in any way, you’re also paying more than you need to in order to keep your pool full so that you can enjoy it.

Upgrading your backyard with a brand new pool project can give you an energy efficient, high-functioning pool that will help you save money.

With so many options on the market today for ways to keep your pool efficient, you’ll have tons of choices to pick from.

Invest in a solar heating system to drastically cut the costs of warming your pool for use. Mix in the use of energy-driven heaters with state-of-the-art covers and even floats designed to use only the sun to warm the water.

You can even get efficient, low-cost gas heaters to keep your pool warm.

2. Improve Your Home’s Value

Even if you currently don’t have plans to sell your home, upgrading your backyard with a pool remodeling Boca Raton project can be a great way to improve your home’s value.

While in some parts of the country, housing experts advise that homeowners will never recover the costs of installing a pool when they go to sell their home, Florida is a different story.

In warm, sunny Florida, pools are the norm. In fact, in some neighborhoods, you may have trouble selling your home if it doesn’t have a pool.

Upgrading to a luxurious, modern pool and creating a beautiful space around it can be a huge boost to your home’s value.

3. Meet Your Current Needs

The pool that you have in your backyard now is likely not the pool of your dreams.

Maybe you moved into the home and the pool came with it. Or you installed the pool when your kids were young, and now they’ve grown.

Whatever the case, the odds that you would install the exact same pool in the exact same way today are slim.

Designing a new pool now allows you to create the pool and space that fits your current wants and needs.

Maybe you no longer need a family-friendly pool with zero-entry or a diving board. Or perhaps you’re dreaming of having space around your pool for hosting backyard parties.

Your dream pool could be an oasis, with a waterfall and beautiful tiles, rather than the out-dated above-ground that you have now.

Designing and installing a new pool means choosing exactly what you want and don’t want. The end product will be a space that is functional and perfect for your current lifestyle.

4. Make Your Pool Safer

If your current pool is outdated and deteriorating, it could actually be putting you and your family at risk.

Chipped tiles can cause trips or other injuries. Deteriorating side walls can be unsafe to hold onto. Outdated steps can be sharp and lead to cuts.

While you could patch some of these problems, they are likely to come back.

If your pool is a place where neighborhood kids gather, your children play, or where you host friends, you could be putting all of them at risk.

With a pool remodeling Boca Raton project, you’ll get a fresh, modern space that is completely safe. You’ll get the chance to enjoy your space without worrying about any damage or risk of injuries.

Your pool should be a place for relaxation and fun. Don’t spend your free time worrying about what could go wrong.

5. Avoid Costly Problems Later On

If your pool is deteriorating, the problems are likely just beginning.

Leaving the issues unaddressed will only cause them to worsen. You could be causing permanent damage to your home or property as a result.

If the lining of your pool is old, it could be leaking water into the ground around your pool. If the pool is located close to your home, this could mean flooding around your foundation or even into your home.

If you have an above-ground pool that is falling apart, it could eventually break, spilling water into your backyard. This can flood basements, ruin grills or patio furniture, and more.

Stopping these issues before they can cause serious, expensive damage requires immediate action. Professionals who specialize in pool service can help you get rid of your old pool safely. Then we’ll help you upgrade to a new, safe pool that you’ll get to enjoy without fear for years to come.

Start Your Pool Remodeling Boca Raton Project Today

If you’ve got an old, outdated, ugly, or unsafe pool in your backyard, it’s time to take action.

Don’t wait until someone gets hurt or your pool causes major damage to your home or property. Instead, take action, and get the pool and backyard of your dreams today with pool remodeling Boca Raton.

If you’re ready to start designing and installing the pool of your dreams in your backyard, contact us today. We’ll help bring your dreams to reality, and give you a beautiful pool that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come!

A: Travertine is a natural stone from the limestone family and is typically found in the form of deposits near warm or hot springs. It is sometimes known as Travertine Limestone or Travertine Marble, although it is neither limestone nor marble. In ancient times, it was frequently used as a building material, but now it is most commonly used for pool decks, patios, countertops, flooring, showers, and tubs as well as exterior decor.

Q: What are Travertine Pavers?

A: Travertine Pavers are 100% natural stone pavers sold in various sizes and patterns. They are typically 1.25″ thick and are ideal for pool decks, patios, and driveways.

Q: Why should I use Travertine Pavers vs. other paving materials?

A: Tumbled Travertine Pavers are one of the best materials to use around a pool deck, patio, driveway, or walkway. Their tumbled, porous surface instantly absorbs water, leaving the surface of the deck practically non-slip. Travertine Pavers also stay cool to the touch. The same can’t be said about other paving materials such as brick pavers, or concrete. The lifespan of a Travertine Paver is incomparable to other man-made materials – travertine can last centuries, while other paving materials crack and deteriorate over time.

Q: Where do Travertine Pavers come from?

A: Most of the Travertine Pavers, we install are from Turkey. Turkey is known to have superb quality Travertine reserves and is the preferred choice for architects and designers. Italy, Iran, Mexico, Peru and the United States also have Travertine reserves.

Q: How thick are Travertine Pavers?

A: The industry standard for Travertine Pavers is 1.25” thick, although custom orders can be done for a thicker paver.

Q: What does the finished surface of a Travertine Paver look like?

A: Travertine Pavers typically have one of three finishes:

• Tumbled (textured and porous surface)

• Honed (smooth and matte)

• Polished (smooth and shiny)

Cliff answers the question: What is pool coping?, and discusses how different pool coping styles and materials can enhance the beauty of your swimming pool.