1. How are paving stones made?

Briefly, paving stones are made by combining cement, stones, sand, color and minimal amount of water. These materials are combined by predetermined recipes in a steel mold of the shape desired. Under high vibration and hydraulic pressure the materials are compacted in the mold to create the paving stone you selected. The product is then set aside to air dry, subsequently packaged and shipped to the jobsite.

2. What about colors?

A2. The paving stone color desired is achieved by conditioning various pigments in specific recipes. The color is included in the manufacturing process and your paving stone will have your selected color through the entire stone not just on top and not just a tinting of color in the base. You may also notice slight color variations within your project.

Color variations are most noticeable when a project utilizes one solid color throughout the project

3. What is a color blend?

A color blend is a combination of two (2) or more colors to achieve a random color effect. It is IMPORTANT to note that selecting a color blend is NOT like selecting ceramic tile. With ceramic tile you choose a pattern and a color and all tiles are identical. With paving stones, a color blend simply put, means the colors comprising the blend. You will see paving stones that are completely solid in color, paving stones that have more of one color than the other and vice versa. To achieve an even blend throughout the installation, your installer will select various stones from a variety of bundles and lay them in a random manner to achieve a pleasant visual effect. (Imagine making a marble cake. You start with a completely yellow batter; slowly you add some chocolate and stir.

While adding the chocolate the appearance of the batter changes. If you would add a lot of chocolate and continue to stir you would have a completely chocolate batter. This applies in theory to paving stones and color blends. Your materials will range in color like the marble cake from solid yellow, to a lot of yellow and a little chocolate, to more chocolate and a little yellow, to completely chocolate.)

o    It is important to understand that unless you are seeing a complete project, the sample patterns from which you are making your color selection, are hand selected solely to show the colors comprising the specific blend. Your materials may vary from samples you see. This is nothing to be concerned about. (see #4)

4. Are there minimum amounts of brick I have to order if I choose a color blend?
YES. Due to manufacturing and packaging process it is recommended that the following minimums be adhered to in order to obtain the complete color blend.
“Pavers
-Two color Blends – 1 full pallet (220-245 sq ft depending on shape)
-Three Color Blends – 3 full pallets (660-735 sq ft depending on shape)
3/8″ Pavers
-Two Color Blends – 2 full pallets (quantity varies depending on shape)
-Three color Blends – 3 full pallets (quantity varies depending on shape)
Although smaller quantities can be ordered, It is NOT advisable especially if your project combines both 1″ and 2 3/8″ pavers. You may notice a slight color variation between thick and thin bricks. This is partially due to the change in vibration while manufacturing the 2 varying sizes as well as the weather conditions during manufacturing. Also, if you do opt to order less than the recommended amounts, you may receive different ends of color run. (i.e. Thick brick run received is a first part with more red than black, thin set or mortar tends to absorb the water from the water from the thin set or mortar and appear even darker.

5. What if the difference between 1″ pavers and 2 /38″ pavers?
Simply put 1″ pavers or “Thin bricks” are used solely for pedestrian applications, the most common usage being resurfacing existing area (i.e., over existing Chattahoochee, existing concrete) Conversely, 2 3/8″ pavers or “Thick Brick” are designed for almost any use from roadways to pool decks and walkways.
There are many instances where both size pavers are utilized.

For more information http://flpavers.com

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