Outdoor pavers (also called concrete pavers, paving stones, or simply pavers) are interlocking bricks composed of concrete and sometimes other materials. They have many applications around a home or business, producing beautiful and almost maintenance free driveways, patios, walkways, or pool decks, though the uses for paving stones outdoors is only limited by the imagination. This article is a basic introduction to outdoor pavers: aquiring, installing, and maintaining them. More detailed information can be found at this website about concrete pavers.

The advantages of outdoor pavers are many, especially over the other options available. For instance, asphalt is a common alternative for driveways and walkways. However, asphalt is rather fragile, and will crack and degrade over time, especially after freeze/thaw cycles in the winter. Asphalt will eventually have to be replaced because of this. Concrete, too, falls prey to these problems, often developing unsightly cracks and crevices over time, also requiring replacement. Outdoor pavers, on the other hand, require much less upkeep and are much more hardy in the face of environmental degradation. The base on which they are installed (aggregate) is strong enough to withstand the elements while also being flexible enough to avoid cracking and settling due to water, ice, or the cold. And, if the pavers have to be replaced, all it takes is replacing one or two pieces, and not the entire installation. The repair looks flawless, and not like it was patched up with an unsightly difference between the new and old sections.

Pavers can be obtained from mason supply yards or other authorized distributors. There are many brands, shapes, colors, and patterns available depending on your particular project. You will also need other materials and tools in order to complete the job, that is, if you wish to install them yourself. While this is a perfectly doable option, many homeowners leave it to a qualified, licensed and insured contractor to install the outdoor pavers over a bed of compacted crushed aggregate base and concrete sand.

If you do decide to hire a contractor, there are a number of issues to keep in mind. Some people have a bad view of contractors in general, in that they are allegedly unreliable, untrustworthy, and unfair with prices. However, as with all stereotypes, this is really just the characterization of a few bad apples. Most contractors want to do a good job in order to satisfy your needs and potentially entice future business from you. That said, there are a few questions you can ask to ensure you’re getting a good contractor to install your outdoor pavers. How many years has he or she been in business? Can they supply references? Do they do the work themselves, or do they subcontract or just drop off a bunch of workers and leave? How long will it take? How much will it cost? And is there a warranty? There are other questions to ask as well, so do your homework and you will have a great experience.

Once the brick have been laid on this base according to the design plans, the cracks (joints) between the brick are filled with sand or other fine materials and compacted one final time. Installation of the pavers is not trivial and may incur lots of time and a moderate cost, especially if the homeowner does not complete it himself or herself.

The benefits, however, of installing outdoor pavers, whether in a backyard patio or pool side, or a garden, or a driveway or walkway, or whatever application, are many and diverse. For instance, instead of spending lots of money to go on exquisite vacations, one can take those funds and pour them into one’s own home, creating a vacation spot in the backyard to enjoy with friends and family. Outdoor paver installations also can increase the appraised value of your property. In this way they are not only an investment in your personal enjoyment but also in your family’s financial future.

Overall, outdoor pavers are a great option for many parts of your home, backyard, frontyard, or other areas. Building a relationship with a trustworthy and fair contractor can pay dividends for you, your family, and your home for years to come.

Will Grander is the creator and webmaster of www.concretepaversguide.com – “The site for everything concrete pavers – brands, reviews, prices, cost, installation, contractors, and information!”

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