In case you’re unaware, pavers are flat surfaces that are generally made from natural stone, concrete and brick. It should be known that property owners tend to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their driveways by installing pavers. Pavers help in exuding a sense of natural beauty from your driveway and you can select the size, texture & colour of your pavers.
Some of the additional areas where you can use pavers are:
- Fire Pits
- Walkways
- Pool Decks
- Patios
To help you learn more about driveway pavers, we have created a comprehensive guide containing the different types of them and their respective features.
Various Types Of Driveway Pavers
- Concrete Pavers
Concrete paving in Melbourne is made from a dry concrete mix containing gravel, cement, pigments and sand. Once the mixing process is completed, the concrete mix is then poured into different moulds. After that, the cement mix is compressed and a shape is formed before the concrete finally cures.
To install concrete pavers, the installation area needs to be clear of any pre-existing paving, grass or loose soil. The foundation of concrete pavers is made using compact gravel along with layers of sand. After that, edging is installed to create perfect borders for your pavers, so that they can stay secure. The joints between the pavers are filled with a sand filling, which is further compacted to make sure that there’s a proper fit.
One of the many reasons why concrete pavers are so popular among driveway owners is because they are long-lasting, easy to maintain and provide value for money. However, you still need to ensure that routine maintenance is carried out (rinsing & sweeping the concrete paved areas). Moreover, weeds need to be removed whenever they will grow beside the concrete pavers.
- Stone Pavers
Natural stone pavers are one of the many alternatives to concrete pavers. But, they provide a few inherent demerits such as affordability and longevity. This is because natural stone pavers will not be as resistant to high-traffic pressure areas that driveways require. While that doesn’t mean that stone pavers tend to be fragile, they’re surely not as durable as concrete pavers. For instance, limestone pavers are always known for their durability, but still, they rank less when compared to concrete pavers.
It should be remembered that natural stone pavers are ideal for other outdoor uses such as for creating pool decks because they have absorbent properties in them. Furthermore, natural stone pavers provide various types of organic textures & colours, thereby offering a striking aesthetic.
- Brick Pavers
Since concrete pavers are always known for their durability, brick pavers are known for their elegant appearance. When it comes to maintenance, brick pavers can experience breaks & cracks more than concrete pavers. One of the primary demerits of using concrete pavers is that – you need to routinely seal them so that they don’t get stained over time. Besides, you have to utilise pressure washing when cleaning your brick pavers.
Additionally, you must know that brick pavers tend to offer fewer design options compared to concrete pavers while also costing more.
At the end of the heyday, it’s quite clear that concrete pavers are the way to go, especially if you’re thinking about paving your driveway. For more information, feel free to contact us.
