Pavers are a simple but effective way to elevate your outdoor space. Whether you’re choosing a paver for your patio, garden, driveway, or pool area, you have a variety of choices to choose from with the different types of paving materials. Choosing the right kind of paver is essential to make sure that you get the most out of your outdoor areas. If you’re having some difficulties deciding between pavers, here’s a list of the different types of paving materials you can use in your projects:
Different Types of Paving Materials
The good thing about pavers is that you have a variety of choices. Whatever type you choose, most pavers are designed to be durable for the outdoors. Quite similar to tiles, pavers are installed on site in compact base soil and sand. A key difference between tiles and pavers is the lack of grout between joints, allowing liquids like water to pass through. Below are some of the most common materials for pavers:
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are made of cement and aggregates. These pavers are compressed and air cured to strengthen the material. This is a good type of paver for driveways and roadways because of its strength and durability. Concrete pavers are fairly easy to install, easily customizable, and cheaper than brick pavers making it a good option for most people looking for an affordable paver option.
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers are made from molded clay and have been used as surfacing materials over the years. This type of paving material is an ideal alternative to concrete pavers as they are easily customizable and accessible as well. Note, however, that brick pavers are less durable than concrete pavers and can be somewhat easy to crack without proper maintenance.
Flagstone
Flagstone pavers are a good choice if you’re looking to create different types of paving patterns. This paver material is made from sedimentary rocks, creating a unique, non-slip texture perfect for creating unique designs. As one of the thinner types of paving material, flagstone pavers are not ideal for driveways and roadways. However, it is still a durable paver and will last longer than a concrete paver if it’s used as patio or garden paver. If you’re looking to create unique designs, then flagstone pavers are a good option for you.
Marble
Marble pavers are good paver options for residential and commercial projects. It is a good choice for walkways, patios, and grass-yard lanes. If you happen to have a thicker cut of marble pavers, marble is also a good option for driveways. This type of paving material is high-quality, long-lasting, and give an aura of elegance for your outdoor areas.
Travertine
Travertine pavers are all-natural, eco-friendly, durable pavers that are good options for outdoor landscaping and flooring. It is one of the most accessible paver options and is a cheaper alternative to marble pavers. Travertine pavers also insulate heat so it doesn’t heat up during summer.
Porcelain
Porcelain pavers are clay-based pavers with a non-porous finish. This paver material generally costs less than natural raw materials. With thicker porcelain pavers, they may have a closer resemblance to natural materials like wood and stone. Because of its non-porous finish and less-absorbent surface, porcelain makes an excellent choice for wet areas like pool decks.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone pavers are an excellent option for outdoor areas that receive a lot of heavy traffic. This paver material has long-lasting durability and beautiful patterns, making it a good option for those looking to balance their aesthetic and practicality. Cobblestone is usually more expensive compared to marble and concrete pavers, but it’s a good investment considering the need for little maintenance and durability. In fact, this type of paving material can span for several centuries given that there is proper maintenance.
Rubber
Rubber pavers are testaments to the different technological innovations in the industry. Rubber pavers are made of recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option. However, aside from being eco-friendly, rubber pavers are also tear-resistant and affordable. Because of the technological innovations, these pavers have features that are not usually found in more traditional options. These innovations are what make them versatile options.
Plastic
The creation of plastic pavers came from a group environmentalists that wanted to contribute solutions towards the overproduction of plastic. For those looking for an environmentally option, plastic pavers may be a point of consideration for you especially if you’re looking for something easily customizable. However, note that plastic pavers are not as durable as marble, stone, gravel, asphalt and concrete pavers.
Installing the Right Pavers
Once you decide on the kind of pavers you will be using, it’s time to install them. While you can definitely work on the installation yourself, you would benefit from having professionals properly install your pavers. Talking to the right paving installation service in Perth will definitely help you decide on the right course of action for your landscape.
Talk to one of our professionals here at Green Oasis Landscaping and get your dream outdoor area!