While solid concrete and asphalt are the most popular types of driveways, a material that often gets overlooked is stone. For centuries, stone has been used for driveways, pavement and walkways, and a favoured choice because it is less expensive than asphalt and concrete driveways. In addition, a well-built stone driveway can be an impressive feature that greatly enhances your home’s exterior.
It is true that stones may become loose from time to time due to the weight of cars driving over the driveway and frequent snow ploughing during the winter. However, stone driveways are still a great option.
Stone is just one of the many types of pavers, and when installed properly, can give you a driveway you will love.
What are Pavers?
Pavers are pieces of brick, concrete or stone that are used for exterior flooring. Pavers can be used in many ways, but are most commonly used on driveways, sidewalks or patios and are a top choice because of their visual appeal and how nicely they complement various architectural designs. Pavers are typically made out of clay, stone, brick or concrete. For concrete, brick and clay pavers, special molds are used to shape the mixture to produce the desired shape.
Driveway pavers are a great investment and their appeal often translates into an increase in the property value of a home. Some other advantages of pavers are that they are slip and skid-proof and relatively low maintenance.
How Long Will Pavers Last?
Many homeowners are interested in knowing how much life they can get out of their pavers because it is more expensive than asphalt and concrete driveways. Different paving materials have different lifespans, but a key factor in how long a paving material lasts is how well the installation was done. No matter how durable a paving material is, if it is installed in a way that is less than ideal, your driveway will lose its appeal sooner than it should.
In general, pavers last 50 –100 years. So while they cost more than gravel driveways, pavers have a greater lifespan.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Pavers?
Whether you are paving a driveway or a patio, as a standard, you should expect to pay a minimum of $13 per square foot. If you are quoted an amount lower than that, the quality of the materials and installation may be subpar.
What Is the Difference Between a Brick and A Paver?
The difference between a brick and a paver is purely aesthetic. Bricks are intended for construction of buildings and can have more of an industrial look. Brick pavers, on the other hand, are meant for exterior flooring and thus more appealing.
What Is Better Concrete or Pavers?
Concrete is a highly durable material, but when poured into slabs to cover a large surface area it becomes more prone to cracking over time. The slabs can also become uneven due to environmental factors like tree roots or inclement weather. This makes the driveway look less appealing and can create a hazard. And although you may repair or replace the slabs, your driveway will never look as good as it did the day of cancellation.
Concrete pavers are designed to last for decades. And in the event that an individual paving stone becomes chipped or cracked, it can easily be replaced. This means that your family can enjoy a driveway that is in good condition from one generation to the next.
Should the ground become uneven or unsettled, the pavers can be removed for the ground level to be leveled, and then placed back into position afterwards.
In contrast, paving stone driveways actually become stronger and more settled over time. Individual stones can be replaced when needed without compromising the integrity of the rest of the driveway, patio or walkway. Paving stones offer the most durability. This is one of the reasons why paving stone manufacturers give lifetime guarantees on their products.
What Do You Put Under Pavers?
There are a number of options when it comes to choosing material to place under pavers. You can lay pavers over a layer of gravel and sand, place them in a mortar or place them directly over dirt. What’s important is that the ground underneath the pavers is in good condition.
Do Pavers Fade?
Yes. Over time, the vibrancy of your pavers will fade. There are things you can do to keep the colour of your driveway, patio or walkway looking great for longer. A good quality sealant can be used to preserve the colour of pavers. The sealant will need to be refilled from time to time to remain effective for longer.
