Pavers are hardscape features that you can add to your patio area or driveway to make them look more appealing.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, installing permeable pavers is one of the top ten highest consumer demands when it comes to creating sustainable and active elements for your landscape.
What Are Pavers?
Pavers are flat flooring materials that are usually installed outdoors to serve as a walkway. There are grounds that are uneven or rocky which makes it difficult to walk on. Paver installation is a quick and pretty solution to this problem.
Additionally, these landscape elements come in different shapes and sizes that can add life and beauty to your outdoor space.
What Are Pavers Used For
In the early days, stone pavers had been used in the construction of buildings because of their durability. Today they are popular in areas of residential homes such as pool deck areas or gardens. You can only imagine how they will be used in the near future because of their distinct quality.
But why install pavers in some areas of your home?
Pool Area and Water Features
Your pool area can get dirty or slippery because of the presence of water elements. This can be unsafe especially if you have kids playing and running around the pool area. A non-slippery stone paver will help prevent an unwanted accident to happen.
Other water features such as mini ponds, waterfalls, or fountains can also be enhanced by surrounding pavers alongside them. They help transform a plain-looking water feature into a smooth and expensive one.
Driveway
Installing pavers in your driveway is very convenient. You don’t have to worry about cracking as they’re very durable. Some pavers are permeable, allowing water to drain on their own.
Also, pavers allow you to drive smoothly even during or after heavy rains, where it can be difficult to drive on muddy soil or slick concrete.
Patio and Garden Area
The varied designs and colors of pavers add an element of excitement to your patio or garden area. Try blending these designs with your patio or garden theme to create an appealing effect that can lighten the mood.
Raise Garden Beds
When planning to install elevated garden beds, stone pavers are an excellent choice. They’re durable enough to hold garden beds in place and provide good drainage. Additionally, they create a clean and elegant look that can be an added attraction to your outdoor space.
Pathways and Walkways
Pavers have strong resistance to changing weather making them ideal for pathways and walkways. Get creative with your pathway and walkway ideas by incorporating pebbles and other stone elements to accentuate your paver design.
Also, instead of a full straight line, add some curves to make your pathway and walkway look more interesting.
Wall Cladding
Keep away from boring and lifeless walls by installing pavers with different shapes or sizes onto their surface. Add paver tiles to your wall to make them look more elegant and stylish. You can opt for small interlocking pavers or huge paver tiles installed evenly to make an impression.
How Long Do Pavers Last in Las Vegas & Henderson
Pavers are more durable than concrete. They are designed for extreme weather conditions without the need for frequent replacement. They’re flexible enough to last up to 50 years if you keep them well-maintained.
Pavers Pros and Cons and How to Address Them
Thinking about installing pavers in your outdoor space? Firstly, there are basic things you need to know about them. Here’s a list of the pros that might be helpful if you are planning to install one. Also on the list are the drawbacks and how you could possibly avoid or address them.
Durability
Compared to concrete, pavers are stronger and more durable. They don’t crack easily even when exposed to high foot traffic. Contrary to popular belief, sealed pavers don’t fade even from constant exposure to sunlight. They also last longer even with little maintenance.
Adds Aesthetic
Pavers come in different colors and designs that will suit your need. They also have varied shapes, sizes, and textures making each of their kind distinct from each other. You don’t have to worry if a slab gets damaged as you can easily remove and replace them.
Little to No Maintenance
Sweeping occasionally and rinsing pavers with clean water to remove dirt are just some of the simple tips on how to maintain them.
For precautionary measures, avoid planting trees bearing large roots anywhere near your paver stones to avoid them from getting damaged.
Longer Installation Process
Depending on the size of the area, paver installation can take longer time as compared to concrete. The entire process could take up to 5 days for professional contractors. DIY-ing paver installation can even take longer, especially for the inexperienced.
Porosity
Concrete pavers retain dirt if not cleaned regularly. This can result in stains that are difficult to remove if not acted on immediately. As a remedy, it’s important to seal and re-seal pavers regularly to keep them looking pristine and in their best condition.
Expensive Installation
There are steps that you need to take before you can start laying pavers. This process can be extensive and taxing.
This adds to the cost of installation other than the materials and labor. For an exceptional result, you can have them installed by a professional. The average installation costs of a well-installed paver range from $10 – $25 per square foot.
Weed Growth
You may have heard that weeds growing between pavers. To avoid that from happening, it’s important to kill the weeds or any other living organisms that can thrive on them before the installation process.
If weeds have grown on your pavers, you can manually remove them using a weeding knife or use herbicides to control them.
How Do You Install Pavers in Las Vegas & Henderson
Paver installation involves an in-depth process, that when done correctly, can result in a spectacular view of your outdoors.
Mark the Area
The first thing that you need to know is to identify the area where you will lay pavers. Take note that the ground needs to be sloped so that water can run off and not get stuck in the area.
Retained water in the paver can cause molds to grow on them. Marking the area will help you determine the exact number of pavers you will need.
Clean and Clear
Cleaning involves removing dirt and unwanted weeds in the area where pavers will be installed. You can pour a chemical solution into the soil to completely prevent weeds from growing and also kill insects that can cause damage.
Prepare Base
The base depth is an important factor for a long-lasting paver. Proper depth guarantees solid footing and good drainage. Dig soil at least 6 inches to make room for the base material, bedding sand, and the paver.
Level the subsoil before filling it with the base material.
Pour in Base
Spread out the crushed gravel onto the area making sure that they are distributed evenly. Compact the base material completely to ensure that there are no pore spaces in between grains.
An uncompacted base and bedding increases the chance of your pavers sinking on their own. In high-traffic areas, compaction is crucial for pavers to last.
Install Edges
Maintaining a secure edge helps pavers stay in place. Proper edging will keep pavers from separating or shifting which can ruin your hardscape. You can choose an edging material that is either made of concrete, plastic, metal, or wood.
Lay Down Bedding
Concrete sands are best as bedding material as they don’t trap excess moisture from different weather conditions. Bedding sands need to be laid flat and firm to ensure that pavers are neatly spread on the surface.
Lay Pavers and Sand Joints
After sand bedding is laid, slabs can now be placed according to your preferred style. Don’t forget to add and sweep sand joints allowing gaps to be filled in between pavers. This is to lock pavers in place.
Ensure that the area is dried before doing this process.
Seal and Maintain
The sealing of pavers should not be skipped if you want to ensure that weeds will not grow on sand joints or stains won’t ruin them. A binding sealant will make cleaning easier and more convenient.
Also, they make the maintenance process less difficult. Regular sweeping will be enough to make your pavers look spectacular for years.
Where to Find the Best Installers in Las Vegas & Henderson
When you’ve finally decided that you want pavers installed, the next step is to find a professional paver installer that will cater to your needs. Find a contractor that will give you the best quality services and sufficient expertise to make your outdoor space a paradise.
Landscape Creations will help you give that extra warmth that is very much needed in your home.
Conclusion
Installing pavers in strategic areas of your home will enhance their functionality other than adding curb appeal. But to make that work out, you need to realize that you’re investing in something that could increase the value of your property.
It’s important that you choose the right material and follow the necessary steps to install a well-designed paver. If you