The process of laying pavers is not a difficult one, but some tools and materials are necessary. Pavers of Tampa Bay are used for different applications and vary in cost and quality. There are three basic kinds of pavers: stone, clay, and concrete. These also come in thousands of colors and styles. Your geographical location and how you intend to use the pavers will most likely influence which kind to purchase.
Most commonly, pavers are laid on a base of sand to be held in place by natural rock. The sand serves as a cushion for the pavers, so they do not slip and slide on the way down. Natural stone pavers are the most popular because they are easier to lay and more robust than clay pavers. However, clay pavers are still used, mainly because they do not crack, chip, or age like natural stone. Some of the more popular types of clay used to pave roads, driveways, and sidewalks include flagstone, ceramic tile, and quarry tiles.
Pavers can also be made out of concrete. Unlike clay, this type of material does not crumble, flake, or shrink. Concrete pavers can be used to create curbstones, walkways, driveways, and even garages. The cost of laying a row of concrete pavers is less expensive than for natural stone or brick. Concrete is also easy to work with when filling in a hole or creating an edging groove.
Two types of natural stone are used for pavers: limestone and sandstone. Limestone is the most popular because it is available in a wide variety of colors and it is very durable. Sandstone is usually yellow, brown, or gray and is softer than limestone. Most people prefer limestone over sandstone because sandstone is porous and can stain clothing if it gets wet, while limestone is not.
Pavers can also be made out of steel and aluminum. These paver materials are cheaper than natural stone or brick, but they are not as strong. Aluminum paver material is an excellent alternative if you don’t want to deal with natural stone or brick upkeep. The cost of putting up a garage or driveway made out of aluminum or steel can be much less than that of brick. However, these paver materials will rust quickly, and you won’t have any aesthetic or protective coating.
Another option when you’re looking for paver materials is “power washing.” Power washing is when you use a high-pressure jet of water to clean your pavers and remove dirt and debris from them. Power washing pavers come in two different forms: asphalt and plastic.
Asphalt pavers are a great paver material for residential and commercial landscaping because they are cheap and easy to install. They are lightweight so that they won’t take up a lot of space. Some asphalt pavers come pre-blocked, which means that you do not have to apply any adhesive to the paper’s surface. This makes it easier to work in high-traffic areas, and it means that you can enjoy your outdoor space without having to worry about cleaning up after it. Unfortunately, many of the cheaper brands of asphalt that you can buy today are not very long-lasting. They will wear out within four years or so.
Plastic pavers are a little bit better than asphalt, though. Pavers made of concrete are much more expensive than those made from any other material, but they are much more durable and last longer. You do, however, have to take special care of concrete pavers, as they can stain very easily. It is not recommended that you use concrete pavers in high-traffic areas, and brick pavers are much more expensive than concrete ones. If you use pavers for your driveway, you should make sure that you put down a layer of rubber to keep your driveway free of stains.