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Choosing A Paver Contractor

Posted on February 8th, 2012

Paving any area in your home might appear to be a relatively simple task for a contractor. But it pays to research the list of contractors to be absolutely certain you award the paving contract to the right person or company.

Identifying Your Requirements

The first thing you need to do is to select the right paver pattern compatible with your project from the wide range of paver patterns which are available. Obviously you would have a certain budget so the cost of pavers will be a significant consideration factor.

Where To Hire Paver Contractors

The easiest way to choose paver contractors is to rely on recommendations from someone who has had a similar job done. You may want to pave your backyard, patios or driveways so you can search for contractors who have specific experience. If this is not possible then look for contractors listed on the Internet. Popular online classified sites like Craigslist or Gumtree will have listings by paver contractors. Review their websites and check their credentials with the BBB or similar reporting agencies. Study any reviews from customers and scrutinize pictures of their completed projects. Also check out the equipment the company has which should adequately meet your project needs. When you have shortlisted two or three vendors with a good track record, invite them to bid with written proposals which should include a detailed scope of the project with a firm delivery schedule.
Study the various proposals and compare them. Make sure you understand the scope of work and the extent of the contractor’s commitment. See to it that whatever you want is included which will save you cost overruns and a dispute at the end. Above all study the warranty clauses and guarantee information which might save you a lot of money at a later stage.

How Select A Paver Contractor

When making your decision, price should not be your only consideration. However when you compare offers, make certain the breakdown of prices refers to similar materials or products. Be sure to verify the preparation and clean-up routines. Ask the bidders for referrals which are similar to your project. Try to meet the owners and satisfy yourself about the quality of workmanship. If you have any doubts or require clarification don’t be hesitant to ask. It’s best to be clear at this stage then to have a disagreement when the work is in progress. Only when you are fully satisfied, sign a contract with the company which gives you the best deal.

 

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Concrete Pavers

Posted on February 6th, 2012

Concrete pavers are one of the most popular and versatile of paving materials. They are used extensively in driveways, promenades, parking lots, pool decks, patios and pathways. Being machine produced they are cost-effective and yet aesthetically appealing which makes them the perfect choice for residential and commercial complexes. The concrete pavers price is acceptable to mosthomeowners. A common Paver Pattern is the interlocking design. Interlocking

concrete pavers which are a less expensive option offer a long-term and durable paving solution. Interlocking pavers are not difficult to install, so small and simple projects could easily be installed by the homeowner to save on installation costs. Concrete pavers are available in a wide variety of colors, designs and shapes which enables a homeowner to give full vent to creativity. This makes concrete pavers a popular hardscaping solution for garden and other pathways. A side benefit is that they are also an environmentally friendly product. Here are some of the other advantages in favor of concrete pavers for use in hardscaping projects:

Climate resistance

Concrete Pavers are suitable in all weather conditions. They can be used for foot traffic immediately on completion of installation. They are not liable to cracking which is a problem encountered with traditional materials like brick and asphalt. They are able to sustain extreme cold with freezing and thawing cycles, and resist de-icing salts.  Interlocking pavers, which are easy to install and are removable, make for a flexible system with allows for slight lateral shifts and movements. They are also virtually shatterproof and last a lifetime.

High Strength

Because of the manufacturing procedure and rigorous quality controls, concrete pavers are dimensionally stable, many times stronger than poured concrete and far more durable than asphalt. They are made under hydraulic pressure which ensures a dense product of exceptional strength comparable almost with natural stone. Concrete pavers last for generations and are able to sustain years of heavy use. Interlocking pavers allow for marginal movement without cracking unlike poured concrete and stamped bricks.

Maintenance

Concrete Pavers are low maintenance requiring little, if any ongoing maintenance costs. Generally regular sweeping and hosing down is all that is required to keep them in pristine condition. Stains can be removed by pressure washing or using mild detergent and brushing. Repairs can easily be carried out – particularly with interlocking pavers – merely by removing the damaged paver and replacing it. Concrete pavers are versatile enough to be removed and relocated if required.

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Selecting The Right Paver Pattern

Posted on January 30th, 2012

Pavers are available in a number of different options in size, color and material for different surfacing operations. This enormous selection offers a huge opportunity to a creative homeowner to design a pattern that is attractive and appealing and yet able to focus on certain aspects which the homeowner might wish to highlight. Your Paver Pattern could, for example, provide a sense of space or depth or unwittingly invite your attention to a particular feature. So Pavers can be cleverly used as more than just a surfacing. Selecting the right paver patterns become a useful skill homeowners should learn.

Paver Patterns For Patios

A beautiful patio deserves a striking design. Here are some different paver patterns ideas to bring out the best in your patio.

  • A Herringbone pattern which can be 45 or 90 degrees has remarkable effect and provides the best interlock between pavers. Herringbone is one of the most popular choices in paver patterns.
  • The Basketweave or Parquet pattern is a checkerboard arrangement where the pavers are laid at an angle or level. Though it is simple and easy to install, it has an irresistible appeal of its own.
  • A Running Bond pattern has each row of pavers alternating rather than being on top of each other.
  • A Circle Design is artistic but poses an installation challenge requiring specialized experience. In a circle design, the pavers are laid in circles of expanding diameters adjacent to each other.

Walkway Paver Patterns

Walkways are pathways which in a residential property are most likely seen at the entrance to the home, leading to a pool or garden area. There is a wide assortment of pavers of different materials and colors which are durable and perfect for walkways and yet allow a creative designer to express his or her ideas. The three most suitable and popular materials used in walkway paver patterns are:

  • Natural stone pavers
  • Concrete pavers
  • Brick and clay pavers

Ideal walkway paver patterns are:

  • Herringbone both of 45 and 90 degrees.
  • A Stack Bond pattern, which is similar to Running Bond, except that the rows are stacked on top of each other
  • Diamond
  • Diagonal
  • Interlock Zigzag

Driveway Paver Patterns

Driveways, because of the extra demands, are better served with different pavers. Driveways have to sustain vehicle loads as well as the demands of sudden starts and stoppages and the lateral forces when a vehicle turns, so they must be able to sustain significant wear and tear. Interlocking pavers are an ideal solution for a driveway in which there are many choices. Travertine pavers which are of natural stone are one solution which meets all driveway requirements. Travertine pavers do not fade because of intense sunlight nor do they crack because of temperature changes which make them eminently suitable. However they are expensive because the pavers have to be cut and shaped from natural stone which has to be quarried. On the plus side they require virtually no maintenance at all.

Asphalt Pavers are another good choice because asphalt is durable, long-lasting and aesthetically appealing.

Mexican Pavers, a kind of unfinished terra cotta tile, are an affordable driveway paver option but this paver requires sealant to protect its surface from the wear it is subjected to and weather conditions.

Some homeowners prefer intricate designs with complex paver patterns while others go for something simpler. This really is a personal choice but an appropriate driveway paver pattern would be one that would complement the building around which it is installed. Many enthusiasts choose to install their driveway pavers themselves saving a considerable amount on installation costs. This is fine when the pattern is straightforward and simple, but in more intricate patterns which involves circles and curves, the services of a paver contractor might be preferable. Circular or curved patterns are a labor intensive installation with each paver having to be individually placed. Needless to say it will be expensive.

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Cost Of Paver

Posted on January 29th, 2012

Pavers are a great solution for surfacing your driveways, pathways, pool decks, patios and walkways. They are also available in a number of colors and materials which provide you with a wide choice when considering your paving project. Pavers can be laid in numerous attractive paver patterns for different effects. A paved surface is durable which makes it a lifetime investment. Pavers can be manmade like brick and concrete. Since they are made in large numbers, the cost is significantly reduced making these pavers an affordable surfacing option. However when making your selection it would pay for you to research your options and consider the benefits of cost vs durability. You might choose a cheap paver which would require considerable on-going maintenance which would be counter-productive. It would be more advisable to buy a more expensive paver initially which would be lasting and not attract on-going maintenance costs.

Cost elements of paving driveways and patios

Your total paving cost will comprise of two parts – the cost of the pavers themselves and the cost of installation. Certain kinds of pavers are not difficult to install if you have the inclination and basic ability. If you decide to install your paving area yourself you can save a significant part of the project cost.

Paving cost estimates

Let us try and analyze the cost of using different types of paving materials commonly used in landscaping projects. Some of the popular options are Stamped and colored concrete, Natural stone pavers and bricks and pavers.

Bricks and pavers

Bricks and pavers are mass produced so they come at an affordable cost and are readily available. On average you can budget at $5 to $15 per sq ft. Installation will cost a further $10 to $20 per sq ft. The advantage in this material lies in the wide range of choices available in terms of shape, size and color. This opens up a whole lot of paver pattern opportunities to a homeowner. Maintenance is marginal as the surface only needs to be washed and sealed about every year. They are very durable and guarantee a lifetime of service.

Natural Stone Pavers

Stone pavers are more expensive as the stone has to be quarried, cut to size and finished. The cost will depend on the kind of stone you choose and varies so widely that it is difficult to give a range. However you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 for installation. Installation of natural stone pavers is expensive because it is a labor intensive operation. Natural stone pavers are sophisticated and attractive, need no maintenance, will last a lifetime, and some types even improve with age.

Concrete Pavers

Another manufactured product, concrete pavers are available at between $5 and $15 per sq ft. Installation cost will work out to $5 to $10 per sq ft. Concrete pavers will require to be cleaned and sealed every year both to protect the surface and preserve the color which is not natural and liable to fade.

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How To Lay Pavers

Posted on January 28th, 2012

Pavers are an ideal choice for walkways, patios, decks, garden pathways, pool decks and driveways. They are durable, able to stand both pedestrian and vehicular traffic and are easy to install. Arguably one point in favor of pavers is the variety of materials in which they are available and the different kinds of patterns in which they can be installed. Pavers if properly installed can last a lifetime, but if required they can also be removed and re-laid elsewhere.

Planning For Home Paver

It’s a good idea to first plan out your project carefully. Your selection of pavers will depend largely on what the project is about – is it a pathway or a driveway, a patio or a walkway. Will it cater to pedestrian traffic or vehicular as well. Do you want it to look longer or broader? What are the other conditions it will have to withstand? These are the variables to consider when deciding on the most suitable Paver Pattern and material for your project. You can select from a variety of different paver patterns to suit the location of installation.

What Tools Would I Need To Lay Pavers?

  • Rubber mallet
  • Brick chisel
  • Level
  • Brush
  • Leveling board

Mark The Area To Lay Paver

  1. The first step in laying pavers is to mark the area where you want to install the pavers.
  2. Dig out the marked area to a depth of 4” if the pavers will only be used for pedestrian traffic. If vehicles are likely to use it you will have to dig about 2” deeper.
  3. Repack the soil after removing stones and debris and tamp it down.
  4. Line the outside of the excavated area with boards or anything that will serve as edge restraints. This will prevent the pavers from spreading or rolling. Precast concrete curbs are a good choice which are easy to install and have an attractive appearance.
  5. Fill in the bottom with coarse sand to a depth of 2”. Coarse sand only should be used because it compacts better. Level out the sand surface with a rake and leveling board.
  6. Start laying the pavers according to your chosen pattern. Press the pavers against each other and tap them flat with the rubber mallet. If needed, you can use the brick chisel to split the pavers to fit. Check with the level as you go along to make sure the installation is level in both directions. Make any corrections which may be required by tapping the pavers in further or packing more sand below.
  7. When you have finished, recheck the installation till you are well satisfied. Then pour a layer of fine sand over the pavers. The sand serves to work itself into the joints to fill in the small gaps between. Spread the sand over the entire surface so that it covers all the joints. Press firmly to ensure that all joints are filled. Sweep away the excess sand.
  8. Spray the installation gently to wash the pavers.
  9. Seal the pavers to reduce chances of weather damage and to preserve the color.

If you have followed the instructions on how to lay pavers should end with a durable installation that will give you many years of service.

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What Are Different Paver Patterns

Posted on January 26th, 2012

Concrete pavers, also known as paving stones are becoming increasingly popular in the United States for residential and commercial construction projects. Interlocking pavers which was a European development has been in use for the last two decades There has since been considerable development in the field and now pavers are available in a wide variety of patterns, colors and designs. Pavers are the preferred choice because they are durable and easy to install. But their largest advantage is that they can quite easily be dismantled and re-installed in another location. Pavers can be used in a variety of locations like patios, pool decks, walkways, driveways and courtyards. Part of the attraction lies not merely in the variety of colors in which they come but also in the innumerable Paver Patterns in which they can be installed. Different Patterns in Pavers are also referred to as bonds.

Before installing pavers it pays to consider some of the advantages in different pattern designs. For instance an installation at 45 degrees to a building makes the paved area look smaller than it actually is. If you want to create an impression of space then choose a design running at right angles to the building.

Brick Pavers

If you choose rectangular shaped clay bricks or paving blocks, here are some of the brick paver pattern options available to you, each of which have their own distinctive appearance and lend themselves to theme changes.

Herringbone patterns are ideal of driveways and areas used by cars and trucks because they allow for even load bearing and minimize chances of relative movement between individual pavers, and the design as a whole. Herringbone patterns can be installed in either a 45 degree or 90 degree configuration. The 45 degree pattern makes more of a statement which is why it is popularly used below covered awnings and for patios. The 90 degree pattern is more conservative and is the preferred choice for walkways, pool decking and pathways. Both patterns are recommended where there is significant vehicle movement.

The Basket Weaver pattern has an old world charm about it if you are looking for an antiquated look.

The Stretcher Bond pattern is pavers laid parallel to each other. It is the easiest to install. If the pavers are installed longitudinally they give the expanse an appearance of length. If they are laid across they give an appearance of breath. So if pavers are laid across the length of a path the pathway looks wider than what it actually is.

Ashlar Paver

Ashlar paver is another material of which pavers are made. Ashlar is prepared stonework suitably dressed and cut. An Ashlar pattern is an apparently random paving pattern of a number of pavers cut in different sizes of squares and rectangles.

Flagstone Paver

A Flagstone paver is a generic term used for a shallow flat slab cut from any natural stone. Typical examples are slate, sandstone and limestone which are natural stones that can be easily cut and split. Flagstone pavers are a popular choice with homeowners because they are an ideal paving material perfect for residential use like for driveways, pool decks, patios, walkways and gardens. Since they are more difficult and costly to install, flagstone is not a common choice of commercial complexes. Typical flagstone paver patterns are basket weave, herring bone, interpace Venetial parquet, cobble-lock, Jericho stone and diamond run.

Bluestone Paver

Bluestone pavers are cut out of natural bluestone which is blue-gray sandstone – a mixture of quartz particles with a sand compound. Because of its fabulous color, bluestone pavers are used indoors as well as outdoors. Bluestone pavers are thin in width and square in shape. The shape of the paver is what determines the bluestone paver pattern. Commonly used patterns are herring bone, basket weave and running bond.

Tile Paver

Tile Paver are another hard-wearing material which can be stone, metal, glass or ceramic which are used for a number of applications like floors, walls and on the roof. Floor tiles are generally made of stone or ceramic thought of late glass and rubber tiles are becoming increasingly popular. Tiles are a product that is limited only by the user’s imagination. Tile patterns are used for applications as diverse as decorative floor work to geometrically symmetrical designs.

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