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The Pros and Cons of Concrete Paver Patios
You have plans to put in a new patio, walkway or driveway and are considering all of the options. In a previous article we reviewed the options for finish materials, including poured concrete and natural stone, but today I wanted to take a closer look at the pros and cons of concrete pavers.
Advantages
- Flexibility. A concrete paver walkway or driveway is comprised of hundreds of individual bricks that are locked together with polymeric joint sand. This allows the bricks to support heavy loads while retaining the ability to move with seasonal changes in the soil moisture content. Often, things that are strong are also very rigid, not so with a driveway or walkway done with concrete pavers!
- Ease of repair. If a section of your driveway or patio becomes uneven over time it is possible to repair a small section of pavers without having to re-do the entire thing. Changes and expansions can also be done in such a way that they are indistinguishable from the original space. The ease of repairs and additions means these changes are more economical than with poured concrete.
- Wide range of styles, colors and patterns. With so many different types of concrete pavers available, the design possibilities are almost endless. Much of the work we do is in elegant monochromatic color schemes, but vibrant, striking designs are possible by using contrasting paver colours, and by mixing different styles and patterns.
- Immediate usability. Unlike poured and stamped concrete that has to cure for 3 to 4 days, pavers are ready to enjoy as soon as the installers have cleaned up the work site. No "wet concrete" signs needed!
- Low maintenance requirements. There was a time when concrete pavers required some effort to keep the joint sand from being washed away and to keep weeds from settling into the joints. The introduction of polymeric sand has eliminated those problems, making patios and driveways nearly maintenance-free.
Disadvantages
- Initial Cost. Concrete pavers are initially a little more expensive than some of the other patio options. But, they will maintain a nearly new appearance longer than poured concrete. When you factor in the ease of repair and alteration of paver bricks, you may find that the longer-term cost of concrete is actually higher.
- Difficult DIY project. For those of you who enjoy a challenge, it's certainly possible to do pavers on your own, but it's not as easy as pouring concrete. Without some specialized skill and equipment, concrete paver installation makes for a very challenging DIY project.
If you would like to know more about the physical and technical demands of concrete paver installation give me (Dwayne) a call, text or email. I'd be happy to help!
Reviews from Google
Earthworks does a thoroughly professional job from the design stage forward through to the completed project. Super attention to both the look and function of the project, as well as prompt serviceRead more … at the quoted price, supported by a great warranty. Couldn't recommend more highly!
This is our second time using Earthworks, Dwayne always gives you exactly what you want. Fast, efficient, and tidy service. The price quoted is the price invoiced, and the post project maintenanceRead more … is above and beyond. Piece of mind for the next 5 years, if something shifts they will fix it. I won't hesitate to call Dwayne for our next landscaping project.
Very happy with the experience. The thought and care given to the creative side of our sidewalk and patio design was much appreciated and impressive. Dwayne took time to find out our style-then madeRead more … great suggestions on how our cobbles could flow to create the look we wanted. This was very important to me. The job came in on-time, on budget, and is gorgeous. I also very much appreciate the follow up from Earthworks to ensure the flagstone has remained properly seated. I highly recommend Earthworks if you're looking for excellent craftsmanship and not a "kit install" - you will get something unique and creative from from Dwayne and his team.
Dwayne and crew have given us a beautiful Roman paving stone front and side walkway and parking pad out back. Graceful curves, a perfectionist's attention to technical issues and every minute detail.Read more … On time, on budget. We couldn't be happier.
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