This Belgard paver from the Mega-Bergerac Collection is made of three shapes that bring an old world charm to this beautifully and intricately done outdoor pool area.
Like an interior designer uses paint, fabric, and rugs to delineate a space and give it flair, landscape designers can utilize a full array of textures and colors in exterior “rooms,” not only through the planting materials but also through the hard surfaces. And while there are many natural and manufactured options available, the “paver” is one product of choice for homeowners desiring uniformity, durability, and consistency.
Pavers are constructed of aggregate (sand and stone), cement, and pigment. Their concrete construction gives them the durability of stone at a fraction of the cost and because pavers are set in a sand base (not mortar) they form a flexible surface, which makes them easier to maintain, especially in the mid-Atlantic climate.
“It’s a flexible paving system so it is able to move with freeze-thaw instead of buckling, which [can be] a problem with things like stamped concrete,” says Marianne Anzaldo, director of marketing at EP Henry. She adds that because the pavers are set in a sandy surface, they can be removed to access underground utilities or wiring. Similarly, should a paver crack or stain, it can easily be replaced.
The uses for pavers are only limited by the imagination. In addition to their applications in patios and walkways, the extreme durability of pavers makes them ideal for driveways.Pavers are generally more slip resistant than other surfacing materials so they are also well suited for pool decks. Answering the market’s demand for green design options, there are paving products that allow grass or creeping plant matter to grow through and soften the appearance of the hardscape. New environmentally-friendly paving systems feature voids that channel water into the porous base below the paver and return the water safely to the ground, reducing run-off.
This exquisite Devonstone® Tennyson® Bluestone patio is created with EP Henry's Coventry Wall and Bullnose pavers.
This design versatility is what makes pavers unique. Unlike a material like brick, pavers come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes. Homeowners can choose a style that is appropriate to their home from an antique, tumbled patina to a paver that mimics the appearance of natural stone. Different styles can be mixed and matched to create custom designs, accent stairs, or a colorful border around designated seating areas on a large patio.
“For instance, in a driveway you can delineate your walkway with an accenting color or a different shape in the same color. You can do circle kits, you can do fans, you can marry textures so that a dimpled antique texture marries with a cleaner accenting border texture,” says Ken O’Neill, vice president of Belgard Hardscapes.
“You can play around with it as you would a quilt or carpet. It’s no longer just a rough and tumble product – it’s becoming a material that a landscape architect can play with.”Before selecting a paving product, EP Henry’s Anzaldo recommends visiting a distributor to see the product in person. “We strongly recommend that you don’t pick your color through the catalog pages because they can’t accurately represent the color and texture of the product,” she explains. “It’s better to see the displays to further refine your ideas.”
Eagle Bay created this walkway with chamfered BrikStone in James River and Sahara.
“Also, imagine the space that you’re planning in all seasons,” adds Carolina Lobo, EP Henry’s vice president of marketing. A patio constructed of colorful pavers can bring vitality to an otherwise bleak and brown winter landscape.
Though the type of paver selected can vary the price of a project, the actual product is only a fraction of the overall project cost, perhaps about 25 percent of the estimated budget. Most of the expense is labor, which can vary greatly depending on several factors: pre-existing conditions, access to the site, and the size of the project. For example, a project that requires the demolition of a concrete pool deck that lacks easy egress for equipment will be more costly than a square patio constructed on a flat, grassy front yard.
While a skilled do-it-yourselfer could install pavers, a reputable contractor is probably the way to go. “It depends on your skill level, the strength of your back, and what you currently have down now,” says O’Neill. “A lot of people do small retaining walls and small walkways themselves, but once you get to a certain scale you require equipment and manpower to get it in and have it done right.”
Whether you create an elaborately designed patio or install a simple turf paver to soften and green your driveway, pavers bring a touch of artistry to exterior hardscape design.
Christianna McCausland is a Contributing Editor for ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
Belgard Hardscapes: belgard.biz or 800-899-8455
Grinnell Concrete Pavingstones, Inc: grinnellpavers.com or 973-383-9300
Eagle Bay®: eaglebayusa.com or 800-321-9141
EP Henry: ephenry.com or 800-44-HENRY
Maisel Brothers, Inc.: maiselblock.com or 410-766-0550
