Your Introduction to learning about pavers
Are bricks or concrete pavers better for your walkway? Stuck on deciding between concrete or porcelain for your pool? For a homeowner interested in hardscaping, it can be overwhelming. Even for professionals, it can feel complicated! Regardless of your next project, this guide breaks down which pavers are best suited for you.
Pavers for your Pool Deck
Problem:
Don’t you hate the dance you do on the way to the pool to avoid burnt feet? How about the balancing act after getting out, so you don’t slip? Your pool needs to be stylish, comfortable, and safe. Lucky for you, there are some options.
Solution:
Slippery surfaces and the hot sun are the two main concerns when installing a paver pool deck. A combination of a rough surface and material that won’t retain heat is key for those blazing summer days.
Paver Pool Deck Options
Concrete Paver Pool Deck:
Pros:
- Come in a vast number of colors and shapes
- Rough texture offers slip resistance even when wet
- Affordable compared to other pavers on the list
- Easily replaceable should one paver crack or chip
Cons:
- Darker colors may soak up more heat
- If installed poorly, they may shift during freeze-thaw cycles
- Colors may fade without sealing
Porcelain Paver Pool Deck:
Pros:
- Durable and non-porous (meaning there are no small holes for water to soak into)
- Stain and moss-resistant
- Offer a classy, modern look
- Comes in styles that mimic materials like wood or natural stone
- Slip-resistant even when wet
Cons:
- More expensive than other options on the list
- Requires careful installation, porcelain chips easily
Travertine Pool Deck:
Pros:
- Stays cool underfoot, especially important for hot Connecticut days
- High-end appearance
- Naturally rough texture for slip-resistance
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Buying premium select is almost necessary in Connecticut due to the climate
- Travertine is very porous, meaning you risk cracking and shifting very quickly in cold climates
Patio Options Are Endless!
Problem:
Ever sit down in a restaurant, just to be greeted with a 12-page menu? Making a choice can seem impossible. Even professionals scratch their heads looking for the perfect pavers. Luckily, there are ways to make this process far easier.
Solution:
With so many options, we like to break it down into digestible pieces that make the decision more streamlined. There are three parts to consider when choosing pavers: climate, needs, and budget.
Patio Paver Options
Concrete Paver Patios:
Pros:
- Pairs well with modern or traditional homes
- Often have sets for matching walls, seating, and fire pits
- Level and durable surface is great for patio furniture
Cons:
- Weeds can grow between joints over time through the polymeric sand
- Darker colors absorb heat, making walking on them barefoot uncomfortable
Bluestone Paver Patios:
Pros:
- Closely matches traditional New England architecture (you’ll find this stuff everywhere for good reason)
- Very durable, especially under furniture
- Works well in upscale, historic, or suburban homes
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost, quality of the bluestone affects the price
- Darker tones may get hot in the sun
- Bluestone is vulnerable to moss and stains in the shade
Brick Paver Patios:
Pros:
- Classic look that pairs with traditional and colonial homes
- Can be laid in decorative patterns like herringbone and basket weave
- Textured surface provides grip, even when wet
Cons:
- Colors are limited to reds and browns
- Edges easily chip over time
- Without regular cleaning, you may notice moss growth in shaded areas
Popular Choices for Walkways
Problem:
Walkways are bound to be some of the most heavily used features of your hardscape. Concrete can crack, old pavers become uneven, and drainage becomes a nightmare. Let’s not forget that an old walkway makes your home look dated.
Solution:
Your choice of paver should check a few boxes, especially when installing in Connecticut. The pavers should be durable to avoid scratches and cracks from shoveling. It’s also worth considering pavers that are easily replaceable, as accidents happen.
So What Walkway Pavers Can You Consider?
Concrete Paver Walkways:
Didn’t see this coming, did you?
Pros:
- Most commonly used, almost any mason should be able to install a clean concrete paver walkway
- Inexpensive compared to alternative options
- Can suit any style of home
Cons:
- Weeds can grow between joints
- Can become discolored without sealing
Flagstone Walkways:
Pros:
- Organic look that blends into the landscape
- Each piece has a unique shape and color
- Can be used in random or uniform layouts
Cons:
- Uneven joints can become a tripping hazard if unlevel
- Installation takes a lot of work, so it may be more expensive
- Some stone types can flake through freeze-thaw cycles
Ready to Redo that Driveway?
Problem:
Despite being tested and trusted, asphalt does have its drawbacks. Over time, sometimes even in short periods, you’ll notice cracking and crumbling everywhere. Although it works in many contexts, it’s hard to argue that pavers don’t have stronger curb appeal.
Solution:
Opting for pavers adds long-term value to your home, and you get the bonus of a unique feature. You also get the benefit of added safety due to the grippier surface of some pavers and stones.
Interesting Driveway Pavers
Belgian Block Driveways:
Pros:
- Extremely durable material, can last for decades without cracking
- Adds a classic New England look
- Great for edging and full surface installs
Cons:
- More preparation and labor-intensive installation lead to higher prices
- Uneven surfaces can be bumpy if installed incorrectly
- Colors are limited to black, pink, white, and grey
- Snow plows can catch if you’re not careful
Driveway Grade Concrete Pavers:
Pros:
- Engineered to hold heavy loads
- Variety of patterns that lock together for added strength
- Easy to replace if they’re damaged or exposed to leaks from vehicles
Cons:
- The installation requires a deep base to handle the vehicle’s weight
- Can grow weeds between joints
Reclaimed Street Cobble:
We wanted to include something uncommon that would make for a fantastic install.
Pros:
- Authentic vintage look
- Nearly indestructible under loads
- Unique sizes for one-of-a-kind driveways
Cons:
- Very hard to source consistently
- Expensive and labor-intensive installs
- Uneven surfaces can be noisy to drive on
Conclusion
It may feel confusing in the beginning, but getting a grasp on the question “what are pavers” can be easy. Breaking the project down into steps and finding what works best for you makes the process a whole lot easier. Now all you have to do is find someone to install them!