The Different Kinds of Pavers and Stone and How to Use Them

When you have a yard or patio to take care of, it can be great to use pavers to create interesting hardscapes. With porcelain pavers, you can create gorgeous areas outdoors that you will love to spend time in. There are a lot of different kinds of patios, and not all pavers are right for each type. Using large garden pavers can create a patio that looks great and keeps the grass and weeds from growing in the space. These large pavers provide a great place for entertaining outdoors.

If you want to find local pavers near me, you can go to a big-box home improvement store to find them. In some areas, you can also find large garden pavers at local nurseries and landscaping businesses. So, how much are paver stones? The answer depends on which material it is made of, how thick it is, and how large it is. Smaller, thin pavers will generally cost less than larger ones. However, a sought-after material can raise the price significantly. When you have an area that would look better with pavers, it is a good idea to create a comprehensive sign plan before you start to buy your pavers.

Hardscape

Landscaping is one of the best ways to improve the value of your home, to increase your curb appeal, and to improve your own enjoyment of your property. Good landscaping has been shown to make a 12% increase in property values. It’s also a great way to increase rental rates even for commercial offices, with high-quality landscapes bringing in an average of 7% more in rent according to the University of Washington.

While you’re thinking about landscaping, though, don’t forget about the hardscapes. Your driveway, walkway, deck, walls, or patio can have just as significant an impact on your home value as any shrubs, trees, or annuals and perennials. If you want to improve your hardscape, consider pavers and stone and the difference between pavers and stone and concrete when it comes to building a patio.

What They Have in Common

Hardscape materials are all a lot harder to change around than landscaping. This means it’s important to think before you buy pavers and stone or a concrete slab. First, consider the size and function of the patio you want to build. Do you want a natural look or something very symmetrical? What colors are you looking for? Should the colors blend into your home or contrast with it? Pavers and stone can give you a very natural look, while concrete could be just the thing for something more modern.

Concrete Pavers

These are versatile and come in many styles. You can get a more classic look that mimics brick, or you can effectively use these to get the look of a Mediterranean landscape. They come in many modern styles as well and in a variety of colors. Another advantage of concrete pavers it that they rise in winter and settle back when things thaw. This flexing keeps them from cracking. You can also take up one section and relay it without having to pull up the whole patio. The primary negative to working with these pavers is expense of putting them in. They need regular maintenance, and they need to be installed correctly in order to last.

Poured Concrete

This is by far the cheapest option when it comes to patio or other hardscape building. It can be poured into any shape and in many thicknesses, and low cost means people can usually afford to do more with it. It can also be stamped or colored, is very cheap, is durable, and is a good choice for the environmentally conscious. However, concrete will crack with temperatures and age. It can also become very slippery when wet, which can be an issue if there is concrete around spas and pools.

Natural Stone Pavers

These come in irregular shapes and sizes. While they can be more expensive, they also provide the finest natural among pavers and stone options. They look rugged and come in a variety of colors and textures. The main issue with them is simply cost, which can be quite high. Over time they’ll also need to be weeded and filled in where gaps develop between the stones.

All of these types of pavers and stone have their pros and cons. The biggest question is what will look best in your yard and what makes you happy. Look for garden and landscaping supplies near you and make your property the home of your dreams.