How Do I Choose the Best Paving Materials?

Various paving materials exist to create sidewalks, walkways and create a patio or platform around built-in pools. Various paving materials are available for a reason. Some are made of different materials, which may be better suited to the area of the country where you live or the project you are using the paving materials to complete. Design and style and cost are three other factors to consider when choosing the paving materials for your project.

For example, if you are installing pavers for a driveway, then pea gravel pavers may be less expensive and more durable than cement or slate pavers. if you are installing pavers around a pool, however, walking on pea gravel pavers may hurt bare feet. Slate pavers may be too slippery and cause falling and injuries. One of the first considerations is the material of the paver so that it matches the project you are completing.

Design and style of the pavers is another consideration. Some pavers come in different colors, while others only come in one or two colors. If you want to create a checkerboard design, for example, then you want to look for a paver that comes in at least two of the colors you want to create the design.

The shape of the pavers is another aspect of design. Paving materials come in round, square and oval shapes. You can even turn square pavers sideways to create a diagonal design.

The material of the pavers that you choose also dictates the other paving materials you will need to install the pavers. For example, you may not need any tools or extra paving materials to place individual pavers to create a walkway from your driveway to your front door or to the backyard of your home.

On the other hand, if you are installing pavers in your driveway or as a pool patio, then you are going to need paving materials to adhere the pavers to the area and to interlock them to each other. You can ask friends and family members that have completed similar projects what type of paving materials they used and what their experience was using them.

You can also discuss the project with someone from your local home improvement store. By giving them the information on the area where you are installing the pavers and what you are trying to accomplish, they can help guide you to the best materials for the project.