Concrete Paver Patios 101: All the Basics You Need to Know

The Basics: What Are Concrete Pavers?

Concrete pavers are separate produced pieces that are designed to fit together precisely, similar to tile, and are set on a compacted aggregate bed. Concrete pavers may now be molded into variations that look and feel almost identical to brick, natural stone, ceramic tile, and even wood thanks to cutting-edge methods. There are two fundamental types of outdoor flooring materials: interlocking concrete pavers and architectural slabs. 

Interlocking pavers are typically made of dense, durable concrete that is edge-to-edge compacted with joint sand after installation. Beautiful, long-lasting patterns for driveways, patios and walks are frequently created using easy-to-install modular interlocking forms. 

Architectural slabs are often thinner and have a bigger footprint, making them less suited for load-bearing applications like driveways but ideal for clean, modern projects like patios, pool decks, and pathways. Interlocking pavers and architectural slabs are available in an almost limitless range of colors, textures, and styles, allowing practically any design vision to become a reality.

Choosing Between Concrete Pavers And Other Hardscape Materials

Concrete pavers are an excellent choice for homeowners who value design versatility, long-term durability, and low cost. Pavers come in a variety of hues to brighten or tone down specific portions of your landscape. Concrete pavers can be textured in a variety of ways, which not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides slip-resistant surfaces for wet places like pool patios and outdoor kitchens. Pavers are more durable than brick, tile, and many forms of natural stone in terms of rain, wind, and heat resistance. 

Although stamped, stained, and embellished concrete can be stamped, stained, and decorated to create paver-like looks, it cannot expand and contract with natural freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in unsightly and expensive-to-repair breaking. The intervals between joints in interlocking concrete pavers, on the other hand, flexibly allow for movement throughout time, making them particularly well suited to seasonal weather patterns. 

Consider permeable pavers in areas where there is a lot of rain or irrigation overspray, as they route water into the ground below rather than causing runoff to harm nearby landscapes or local water supplies. Concrete pavers are also a fantastic alternative to natural stone pavers, providing equal warmth and elegance to your landscape while being a little less expensive.

Design: What Are Options Available?

When it comes to design, there are practically no limits to what you can do with concrete pavers. Concrete pavers come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures that can be used to create any number of looks. You can use them to create a classic brick patio or something more contemporary like a geometric pattern or herringbone design. 

You can also mix and match different sizes, shapes, and colors of pavers to create unique visual interest in your patio design. If you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, you can even have custom pavers made to achieve the perfect look for your home.

Maintenance And Repair

Once your concrete pavers are installed, they require very little maintenance. You'll just need to sweep them periodically to remove debris and leaves and hose them down as needed. If you notice any cracking or chipping, you can repair it easily with paver sand and polymeric jointing sand. Once every few years, you may need to reseal your pavers to protect them from staining and wear. When properly cared for, concrete pavers will last for decades, providing beauty and function to your home for many years to come.

Cost

Concrete pavers are an extremely cost-effective hardscape material. When compared to natural stone, concrete pavers are much more affordable and just as durable. In addition, concrete pavers are very easy to install, which can save you money on installation costs.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about concrete pavers for patios. Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of design you want and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Keep in mind that concrete pavers are a cost-effective option and they can last for many years with proper care. Ready to get started? Give DPG Pavers & Design a call today and they’ll help you get started on your dream patio.