The Pros and Cons of Paver Patios That You Must Know
Mar 27, 2023
Pavers have an aesthetic impact on an outdoor space. But you might not think about them as frequently as you think about other structural and decor elements. We pass right past them every day and generally do not think about how they improve the aesthetics and functionality of an outdoor environment.
Whether you are in charge of a small home or a huge public space, it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of pavers. Knowing about their various applications will further help you decide which paver to use on your patio.
In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of a paver patio. It will assist you in making an informed decision on your choice of flooring. You must also determine the paver pattern while selecting your preferred flooring choice.
Pros of Paver Patio
Durability
A lifespan of a paver patio greatly depends on the material applied. A wooden patio has the least durability, while a concrete patio has a bit longer lifespan. If you want your patio to last a lifetime, then natural stone might be the best option for you. These rocks can last for decades without requiring much maintenance.
Natural stone pavers or artificially layered large concrete pavers could be the best options for people looking to build a solid patio. In due course, we recommend products from ‘World of Stones’ for use as outdoor patio pavers. Our Geo Ceramic Paving range has a durable topping of the parcelling coat over the strong but permeable concrete slab. This provides additional durability to the tile structure.
Strength
Concrete is better at strength, but its consistency renders it susceptible to damage from excessive load and weather elements. When the soil beneath a concrete patio leaves its place, the resulting effect could adversely damage your whole flooring.
In such circumstances, small pieces of natural stones, high-quality concrete bricks, garden stepping stones, or concrete slabs with an artificial coating (topping) prove the sturdiest material.
Weather Proofing
Outdoor construction always becomes a victim of extreme weather conditions. Rain, extremely hot and cold climates can prove harmful to your patio paver’s overall life and appearance. Rain can drain the charm of materials used in paving patios. Thanks to its natural porosity, it also penetrates the material and eventually weakens it. Heat leads to an expansion of the patio material unit and the ground beneath it.
Extreme low temperatures can contract the material unit and the soil underneath it. You can easily overcome these deficiencies if you install a paver patio according to standards and use high-quality materials. Proper construction can minimise the movements of units, and high-quality material eases the washing or de-staining woes.
Low-maintenance
Paver patios have individual small units of various materials such as bricks, woods, concrete tiles, and stones. It makes replacement easy and quick compared to breaking a portion of an entire patio slab and replacing it again. You can sweep or blow the debris off the patio surface with water or a blower.
Further, you can also clean most stains on patio pavers with soap and water. Use mild chemicals to remove only the toughest stains. Poly-sands like products provide lifelong protective sealing against all wear and tear.
Offers Design Creativity
You can use various materials to design and construct a paver patio. It offers room for design creativity that is budget-friendly. Natural stone pavers, for example, come with a wide range of options. You can combine different stone types or textures to create a distinct paver pattern. If natural stone is not your first choice, you can also try doing this with porcelain or any other paver patio. Further, to enhance the design creativity you can try stone accessories like river stones.
Cons of Paver Patio
Expensive
You need even ground to level and lay patio pavers. This process requires expensive labour and machines that come with a higher price tag. Moreover, the fee to put down a patio is also on the higher end. This makes the whole landscaping job more expensive than it is with other options.
Longer Installation Duration
Landscape pavers have a longer installation cycle as compared to other paving options. While alternatives can be put down in a matter of hours or days, laying patio pavers could take some time. The process starts with excavating the ground and moves through base preparation, paver laying, and edger stone installation. Between these major processes, there are several things that an installer has to take care of. These things make the processing time-consuming.
Higher Upfront Cost
A paver patio could cost you substantially more than a traditional concrete slab patio. This is due to various factors, including materials, labour, and other factors involved in the outdoor patio paver project. Although a paver project has higher upfront costs, its benefits often subsidise it. In the long run, such a patio would save time and money for you.
Prone to Weed Growth
A paver patio consists of numerous small units forming tons of slits between individual units. The paver pointing is often washed away by rain or damaged due to other weather conditions. Weed seeds that float in the air land in these slits and get moisture to grow, spoiling the appearance and feel of your paver patio. It can damage the patio material in the long run and boost the wear and tear processes.
City Permits
Several states require prior permission to build a structure in your home or yard. Obtaining these permits may take time and fees to pay the local authority. This could lead to an unforeseen delay in your project. So, it is advised that you seek all necessary permits during your planning phase.
Extras
Demolition of existing structures, step building, and other infrastructure requirements could come up as additional costs. You must take them into account before starting your new outdoor patio project. We advise that you get your space surveyed by a professional landscaper to understand all the requirements and design ideas.
Conclusion
The success of the paver patio greatly relies on some vital factors such as the selection of material, manufacturer, and installation services. If you look for perfection in each vital aspect of the success, World of Stones USA has the capabilities to assign all at competitive rates. We have a large selection of natural stones and porcelain flooring products that you can use to build or flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 How to lay landscape pavers?
To lay landscape pavers, make the ground even, followed by laying some sand and placing the pavers on top of it. Cut the pavers according to your finishing requirements and add edgings to complete the job. We recommend that you consult a professional before attempting to do it yourself.
Q.2 How to clean paver patio?
Natural stone paver patio can be cleaned with water and mild cleaning solutions. If the stain is difficult to remove, then you can select a stone specific cleaner to do the task. We recommend that you consult the paver manufacturer to find the best cleaning product for a specific stone.
Q.3 Can I lay pavers on dirt?
Directly laying pavers over dirt is not recommended. The ground/dirt floor must be excavated, levelled, and firmly compacted for pavers to appear and perform well in a permanent installation environment.