If you are trying to change the look of your outdoor living spaces, you may want to consider paving. This is not as cold and impersonal as it sounds. There have been so many advances in paving techniques and materials that it is now possible to create a comfortable living space that has permanence and is very easy to care for. Here is a look at some of the most common paving materials and some information that may make it possible for you to pick the one that suits your project best.
When you look at paving a space, you need to decide whether you want to have that paving be one solid slab of material such as cement. You may also want to consider using paving stones or interlocking brick as a way of finishing off any areas you want to pave. A good landscaping contractor may be one of the best people to start speaking with since they can give you advice on how to maximize both the curb appeal of your home and create a living space that has the qualities you are looking for.
If you like the idea of a solid slab paved surface, you may want to think about textured and colored concrete. This can be used quite well in areas such as pool decks, back patios and walkways. Cement that has been colored and textured can resemble other paving materials such as stones and interlocking brick at a much more reasonable price. As well, because there are no seams between different parts of the concrete, weeds cannot grow through them and it can take longer for the paved area to break down and require replacement.
Textured cement is mixed with pigments which color all of the concrete. This is excellent because if one area gets chipped or damaged, there will not be any white layer showing through underneath. It also means that you need to make the decision to color your concrete at the time it is put in. After it has been colored, it is poured into molds that keep it in the area that needs to be paved. It is then stamped with a variety of stamps which shape and add texture to the surface. The result can look like bricks, stones or other alternative paving techniques.
Keep in mind that there are a few basic steps that you need to take care of textured and colored concrete. You need to make sure that you do not use salt on the paved areas since this can break down the concrete and make it so that it does not last nearly as long. You want to make sure that you are hiring an expert who has a history of completing a range of different projects.
There are other methods of paving. You can also pick paving stones, cobblestones or interlocking brick. These can add classic beauty and visual interest to walkways, driveways and patios. In addition, if you are using stones or bricks, you can build them up into raised flowerbeds or other architectural details. There are a few steps that you need to complete when you are paving with stones or bricks.
The first is that you need to make sure that no weeds can grow up between the bricks or stones. You want to make sure you are putting down a plastic layer that will keep weeds from growing up through the stones. It is never a permanent solution but it will work to keep your paved areas weed free for much longer than they will be without the layer. Then, a layer of sand is put down. This is a critical step for several reasons. The sand layer cushions the bricks or stones. It levels the surface that the stones or bricks have been placed on. It is also flexible and can handle changes in the ground due to frost or other weather conditions. Once the sand layer has been put down, you want to put the bricks or stones down and adjust them so that they form the pattern or look that you are after.
Paving choices are much greater than they used to be even a few years ago. Now people can choose from natural or cultured stone. They can also get the look of stone by using colored concrete. Whatever your choice, knowing how to properly install and care for it is critical to maintaining the beauty of the paved area. Be sure that you find out the specific care requirements of any product that you choose to use on your property.
