Tuesday, May 28, 2013

PAVING THE WAY FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE



Custom brick patio & pool deck

Hardscaping is an important part of any residential landscape to create visual balance and functional surfaces. Because of their durability, easy maintenance, and cost efficiency, pavers have become the popular choice for achieving a stunning outdoor surface. Pavers come in a variety of material options, including concrete, natural stone, and brick, and each is available in different colors, shapes, and patterns. Whether you are looking to create a walkway, patio, or pool deck, see which type of paver fits your budget and best complements the style of your home.



Concrete Pavers 
Common in residential and commercial applications, concrete pavers are made with a strong mix of cement and aggregate and often used for driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks.  Concrete pavers are manufactured according to firm dimensional standards and offer endless design possibilities. They are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, and can even be made to look like natural stone or clay brick.



Patio & stairs with lighted columns - Frederick, MD
Brick Pavers
Brick pavers convey a statement of timeless elegance and Old-World charm to any home. Their hard surface and durability make them suitable for heavily used areas but they are also a great choice around pools because their porous texture provides a non-slip surface.  Additionally, bricks will not fade or erode if exposed to large amounts of water or chlorine.  Since brick pavers are natural products made from clay, water, and fire, their colors tend to be in the earth tone range, consisting mostly of red, brown, greenish gray, tan, and beige. A major advantage of brick pavers is that they have countless design options. Patterns can be created using bricks of various sizes, shapes, textures, and colors.  Because pigments are not added, bricks are not affected by ultraviolet light and will preserve their color.  

Patio & retaining wall - New Market, MD
Natural Stone Pavers
If you’re looking for a truly authentic hardscaping material, consider natural stone. Natural stone pavers are cut from many different types of stones, including sandstone, limestone, granite, bluestone, marble, slate, and travertine. These stones are hard-wearing, long-lasting, and weather resistant, which makes them perfect for any outdoor application. In particular, granite, travertine, and bluestone pavers are known to have a non-slip surface, which is ideal for around pools. Additionally, travertine and flagstone have very low heat absorption, so the surface stays cool on your feet.  One of the main highlights of natural stone pavers is their wide variations in color, texture, shape, and size. Stone pavers range in shades of blue, red, brown, and gray. They also can be finished to have a smooth matte, high gloss, or ultra rough texture to match the style of your home. While stone pavers will not fade, initial sealing is advised to enhance colors and preserve luster. 

Paver pricing and installation can vary depending on materials used.  Have a question about which pavers are right for your project?  Contact us, we are happy to answer your questions.