Home Landscaping: Paving Blocks for Your Patio and Walkways

If you enjoy outdoor living, you should consider paving some of your external areas, particularly the patio and the walkways. This will extend your useable external space, and you will have a new area for entertaining. In addition, this improvement project will enhance the appeal of your home and even increase the total property value. There are different suitable materials which you can utilise for your paving project. However, you will get maximum durability and aesthetics by selecting pavers. Here are the primary types of paving blocks to consider installing in your home.

Natural Stone Paving Blocks

The primary advantage of natural stone pavers is their unique aesthetic appeal. In general, the material is obtained from stone quarries or even rock outcrops. The extracted stones are then cut into desired shapes and sold as pavers. Therefore, their visual appeal is unrivalled, and you can choose pavers that perfectly match your home style. Natural stone blocks are also highly durable; they can withstand harsh climatic conditions without degradation. On the other hand, natural stones are not as abundant as alternatives, and their extraction is labour intensive. Therefore, the cost of purchase can be relatively high. The most ideal examples of natural paving blocks include granite, flagstone, bluestone, cantera, marble and slate.

Precast Concrete Paving Blocks

Concrete is one of the most popular building materials. Its likeability is attributed to beneficial property such as high strength, general durability and resistance to adverse conditions. In addition, concrete is a relatively economical material because all its constituents are readily available. Precast concrete pavers are made in factory settings as opposed to being poured on the worksite. They are manufactured using cement, sand and aggregate. Often, different pigments are added to alter the appearance of the stones. The mixture is formed into pavers using moulds, and the blocks are allowed to cure in a controlled environment for optimal long-term performance. When choosing concrete pavers, evaluate different colours and patterns before choosing the ideal items.

Brick Paving Blocks

Bricks are favoured in home landscaping because they have a classic appearance which complements most homes. These paving blocks are formed using natural clay as the primary constituent. However, sand or shale might be incorporated to improve strength and durability. The clayey material is formed into blocks and then fired in a kiln at extreme temperature. The resulting blocks are strong and will provide long-term when well-maintained. In addition, you can choose your perfect bricks from a range of brown, reddish and charcoal hues.