A driveway and outdoor kitchen serve widely different functions and, as a result, require a widely different set of skills from their pavers. While the driveway requires pavers with incredible compressive strength and skid-resistance, the outdoor kitchen could mainly benefit from stain-resistant pavers that don’t need to be as dense. You’ll find various types of paving stones out there, and the type you choose for a particular project should bear all the qualities that best match the project requirements. Read on to learn more about a few types of pavers, and consider which one will best suit your next hardscape project in West Bloomfield Township and Macomb, MI.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are manufactured using a mixture of gravel, sand, and cement, which is placed into molds and allowed to set. There are various coloring agents and surface treatments that can be applied to these pavers during the manufacturing process in order to imbue them with specific shades and textures. As a result, concrete pavers come in a near-endless array of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes.
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They are incredibly versatile and have the ability to mimic other materials like stone and brick. Regardless of the aesthetic theme one is trying to match, there will be a concrete paver perfect for it. The great variety of shapes and sizes in which concrete pavers can be found also enables the arrangement of captivating paver patterns. Modern concrete pavers can be reinforced in strength, stain-resistance, and the longevity of their surface color, among other qualities.
Bluestone
Bluestone is highly dense and is suited to a wide variety of applications as a result. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, and frequent traffic. It is a go-to material for contractors and landscape architects seeking longevity and reliability.
It is also aesthetically appealing, and never fails to add a luxurious touch to the hardscapes it adorns. Bluestone can be found in an extensive array of colors including everything from cool blues to warm browns. Therefore, bluestone in contrasting colors can be combined to achieve striking visual effects. Bluestone features a wonderful rough texture that is not only pleasant to the touch, but can also provide the necessary traction that greatly improves the safety of a patio or pool deck.
Brick Pavers
Bricks have been used for centuries in the construction of buildings that still stand today. Despite minimal maintenance, bricks are viable for 100 years due to their impressive longevity. A residential project comprised of bricks is guaranteed to outlive the homeowners investing in its construction. They have incredible weight-bearing capabilities and can be used to construct reliable driveways and patios. Bricks are also favored for their classic aesthetic and timeless beauty.
With a modern focus on the environment, bricks win favor for their sustainable nature. They are comprised of natural materials and are manufactured without the release of toxins. They can also be reused or recycled.
Flagstone
Flagstone is highly revered for a number of reasons. This sedimentary rock can be found in various colors, from red to gold, that differ depending on where it was mined. It is well suited to all outdoor living spaces because it is stain resistant and highly tolerant of water. It does not absorb heat—a perfect quality for a comfortable poolside—and requires little more than sweeping as maintenance.
