Benefits of Cobblestone Walkways
Cobblestones were first used by the Romans as a paving material over 2,000 years ago. They were so successful in creating passable roads for travelers on foot as well as in carriages that they became a key element in the growth of Rome's great empire. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits
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Cobblestones as a walkway material are generally low cost and readily available. They can be installed by the layman without use of mortar or cement and require only minimal leveling. Because of the lack of mortar or other seam filler, cobblestones provide excellent drainage and will not crack when expansion and retraction occurs due to seasonal changes. Cobblestones of the traditional granite variety are extremely long lasting.
Types
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Cobblestones can be found in many shapes, styles and materials with the traditional gray square as the most popular and common. Other possibilities include brick of all colors, molded cement in geometric shapes, granite, basalt, and other hard stones in rough and finished designs.
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Considerations
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Although excellent in many ways, traditional cobblestones become slick when wet, which can cause falls onto hard stone. They are also a particular hazard to women who wear high-heeled shoes as the thin spike heels slide between the stones and can cause falls or become stuck.
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References
- Photo Credit diagonal cobbles image by Stanislav Pepeliaev from Fotolia.com
