How to Buy Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are an attractive addition to any landscape. You can use these beautiful specimens to make a trail through a flower garden or make a unique patio in your back yard or a new driveway. The right concrete paver project will boost the appearance of your yard. Get started by buying the concrete pavers for that project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Concrete pavers
• Grout or sand
• Level

1. Opt to buy pre-made stones if the project consists of less than 100 pavers (the size of an average patio). Utilize premade concrete pavers as needed. If you are doing a small project, such as a walkway from the garden to your house or a patio, these pavers work great. The size of the project will determine whether you buy the concrete pavers from your local home improvement store or a major supplier.

2. Make the concrete pavers yourself by using Sakrete (concrete mix for home use—available at home improvement stores) as another option. Buy molds at the same place you buy the concrete mix. Mix the Sakrete according to directions and pour into pre-oiled molds to give you the shape and size desired. Be sure to add coloring to the mix and grout to jazz up your paving stones.

3. Order the materials from a concrete company and have them delivered to your home for big projects. When you buy concrete pavers for larger projects—such as paving your driveway—this is the only option. Buy heavier concrete pavers for projects that hold a lot of weight. A concrete paving stone company gives you the opportunity to view samples before you order.

4. Find concrete pavers on eBay and other Internet auction sites for a wide variety of concrete pavers for different projects. You can get a good deal most of the time. Just remember to check out the location of the pavers, because you will likely have to pick them up yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• If you make it a policy to only work on projects that give something back to the world, you can find concrete pavers that are made of recycled tires. Walking on these gives a more cushioned step.
• For a very large project, hire a contractor to do the work. Suppliers strongly recommend this course of action. These professional paving services can be found at commercial pavers supply houses.
• Depending on the size of your project, it can be something that you can do yourself on a nice, warm weekend or arrange to have it done for you.
• To insure release of the concrete, use 10W motor oil on your molds.
• Don't let yourself get over your head. Buying the concrete pavers for a large job is one thing—doing that large job yourself is another.
• If using a contractor for the job, verify that he is bonded. This person will take delivery of the concrete pavers you buy.