How to Use Pavestone

Pavestones, also often called pavers, are blocks made of concrete and can be found in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Pavestone is popular among homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, because they are readily available to the public, generally reasonably priced, and can be used for numerous projects around the home without having to use heavy equipment and without having to hire a contractor. Pavestone can be used to incorporate various types of hardscape into a landscape design, which can add function and style. Following are a few of the ways in which you can use Pavestone in your landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Pavestone Crushed granite Coarse sand Plate compactor

Instructions

1. A patio is a great gathering area for family and friends. Pavestone allows the homeowner to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing area for entertaining. Pavestone can be used to lay out a standard square patio or one that illustrates a bit more creativity. You can use different-sized pavers to create a pattern, such as a herringbone design. You can also design a circular or half-moon shaped patio with a contrasting color of Pavestone for the border. You will need to create a stable base for Pavestone that the pavers can settle into. Use an edge restraint around the perimeter of your project to prevent pavers from spreading.

2. You can construct formal pathways with Pavestone that lead to your front door and/or guide you about your yard. A less formal and more casual pathway can be constructed by simply placing single pavers spaced apart at a comfortable stepping distance with grass or ground cover, such as moss or woolly thyme, growing between the pavestones.

3. Pavestone can be used instead of concrete to construct a deck around your pool. One concern for material used around a pool area is the heat that will be transferred to bare feet. If you decide to use Pavestone around your pool area, you should choose lighter colors. You should also realize the pavestone absorbs less heat than a solid slab of concrete, as the individual pieces tend to dissipate heat.

4. Pavestone can be used to construct a driveway; however, this is more involved than the construction of a patio or a pathway. A major consideration is the weight of cars upon the pavestone. The industry standards for pavestone are a minimum strength of 8,000 psi and a moisture absorption rate of 5% or less. (Some pavestone can be found with a higher psi and an even lower moisture absorption rate.) Nevertheless, it is generally recommended that a 4 to 6 inch foundation---usually of crushed granite topped with coarse sand---be laid before installing the pavestone. This foundation will need to be tamped down, usually requiring the use of a tamper. The machine for tamping down such a surface can be rented by the industrious and knowledgeable homeowner. Nevertheless, this is one project that very few homeowners would want to tackle themselves.

5. Rent a plate compactor, when you have finished your project, to lock your pavers into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use coarse sand to fill in the cracks between pavers. Pouring concrete will not allow flexibility as the pavers settle and shift over the course of time. When constructing a patio, allow for a slope to promote better drainage. The recommendation is one inch for every 8 to12 feet.

• Unless you are quite experienced, you will not want to tackle the construction of a driveway with Pavestone by yourself, especially if the old driveway needs to be removed. This is one time that you would be well advised to hire a professional contractor.

References

• Pavestone Company
• ICPI: Tech Specs