Paving stones are widely used in outdoor flooring. They’re similar to tiles and can be manufactured in different sizes, colors, and shapes. They also arrive on site fully ready for installation.
During installation, they’re placed over a base of sand and soil. Since the joints are open, the paving stones provide a surface through which water can pass. But this also means that they may move over time, and that grass and weeds could grow between the stones.
In today’s article, we’ll be talking about how they’re installed and what important things you should keep in mind.
How the Installation Is Carried Out
In the paving stone installation, the area is outlined first, and then the site is dug. The excavation depth should match the paver thickness. The exposed dirt is then packed using a mechanical plate. Now, the gravel is packed with a plate compactor. If the area is heavy-use, then the gravel is compacted in 2-inch increments to achieve maximum stability.
Now, plastic or concrete borders are installed along the outer edges of the paved area (to prevent the stones from shifting outward).
The laying of pavers starts from one corner and moves outwards. A masonry saw is used to cut any partial pavers so the gaps can be filled along the edges.
How to Choose the Right Contractor?
Knowing about a contractor is not enough. You need to check how experienced they’re and whether they can install the exact kind of pavers you need. Also, see whether they can provide genuine testimonials and references that you can independently verify.
A reliable, reputable one will never hesitate to share those things with you. They’ll also provide a written breakdown of costs, highlighting how much time and money each step will take.
How the Material Is Selected
It’s important to buy all the paving stones from a single source and from the same batch. This way, you’ll avoid the differences in stone colors. But if you can’t buy all in one batch, never forget to mix them before laying.
There are 4 primary materials you need: pavers, joint and bedding sand, and base course material. Large areas where soft topsoil has to be dug out first require large quantities of materials.
Similarly, if the site is smaller, the piles of material can crowd the area. If that’s the case, dig out and lay the base course materials first, then get the materials delivered.
Maintenance of Paving Stones
In most cases, minimal maintenance is needed after the installation. And that, too, when pavers settle unevenly or when underground services need to be exposed. Some contractors also add a layer of weed matting below the sand layer to prevent weeds from growing between the joints. Similarly, the sand in the joints may also need periodic topping where the paving has water running across it. Some people also use special sealers to improve the appearance of those paving stones.
Bottom Line
Choosing an experienced, well-equipped contractor is important to ensure the installation goes smoothly. You’ll get the most out of your investment and continue to benefit from durable pavement year after year.