Concrete paving stones are one of the most popular and sophisticated materials involved in residential hardscaping today. They bear the unbeatable strength of concrete and can also be imbued with various other properties like stain-resistance and slip-resistance. Aesthetically, concrete pavers are incredibly versatile and can be found in any shape, size, shade and texture. They can even be made to emulate natural stone, achieving the timeless beauty of unrefined rock at a fraction of the price. Here are ways in which paving stones can be incorporated into a client’s landscape for a stunning design that is equally reliable.
Durable Driveways
Concrete pavers have become the go-to option for driveways as they have proven to create surfaces with the greatest longevity. Concrete is generally incredibly strong, but certain concrete pavers from Unilock are imbued with Ultima Concrete Technology for enhanced durability. This innovative technology makes pavers four times as strong as poured concrete.
Pavers are also more durable than poured concrete because they create a more flexible surface that is less likely to crack. The joints between individual pavers allow a small amount of movement, and this enables the driveway to yield to the weight of a vehicle or the movement of the underlying earth. Yielding to these pressures prevents the pavers from being overwhelmed to the point where they crack. The smaller the pavers used, the more jointing lines are needed to connect them and the more flexible the driveway becomes.
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Perfect Poolsides
Concrete pavers are excellent for poolside patios and decking due to the surface finishes that make them non-slip. They are more resistant to water-absorption than natural stone and are therefore less likely to suffer water damage. However, textured pavers like Unilock Richcliff can be used as substitutes for natural stone as they have convincingly natural variations in their colors and textures.
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While Richcliff pavers from Unilock can be used to emulate bluestone or flagstone, other concrete pavers can be used to create poolsides with an earthy or sandstone-like appearance that contributes to a tropical atmosphere. Alternatively, a modern poolside can be created using sleek concrete pavers in large sizes. Umbriano pavers, despite their smooth surfaces, retain non-slip qualities.
Borders and Banding
Small concrete pavers can be used to create borders that outline different outdoor rooms within a patio, or frame driveways and walkways. Concrete pavers can also serve as edging, which prevents the overgrowth of grass onto a driveway or walkway. These accent pavers can help to add interest to an outdoor space, particularly a driveway. They serve as visual relief from the large expanse of identical pavers that cover the driveway surface.
Borders can be created to either complement or contrast an outdoor room. By falling in line with the existing color palette, these accent pavers can ensure that the hardscape design is cohesive and well put-together. Matching all borders to the banding that lines vertical structures can also tie different elements in the hardscape together. However, by contrasting other materials in the hardscape, borders can make a greater impact on the hardscape design and can help to make it unique.
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Image courtesy of Unilock.
