Paver Pitfalls & How To Avoid Them

Candice StewardBlog

Once you’ve decided that pavers are your best choice for your future outdoor masterpiece, there is one other (ok maybe two or three)things to consider for your upcoming project.

With the cost of these types of projects often exceeding the homeowners expectations, one of the main things is to do it, and do it right,the first time, without going over budget with costly mistakes or neglecting to research potential pitfalls that could arise down the road. Common sense says the first place to start is by visiting the pavers Fort Lauderdale of some of the top companies in your area to see what types of services they provide. But that’s only the beginning. You need a service that will coordinate every aspect of the project for you.

For example, there are numerous things to consider in any type of outdoor surface or hardscape project. Paver installations also involve the work of a local electrician, a professional landscaping and sprinkler expert, a lighting service company and possibly many others. These projects involve multiple other third parties that the homeowner never even considers when they first decide to undertake such a project.

A well respected company in your area (with good, solid,recent reviews will be pros at taking on this type of project for you without even batting an eye. They do many of these each month and know the potential pitfalls first hand. But it’s your job to weed (no pun intended) them out and select the very best service available.

But let’s talk more about pitfalls. As mentioned above, there are many variable at work in this project that must be coordinated together like a beautiful symphony of independent instruments (workers and companies) that overlap and must be dependent on each other to get things do in a specific order. For example, you sure don’t want to have any surfaces laid down before the sprinkler system, lighting or pipes are mapped out. Can you imagine having pavers already laid down only to realize that you forgot to have a sprinkler over there in the corner near the children’s jungle gym? Or how about having the soil being dug up, pipes being set for the water system, then having the soil replaced, only to realize that you want a Tiki Bar later on with electrical or plumbing elements that will need to be put underground?

The point is this must be a well orchestrated effort and you must be involved to make sure your hard earner money is being spent in a manner that is effective and well spent. There are many companies that do great work and there are also just as many that will not deliver the goods. We’ve become very well versed in identifying who the winners are and as referenced above one such company is fantastic. They have a great reputation in an area of the country that gets a lot of these types of projects by high end homeowners in the tropics.

One thing is for sure, there are obvious and not so obvious pitfalls to a paver installation project and we recommend that you do your research, ask neighbors and friends, and utilize the internet and all those free Google searches to not make the same mistakes that many homeowners have already made!…

Which Driveway is Best?

Candice StewardBlog

Homeowners have many choices for new driveways, even if they hadn’t considered them. Whether you prefer the standard poured system or something more unique, there are plenty of ways to create your perfect driveways.

Some items provide function over style, while others add lasting value and personality to wherever they get installed. The next time that you need to replace your home’s driveway consider these options below.

Poured Concrete

Poured concrete driveways tend to remain the most frequently installed systems. They continue to prove cost-effective, and they can get installed relatively quickly.

Although the concrete does need at least a week to cure,it’s still faster than what your house’s foundation slab requires. In about seven days you can enjoy a new concrete driveway that lasts for years.

Paver Driveway

Paver driveways may cost a bit more to install, but they require little ongoing maintenance afterward. Plus, their unique charm creates tons of value and personality, helping you set your home apart from your neighbors.

Pavers get manufactured in a variety of different colors,patterns, and textures, but they also require a lot of hands-on installation. If you have the time for custom hand-laid pavers, you’ll have a lovely new addition that will last.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways remain among the most affordable options a homeowner can find. And while the stones may sink or roll away with time and weather, adding in replacement rock remains simple.

Although gravel systems require more owner maintenance, most chores are rather straightforward. For a more rustic look and feel, try a gravel driveway installation.

Which One is Best?

The only right answer for which driveway system to have installed are the options that best suits your needs and budget. Make sure you consider all your material choices before installation.
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Why Pavers?

Candice StewardBlog

From concrete, to brick to stones, to grass to pavers. There are so many choices of materials to use around your home, it is simply astounding.

When we look at websites like Lowe’s, Home Depot and others, the options are overwhelming.

But at the end of the day, we choose pavers as the best surface to use around your home. Now, you may have another opinion, but pavers are the tried and true option for homeowners in many different areas of the world and with many different climates and rain levels.  

Pavers for your pook decks is a solid choice

Now, there are many areas around the house that need your attention. From the entrance, sidewalk, walkways, pool, dock, deck, etc. and with so many choices, it is nearly impossible to decide on the right material much less interchange them depending on the area you want to feature.

All that being said, start with pavers. Start with a solid and reputable expert in your area and get their opinion and a website to review their work and reviews and go from there.  

In addition to pavers, look throughout our blog to research other possible materials and surfaces you may be interested in. We have links to great stores and resources to help in your quest for the perfect project and getting things done right by the right contractors

We encourage you, as always to do your homework to insure that your vision becomes your reality. …

Different Home Projects For Paver Pros

Candice StewardBlog

If you’re like any homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to improve and better your home to increase its value and appeal. The area of pavers and how they can add to your every day beauty of your home, are no exception. That being said, there are numerous projects that can be done around your home.

Driveways are a popular project for homeowners

If you take a good look around your home, you can locate many, many areas that need your attention and pavers, brick, stone, and other surfaces can add a gorgeous appeal to your home especially if it’s done by a qualified professional.

Here are some areas to consider when looking at options for your home:

  • Driveway
  • Sidewalk area
  • Entry way
  • Planters
  • Fire pits
  • Walkways
  • Walkway to your backyard
  • Pool area
  • Back patio
  • Outdoor kitchen area
  • Repairs to existing areas

When looking at these areas, it’s also important to consider the different surfaces available to you. The four main categories to consider are:

  • Traditional
  • Contemporary
  • Natural
  • Rustic

When looking at all these options, there are also many different surfaces to consider:

Brick
Stone
Travertine
Clay
Old Chicago Brick
Cobblestone
Bluestone
Concrete
Flagstone
Garden wall blocks

Take at look at all these options and potential surfaces when deciding on what looks best for your home and what fits your budget.

It can be a daunting task to decide what you want, how much you can spend, what surface to use and who to do the project for you.

There are many resources online to help you along the way. Please stay tuned to our blog for more information on “How To’s” for this and other paver and re-surfacing project for your home.…

The Pros And Cons Of Dolomite On The Driveway

Candice StewardBlog, Construction of Driveway

Pebble or vowels on the driveway? Or can it be something more modern? Dolomite is a famous rock for the construction of roads and garden paths. We already list the advantages and disadvantages. So you can correctly weigh whether dolomite is also something for you.

Dolomite is a kind of decorative paving. It is a natural hardening, a mineral that is formed in limestone. Different grain sizes and colors are available. For the cost price, you have to count on about 35 to 60 euros per ton quickly. The amount depends on the quality and quantity that you purchase. Keep in mind that you have to lay the dolomite about 10 centimeters thick.

Benefits

Dolomite is relatively quick and easy to place in comparison with other materials. After all, you have to pour it out and take it. You can also feel that on your wallet.

No longer paying attention to peeing after a rain shower.Due to the open structure, the water does not remain on the surface.

Can not you choose between vowels and dolomite? You cancombine it perfectly: here and there some stepping stones or a cobbled pathwith dolomite around.


This type of material is ideal for a ramp that is notentirely straight. After all, the loose pieces of stone fill up every hole.

Can your driveway stand out a bit? Dolomite has a luxuriouslook especially if you go for striking colors.

Other, dark red, beige or straightforward gray? Dolomite isavailable in different types and colors.

Scared in the dark? You hear it immediately when someonewalks or drives in the driveway.

Cons

The maintenance of dolomite is – especially in autumn whenthe leaves fall – a big job. For example, you can not brush the leaves togetherlike on a tile floor.
Not a fan of weeding? The open structure makes it easier toget dirt into the ground. As a result, weeds grow after some time.
Some species may discolor or become smaller over time. Thiscan cause a lot of dust, especially in dry weather.

Not a fan of brushing? When it rains, the grit of dolomitesticks to your shoes. You then also bring that inside. A damp mop or doormat isthen a must.

Dolomite is susceptible to distortion and must bereplenished regularly. That costs a little extra money and time.

Children in the house? The rock has paid attention to roughedges when playing. Dolomite is also not recommended for barefoot.

Now you only have to weigh the pros and cons against eachother. Would you choose or do you prefer a driveway with pebbles? Leave it inour reactions.

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Handy tips for construction of Driveway of stones in advance:

Candice StewardBlog, Decorative Paving

– Order all vowels in one go to avoid color difference.
– With multiple pallets, you mix the rocks for awell-distributed color mix in your driveway.
– Never remove the bricks layer by layer from a stretcher,but pile from top to bottom again for a proper color distribution of yourpaving.
– Do not clean the pavement with a high-pressure sprayer. Asa result, the stones become more porous and absorb dirt and algae more quickly.
– For your driveway where cars will park, we advise you totake plenty of time for both sandblasting and seaming / seaming afterconstruction. After the sanding of your sand bed, repeat this preferably weeklater.
– Ideally, for driveways, choose stones with a minimumthickness of 7 cm
– Lay connections in elbow or fish grade for better pressuredistribution and thus less chance of driving. More information about all theleggings you can choose can be found on our laying patterns page.
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