Considering concrete pavers for your next construction project? Great idea! Concrete pavers are a highly popular choice of flooring material for outdoor projects for a very good reason – simply that they’re amazing. Both attractive and functional, concrete pavers will make your outdoor area look good and perform well. Here’s the nutshell version of everything you need to know about this workhorse of the flooring industry.
What are concrete pavers?
Concrete pavers, as they sound, are pavers designed and made from concrete. Concrete is a great choice of flooring material, as it’s strong, durable and long-lasting, and can handle heavy amounts of traffic with ease.
But these pavers don’t look grey and boring like concrete can – far from it. They hold all the advantages of concrete, but come in a huge variety of colours, patterns, textures, finishes and shapes that make them look completely unlike concrete.
Depending on your choice, concrete pavers can make your area feel contemporary or heritage, formal or laid back, homely or elegant. They are colourful, textured, nuanced, interesting and chock full of character.
Concrete pavers are specifically designed to closely mimic the characteristics of natural stone, and to look and feel so much like stone that you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference. They look nothing like a flat, grey slab, and are a great choice to transform your outdoor space from bland to brilliant.
What’s so good about them?
There are so many advantages to concrete pavers, it’s hard to know where to begin! Here are some of the most beneficial reasons why concrete pavers are a great choice:
They look like stone, but are far cheaper than natural stone pavers
- They’re tough and durable
- They last for a very long time
- They can handle heavy traffic, both pedestrian and vehicle, with ease
- They can withstand harsh weather conditions without losing their good looks
- They are resistant to stains and substance marks from acid and chemical substances
- They are extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways
- They are available in a wide variety of colours, finishes, textures, and sizes – far more than other types of flooring materials
- They can be designed and blended to create any kind of pattern imaginable
- They can be combined with furniture, plants, lights, or other materials to create a striking feature
- They can complement, match or contrast with any type, style, or colour of décor
- Installation is straightforward and well within the ability of your average home handyperson
- They are striking and appealing, and create character in your outdoor area
- They add class and sophistication to an area
- They have a more uniform and consistent appearance than natural stone
- They add value to your home
- They offer a more pleasant experience underfoot
- They are cooler to the touch in sunlight than most types of natural stone
- They are safe and non-slip, even around water
- They don’t require a lot of time-consuming maintenance
- There are so many upsides to concrete pavers, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would choose anything else!
How can you use concrete pavers?
You can use concrete pavers in a huge variety of ways, both vertically and horizontally, including:
- Walkways and footpaths
- Courtyards, patios and outdoor areas
- Esplanades and boulevards
- Pool surrounds
- Stairs
- Plazas, retail, and dining precincts
- Air/rail/bus terminals
- Commercial premises
- Residential premises
- Green spaces
- Walls and wall cladding
- Garden features
- Water features
How do you install concrete pavers?
As mentioned above, concrete pavers are not complicated to lay, and you should be able to do it yourself if you follow the process correctly. Incorrect installation can lead to problems, as your pavers can shift over time and become wobbly, uneven and unstable. For an in-depth guide on how to lay concrete pavers correctly, see this handy article:
What are the maintenance requirements of concrete pavers?
Very low. These hardy pavers don’t require much maintenance at all to remain in good condition. Once they’ve been installed, you’ll need to seal them with a penetrating sealer to protect the pavers from discolouration, moisture absorption, fading, mould, mildew, and grime.
The sealant will also enhance the colour of the pavers and keep them looking vibrant for longer. For best results, re-apply the sealant every three to five years, or whenever you deem necessary.
Other than that, you’ll just need to regularly sweep your paved area with a stiff-bristled broom to keep it free from debris. Top up the jointing sand when necessary, and don’t allow weeds, algae, or moss to build up in the cracks.
Clean off any spilled substances as soon as you can to prevent stains, and if you need to remove stubborn dirt from the pavers, an occasional pressure clean will do the job. Make sure you don’t use hydrochloric acid to clean concrete pavers, as this can damage the surface.
Where can you buy concrete pavers?
So, where do you buy these amazing ground surface superstars?
Always buy concrete pavers from a reputable and conscientious supplier, where all the pavers are made to meet Australian industry standards – like Stoneworks Pavers: Stoneworks pavers are available for sale through numerous landscape yards, retailers and distributors located throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
