Why Granite Pavers

Posted on November 14, 2014 by admin

Some of the most prized and highly preferred paving materials by landscaping contractors, property owners, and stonemasons are Granite Pavers. And this is not surprising at all, given the extraordinary properties of granite. It’s most important feature is arguably its permanence – among the world’s oldest structures and sculpture pieces are made entirely of granite. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all have built granite structures, some of which can be viewed up to now. Add to that the ease in maintenance and you have a truly valuable paving solution. Hence, it is the material of choice for anyone who wants a structure that remains intact for a lifetime. Read on… 

 

Posted in Natural Stone | Tagged | Comments Off on Why Granite Pavers

Natural Stone Pavers

Posted on October 30, 2014 by admin

There’s no denying that natural stones are among the most attractive and prized landscaping and building materials used by property owners, builders, artisans, architects, landscape designers, and contractors. It is primarily because of their sheer beauty and decorative possibilities that natural stone pavers are used extensively in landscaping. Read More… 

 

Posted in Natural Stone | Tagged | Comments Off on Natural Stone Pavers

Benefits of Concrete Pavers

Posted on October 24, 2014 by admin

Concrete pavers are among the most sought-after paving solutions by contractors, landscape designers, property owners, and architects. This is primarily due to the wide range of benefits that such paving materials provide. For one, concrete pavers are an extremely sturdy material that can withstand extreme weather changes without cracking. The segmental concrete paver variety, for example, contracts and expands according to the weather, hence preventing surface cracks from occurring. Certain types, like permeable pavers, are known to cut irrigation demand by half and reduce local Heat Island effects while effectively contributing to surface water management.

Additionally, concrete pavers are highly load-tolerant and proven to withstand constant exposure to heavy loads. It is also very easy to repair and replace damaged pavers, hence saving the property owner huge amounts. Meanwhile, concrete pavers are also well-liked for their easy installation and maintenance. Most paver installation projects normally take just under two or three days to complete, while maintenance efforts typically require only pressure washing from time to time. Read More >> 

 

Posted in Concrete | Comments Off on Benefits of Concrete Pavers

Brick Pavers Applications

Posted on September 10, 2014 by admin

Clay brick pavers offer astounding design possibilities that can make your property stand out. Clay’s innate earthy appeal makes it the perfect material for outdoor spaces as well as indoors. Meanwhile, the relatively easy installation and maintenance efforts that brick paver require makes it highly cost-efficient when compared with other available materials.

Brick pavers are available in various exciting patterns that can help you achieve your dream look and feel – from basket weave, herringbone (at 45 and 90 degree angles), spin wheel, stack bond, running/stretcher bond, and many others. Additionally, they come in various colors such as red, buff, pink, orange, brown, and green. The different brick paver shapes also add up to the dozens of exciting design themes that contractors and landscapers can create for your property. Shapes like rectangle, square, fan, keyhole, parallelogram, X, and W allow for highly customized and one-of-a-kind…
Read More >>

Posted in Brick Pavers | Tagged | Comments Off on Brick Pavers Applications

Benefits of Asphalt Paving

Posted on August 27, 2014 by admin

Asphalt paving is a low-cost solution favored by contractors, road engineers, landscaping companies, and property owners. For commercial and residential property owners who want an affordable paving material, asphalt is an excellent choice. It is relatively cheaper than other paving materials like concrete and stone pavers but is as effective just the same.

Asphalt provides other benefits that are too good to ignore. For one, asphalt can be recycled over and over, hence becoming a top option among green advocates. It is also durable and weather-resistant, necessitating very minimal maintenance and repair efforts over time. And, unlike concrete slabs or pavers that take time to install, asphalt is so easy to apply. Not only is this low-maintenance and quick apply features very convenient, they will also save you hundreds of dollars in labor cost.

Read More… 

Posted in DIY | Tagged , | Comments Off on Benefits of Asphalt Paving

Safety Tips When Handling Paver Tools

Posted on August 10, 2013 by admin

1If you have chosen too pave a certain area in your back or front yard and would like to do it yourself good on you! If you’re a professional and you have been hired to construct a large paved site but you have forgotten all of the safety precautions well then this is the right article for you. There are some considerations that you need to address carefully and wisely before you begin the project.

Once you have chosen the pavers for this area you need to consider which paver tools you would need to help you with this application. You may or may not already have most tools or you can visit your nearest paver tools retailer are hire the tools you do not have.

The first priority you should be thinking about is the safety of yourself and other that will be passing through the work zone. It may be advised that work that requires heavy machinery be carried out by a certified professional. But if you are confident and you follow simple safety guide lines then why not have a go yourself.

Safety Tips You Should Take Seriously

Safety Tip 1

Before you even begin to commence work on this area you need to make sure it is clear of all hazardous materials that may affect your work. This includes things like; children’s toys, chemicals, rocks, and other things that may get in the way especially if you are using a machine to excavate the area.

Safety Tip 2

2You should always mark out the area you will be working in. surround it with tape and place a sign somewhere where bystanders will be able to see it. Just a simple sign saying do not Enter or Work in progress. If you have heavy machinery in this area then you need a sign that states this. Having a sign in sight is a must this will let passers by know not too enter this construction site.

Safety Tip 3

You will need to protect yourself. There are many materials that you can use to protect yourself from dangers.

Eye Protection

3Safety goggles are the best eye protection anyone who is using machinery or even paving tool should use. Eye protection is a must at all times you should not remove your eye protection at least until the job is complete or you are taking a break.

Safety Gloves

Whilst you are paving your hands will come in contact will dozens of chemicals such as; cement in concrete, mortar, masonry mix and sealers. Because paving is a hand on job you will need to protect your hands by using safety gloves. There are special gloves that should be used whilst constructing a pavement area.

Cotton gloves are not suited for this sort of work so you should use rubber gloves as they are longer lasting. Rubbers gloves can cause bacteria inside the gloves so you will need to give you hands some fresh air frequently and wash them to remove all traces of bacteria.

Head protection

4Wearing a hard hat can sometimes get uncomfortable and you may get frustrated so take it off. But you shouldn’t. Head protection should always been worn no matter what the circumstances are. Your head is the most important part of your body and you never know what’s behind or above you.

A hard hat will protect your head from any accidents that may occur. The outer lining of the hard hat is a soft metal which will refrain anything from hitting you on the head.

Footwear

Another important part of the body is our feet. We must always were protective footwear like steel capped boots or work boots. Protective footwear will protect your feet from sharp objects that may be lying around. You may also drop a hammer or another tool and its hits your feet but at least you will be safe and protected by your protective foot wear.

Bright Clothing

5Nowadays anyone that is working on a construction site must wear highly visible jackets or T-shirts which are bright yellow and orange. This has been introduced to stop the large number of deaths that occur on construction site due to lack of visibility of the person.

So protect your self and others by wearing the visibility jackets and t-shirts and ensure the safety of yourself and your co workers.

Safety Tip 4

6Another important safety precaution that is a legal must is that there should be a first aid kit present at all times as well as at least one person who hold a first aid licensee. This is very important you never know when an accident can occur.

Hopefully this article has made you realize the importance of safety measures. We hope that you and your construction team co operate with these so simple guidelines and enjoy your job while being safe.

Posted in DIY, Safety | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Safety Tips When Handling Paver Tools

Rubber Pavers Installation and Maintenance Tips

Posted on August 2, 2013 by admin

1Rubber pavers have become one of the most popular flooring materials over time. They are popular because of their many quality attributes. Rubber pavers are made out of used tire tread which makes them the most slip resistant flooring materials. Rubber pavers are used on many applications where safety is required like; children’s play grounds, nursing homes, horse barns, patios and public walkways.

Rubber pavers are made available in many different shapes, colors and they can be interlocked to create many magnificent patterns.

2Rubber pavers offer a long lasting life span and they are low in maintenance. They can be easily installed by yourself or you can hire a professional to get the job done perfect. Rubber pavers can be installed onto a number of existing surfaces like; concrete, stone or wood. This makes their installation process hassle free.

Here Are Some Handy Installation Tips

The first and most important tips for installing rubber pavers are that you keep them free of water. This also applies for any other paver installation. Rubber pavers will contract and absorb the water that they come in contact with. If they do come in contact with water their shape will change and installation may become difficult so it is best to keep them free of water even the slightest amount.

Rubber pavers should be kept free of sunlight as well. The direct sunlight will also cause them to expand which will result in expansion and create gaps upon installation.

Another important tip is when you are deciding on how many rubber pavers you need for this application think carefully and measure the area in square foots. This should give you the right amount of pavers you will need to purchase. If you are not sure on how to do this seek your nearest professional retailers advice.

3Installation Tip 1: Once you have excavated the site you should prepare a great sub base. This is crucial, crushed stone or aggregate will do the job fine. A great sub base is need for water to evaporate through the joints of the rubber pavers.

Installation Tip 2: Lay the rubber pavers using an adhesive. Especially in the outdoors because of the increasing temperatures, these temperatures can affect the rubber pavers by causing them to move and shift their place.

Installation Tip 3: If you are deciding to paint or do some construction work in the area where your rubber pavers are placed you should cover then as they will absorb any paint or dust which will result in their top texture changes as well as the color. Some if you can try to do this before you have installed the pavers.

Here Are Some Handy Maintenance Tips

The maintenance of rubber pavers is a simple as can be. In they have been installed properly then they will require so little maintenance.

Maintenance Tasks on a Daily Basis

Rubber pavers do not need maintenance on a daily basis. Although you may have lots of children passing over the rubber paved area or even heavy foot traffic which can result in lots of food stains, dirt and grime.

4Tip 1: Generally using a wet mop you should simply wipe over the area. This will remove all food stains and grime. Repeat this step twice and leave to dry and your rubber pavers will be as good as new.

Tip 2: If you find that the pavers are still clean by the end of the next day then do not repeat this process.

Once a Week You Should;     

  1. Use a wet mop and clean the surface of the pavers.
  2. Check over them to make sure there are no damages or shifting.
  3. Check for harsh stains which the moping has not removed and purchase a professional solution to remove this stain.

Maintaining Your Rubber Pavers Colors!

5You should at least once a month use a high pressured hose and slowly use it over the surface of the rubber pavers. The high pressured hose will remove anything that lies on the surfaces. It will then bring back the beauties of your rubber pavers.

Now you can enjoy the many benefits of your rubber pavers by using these several handy tips. With an ease in installation and virtually maintenance from what more could you want from a paver!

Posted in Budget, DIY, Landscaping, Patio | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Rubber Pavers Installation and Maintenance Tips

The Benefits of Using Brick Pavers on your Patio

Posted on July 27, 2013 by admin

Material Selections for Patio Pavers

1A patio is a wonderful place where you can congregate with friends and family and enjoy the peaceful settings of your own private haven. You can have some flashy furniture with a barbeque and it can be your dining and entertaining area that will look over your stunning pool or landscape.

If you not yet have a patio then why not look into installing one. A patio is easily installed. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to get the job done right. There a number of materials that you can use as flooring for your patio.

We will now discuss some of the many materials that are suited for patio applications.

The Benefits of Using Concrete Pavers for your Patio

2Concrete pavers are produced by man. They are made up of a cement mixture. They are high in durability, versatility and flexibility making them most popularly used material for flooring applications.

Concrete pavers can be easily maintained by doing several light procedures on a weekly basis to maintain their finishing textures. They also can be replaced so simply if the become damaged, chipped or cracked.

Concrete pavers can be made to any size shape or form. The shaping process takes place after the material has been mixed. It is placed into moulds of a desired shape and left to set to produce the chosen shape. You can have your own customized concrete pavers made by consulting your nearest concrete paver retailer. It is that simple.

3Snow removal and snow ploughing is easily done on a concrete patio surface. You can also stain or seal the finish of your concrete pavers to protect it from any harsh stains or damages that may occur.

Concrete pavers are low in cost. So if you choose concrete pavers for your patio it will be an investment for your home.

The Benefits of Using Natural Stone pavers on your Patio

Natural stone pavers are found all over the world. Natural stone is produced over millions of years in places such as; our beaches, lakes, caves, river beds, mountains and under ground. They are found and later quarried. Natural stones are quarried in block formed in sheets. They will then be taken to manufactures of natural stones and preserved and produced into their pavers shape.

Natural stone pavers offer many dazzling colors, shapes and sizes. Your natural stone patio flooring will be one of a kind because of the natural color affects it offers.

4Natural stone pavers require little maintenance such as general cleaning duties like; sweeping and removing any dirt, dust or grime as these pests can affect the finish of a natural stone paver. Natural stone pavers are generally porous materials therefore the do need to be sealed with a specially formulated sealer to ensure their top surface texture is safe.

Natural stone pavers can be laid in many magical patterns. You will enjoy the feel and look of your natural stone paved patio.

The Benefits of Using Brick Pavers on your Patio

5Brick pavers are also a man produce material. They are made up of aggregate and cement. This mixture is fired at very high temperatures. This process is called the firing process. It is carried out to make certain the mixture id bonded together which makes it strong and long lasting.

Brick pavers can be applied to a number of areas around your home. They are available in many shapes but their well known for their rectangular shape which is most commonly preferred by users. Its color is of earthy and rustic tones which can be used to blend and compliment the overall color scheme of your patio.

Brick pavers are easily maintained and they too can be replaced if necessary. Brick pavers are easily installed in no time at all.

Hopefully this article has helped you make up your mind on which the right material will be for you and your patio.

Posted in Brick Pavers, DIY, Patio | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Benefits of Using Brick Pavers on your Patio

Installing a Keystone Retaining Wall System

Posted on July 18, 2013 by admin

Why not add a touch of class to your home landscape by adding a keystone retaining wall system. When the keystone retaining wall system was developed simplicity and ease of construction were kept in mind.

This article is a step by step instruction guide on installing a keystone retaining wall system.

Prepare the Site

To prepare the site you should have a plan of action in place. This means you should have planned out where the retaining wall will go, will it be curved or straight and how high will it sit.

Once you have discussed and put onto paper where the retaining wall will go you should then begin to mark out the area where it will go so you know which direction to dig in. you can use spray paint to do so or you can use some string just as your guide line.

To start your installation you must begin by removing all excess dirt, vegetation and unnecessary rocks and boulders. You can then start to dig a shallow trench which should be at least 4 inches deep by 12 inches wide. You also need to consider space for your drainage issues. You should remember to remove any rock, sod or roots that you find as you are digging.

Levelling, Base Material & Compaction

Once the retaining wall site has been dug to the right depth you should now begin to level off the dirt. You should then apply a base material. There are several base materials that can be used for this application these include; crushed rock, granular fill or stone fill. Concrete is the most proffered base material because it is a sturdy, reliable and durable material.

Level the base material and begin compaction.

The First Layer of Keystone

Start to place the keystone units one by one onto the base material. Make sure that their sides are touching and that they keystone units are level.

The keystone blocks have 2 holes on the face of them. Insert the interlocking pins provide into the front and back of the holes. These pins will hold them together.

Installing & Backfilling

You can now begin to install the rest of the keystone’s to achieve you retaining wall. As you place a layer you will need to back fill it with your proffered material such as; granular filler or crushed stone.

Install the Rest of the Keystone Layers

As your retaining wall gets higher as you go you will need to make certain that each unit locks it with the next. This is why the interlocking pins are so important. So make sure that you are hearing them click together.

Finishing Off

Once the height of your keystone retaining wall system has reached its peak you can start to add the finishing touches. You will need to place the finishing caps on the top of the last row of keystone. Before you do third you should backfill the area completely this will ensure the stability of the wall. You can then place the caps in their spot.

Hopefully this guide is simple and easy to follow. You will truly enjoy the creative setting of your own keystone retaining wall system that fits beautifully into your landscape.

Posted in DIY, Retaining Walls | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Installing a Keystone Retaining Wall System

How to Apply Sealer to Your New or Old Pavers

Posted on July 11, 2013 by admin

Having a newly paved area around your residential home is exciting. You will want to furnish it and enjoy for the first couple of weeks. But you should protect it first before you start to enjoy this area such as your patio.

Your patio may have many items on it like furniture that could damage the texture of your pavers so you will need too protect your pavers and keep them look great and fresh by applying a general sealer as a top coat.

Sealers come in a variety of styles you can purchase one that is a high sheen or high gloss or you can simply stick too the general natural glossed it all depends on the type of finish that you are after.

Applying a Sealer to Your Old Pavers

If your existing pavers are looking dull and boring and they look as thought the need a touch up. Well then why not freshen them up by applying a sealer to them. Over the next couple of paragraph we will explain a simple guide on how to apply a sealer to your old pavers.

Cleaning Old Pavers

Before you even begin to seal your old pavers you need to remove all furniture from this area and begin to sweep it free of dirt and debris. You may then apply a general cleaner such as soapy water. Also use a high pressured hose to remove all traces of cleaner and dirt.

Some natural stoned pavers may require a specially formulated cleaner so seek professional advice before you use anything.

Begin to clean the pavers and you can try to remove most of the stains that have occurred.

Repairing Cracked or Chipped Pavers

Thoroughly investigate this area to make certain that there are no damaged to the pavers. If so then you must replace them before applying the sealer.

The First & Second Coating

When you apply the sealer it may be easier for you to do this with a roll on brush. If not you can simply use a normal paint brush but it may take you a while.

Apply the first coating, making sure that you thoroughly soak the area. It must penetrate through the top coat of the pavers to ensure that the sealer does it job in protecting the pavers.

You can now leave it to dry for as long as you think. Once the first coat of sealer has dried you can then begin to apply the next coat.

Once this has been done the area should be left to dry for at least 24 hours. Some sealers can take up to 48 hours to dry.

Applying a Sealers Too Freshly Paved Areas

For newly paved areas the same process should occur as above. But excluding the cleaning and repairing process because the pavers are new. With new pavers they require a sealer that will protect their stunning new finish. Different stones require different sealers and cleaners so when you purchase your new pavers ask for advice on cleaners and sealers.

3 coats of sealer may be necessary for new pavers. Just to make certain the sealer does penetrate through to at least 1 to 4 millimetres deep.

Posted in maintenance, Paver Repairs, Paver Sealer | Tagged , | Comments Off on How to Apply Sealer to Your New or Old Pavers