Usually, when people start re-doing their yards, it is highly unlikely that you’ll stop at just one thing. The furniture, paving, plants, decorations and accessorize, lights… when it all adds up there is a lot of work there to be done! But with some smart and careful planning you can probably commit yourself to doing at least one thing at the time so that it doesn’t get heavy on your budget or your time.
Just as a carpet/floor is the basis for any good looking indoor space, paving is the foundation of any great outdoor space. Yet, choosing just the right paving materials can be a bit tough as you can’t really be sure what best fits your yard. You also need to take your budget into consideration and see what direction it will take you in.
When choosing a material, what do I do?
We did have mention budget as an important factor in the whole process of choosing just the right paving material. But, other than that, you need to consider a few other factors too in order to get the whole process successful, factors like durability, maintenance costs, aesthetics and the overall look you are looking to achieve. No matter if you are using the patio to cover your driveway, pool deck, walkway or any other part of the yard, you need to be absolutely positive on the type of material you’ll opt for.
We are listing more in-depth information about costs and factors amongst the popular choices for landscaping: Concrete Pavers, Poured Concrete, Natural Stone Pavers and Stamped and Colored Concrete.
Natural Stone Pavers
These types of pavers are usually priced between $15 to $30 per sq./ft. As for materials and installation, they are usually included in the price. Since they are made from natural stone, their price is higher than other paving options. They are too cut to size and are not manufactured like and regular pavers. Be sure that they will last long and look great in your outdoor space.
Concrete Pavers
If your budget is (a bit) limited, opting for concrete pavers instead of natural pavers is the best option. They are widely available and are usually found at affordable prices. The price usually includes materials and installation, so you shouldn’t worry about additional costs for installment. Compared to Natural Stone Pavers, Concrete Pavers have a lower price as they are manufactured and not natural stone. Concrete Pavers come in a wide variety of shapes and colors and can withstand up to 8000 p.s.i. Concrete Pavers are very easy to maintain and usually last a lifetime.
Poured concrete
Unless you are ready for the maintenance, don’t go with poured concrete. Since it’s of the durable yet cheap material, poured concrete usually costs $8 to $12 per sq./ft. (Usually for 2500+ p.s.i.).
It is prone to cracking and color fading, but is quick and easy to install.
In order to avoid cracks, poured concrete usually has very high maintenance costs and has to be regularly washed and sealed to avoid stains. Poured concrete isn’t as elegant looking as Pavers and unfortunately it is not guaranteed that poured concrete will last a lifetime and certainly does not look as elegant as Pavers.
Stamped Concrete
As you see most of these pavers need really high maintenance. This includes stamped and colored concrete as well and it’s advised not to opt for it unless you are ready to dedicate some time to its maintaining. Depending on the design and pattern chosen, stamped concrete usually costs between $12 to $18 per sq./ft. Although it does not match the elegance or durability of pavers, stamped concrete can be a great alternative to them. Just as the Poured Concrete, Stamped Concrete inherits the same problems such as stains, cracks, and high maintenance costs claim cobblestone pavers Sydney. This is why, to insure that it will last as expected, a regular maintenance routine has to be carried out.
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Once your choice has been made, and you’ve finally decided on the type of paver you’ll go with, you can look to give your yard an extra interesting vibe by decorating it with elegant lights and plants, maybe even get a new set of furniture. Also, look for all the paving options to be cohesive in order to give the space a sense of unity.