3 Things to Consider Before You Choose Pavers

If you want to replace old paving around your home or install new pavers for the first time, then your choice of materials is vital. While your decision is partly based on how you want your paving to look, there are other factors to consider before you choose which pavers to use.

What should you think about before you choose pavers?

1. Your Ground Conditions

Your choice of pavers could be affected by the conditions of your grounds or garden. For example, if you simply want to install pavers to create walkways around a flat garden, then you can choose pretty much any material.

However, slopes, inclines and uneven ground can pose problems. For example, it's harder to install brick pavers on slopes. The job will take more time, and you might not get a perfect finish without doing additional ground preparation work before your installation.

If you'll build sloped paving, such as on a driveway, then you also need to think about safety. If you choose a material that is too slippery, then the surface will be hazardous to walk on. Here, you want pavers that give you extra grip even in wet weather.

2. Your Paving Location

You should also think about where your pavers will go in relation to other elements in your garden or yard. For example, if you want to pave a pool area, then you have to factor in the effects of water and pool chemicals.

If your pavers can't cope with exposure to water or chemicals, then they won't last as long as you'd like. For example, some natural stone pavers might absorb moisture around a pool. They might crack if they get too wet too often.

Here, you should look for pavers with good moisture control. Water-resistant materials such as porcelain or water-sealed products such as concrete might be a better long-term option.

3. Your Budget

Paver costs vary according to the materials you choose and the amount of time it takes to install them. To avoid disappointment, think about your budget before you choose which material to use.

For example, if you aren't worried about the cost of your pavers, then more expensive materials, such as high-end natural stones, will fall within your budget. If you need to keep costs low, then bricks or concrete might be better choices. You can also reduce costs by keeping any customised features to a minimum.

For more advice on choosing pavers for your garden or driveway, contact residential paving contractors. They can help you choose the right material for your space and budget.