There are two main types of paving, concrete and tile/brick paving. Each has its merits and each has it disadvantages. Where concrete paving can be an economical option, it requires either a base surface of some description, or is limited in the styles that it can be laid. Standard paving can use a variety of materials in any number of different patterns but will also require maintenance over time to ensure its longevity.
What is Brick Paving?
Brick paving involves the practice of using bricks or tile like slabs in a block pattern to create open spaces, roads, walkways and footpaths. The main benefit of using bricks to create a solid driveway or walkway is that individual damage bricks can be removed and replaced at little to no cost. Where concrete would need replacement or repair, changing one brick is as simple as lifting it from the ground. This allows for easy maintenance and repair work without replacing an entire surface.
Brick paving has been known to be used in both a residential and commercial sense from train stations and car parks to patio flooring and garden paths. By using bricks, a paver is able to adapt a pattern or style to the formation of the flat land by using different colours or sizes. It is also an affordable option for homeowners who require a hard base surface for cars or outdoor settings to rest on. Although there are many different patterns to choose from, the most common is the 45-degree “herringbone pattern”. This offers both the strongest bond and the most consistent look to a pathway. Other patterns include stretcher bond, basket weave, California weave and a combination of different sized bricks.
What is Concrete Paving?
Concrete Paving
Concrete paving is a form of re-surfacing system that can turn dull concrete areas or open spaces into strong features underfoot. Concrete paving uses an anti-slip, cement-based coating that can turn any space into an attractive and durable paving solution. There are ranges of different colours to choose from and in some cases, businesses offer different concrete pattern options to use. This form of paving is very cost efficient and is roughly twice as strong as ordinary concrete.
Liquid Limestone
Another form of concrete paving is the use of liquid limestone that has the appearance of cut limestone but the strength and economy of concrete. This form of paving is very cool under foot in high temperatures and is a highly sought after option for both residential and commercial use. Ideal for driveways and high traffic areas, liquid limestone can be laid as a solid block or sold as tile plates to be arranged in a pattern.
Spray on Concrete
The third for is a type of spray on concrete paver. This can be used for internal flooring solutions, as it is a form of concrete-polymer compound that can replicate the appearance of materials from timer to marble. Plolymer Paving and Driveway contractors is extremely flexible and combines the strength of concrete with the appearance and style of more desirable flooring options. This is also a great solution for outdoor flooring or commercial use and it is more commonly known as stenciled concrete when in the form of a brick pattern on a driveway or footpath.
How to find the Best Pavers in your local area?
If you are looking for a quality paver in your area, make sure you assess multiple options for your project. It is crucial that you receive the correct amount of information and professionalism to ensure that no future problems occur. When engaging with a service provider, make an effort to ask for any insurance details, license information, qualification certificates or standard of quality documentation. This will enable you to better compare your options while also giving an insight into a businesses professionalism and ability to communicate with their customers.
If you are still unsure, do not be afraid to ask for a reference or previous work statement. Many businesses love to show off their quality of work and you can visit previously completed locations to check quality. When you decide to go with a business, make an effort to suggest a date of completion. This will enable you and the contractors to work to a schedule that suites all users.
