The selection of paving stones is an extremely important process when planning and designing outdoor spaces. Not only does it serve a practical function, allowing free movement on the pavement, but it is also of great aesthetic importance, affecting the overall appearance of the space around the house. By choosing the right paving stones, you can create a unique and attractive space that fully reflects individual preferences and meets specific needs. Read on to help you make an informed decision when choosing paving stones to create a beautiful, durable and harmonious outdoor space.
Choosing paving stones
From which company to choose paving stones?
Choosing a reliable manufacturer of paving stones is extremely important, as it guarantees high quality and durable products. In addition, different manufacturers offer a variety of designs, colors and textures of paving stones. By choosing a reputable company, you are more likely to find products that meet your aesthetic preferences and blend well with your surroundings. You can buy paving blocks from BRUK-BET, for example, which offers a wide range of quality products. Other trusted manufacturers are Pebia and Bruk. Before making a decision, it is worth reading the opinions of other customers and consulting a professional. The full list of recommended manufacturers can be found in the search engine of the Products for Home portal under the keyword "paving stones."
How much does paving stone cost?
The price of paving stones ranges from PLN 45 per square meter to as much as PLN 110 per square meter. The price of paving stones is influenced by their thickness, dimension, type of finish and color. The cheapest is ordinary gray paving blocks, with a rectangular shape. On the other hand, we will pay the most for paving blocks with wavy edges and unusual colors. The cost of laying paving stones by a professional paving company, on the other hand, ranges from PLN 50-100 per square meter .
We can choose from rectangular, square, granite, cobblestone, concrete, stone, basalt or plastic paving blocks
© BRUK-BET
Types of paving blocks
Rectangular paving blocks
This is the most popular type of paving blocks. It can have different ratios, such as 6:9 or 8:12. Rectangular pavers are easy to lay and can be used to create different patterns.
Square paving block
This is a cube with equal sides, usually ranging in size from 5 cm to 20 cm. Square cubes are popular for their simplicity and versatility in design.
Granite cube
Granite pavers are very durable and weather resistant. It has an elegant appearance and can come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Concrete cube
Pavers made of concrete are durable, economical and easy to maintain. Concrete pavers are available in various sizes, shapes and designs.
Stone pavers
Made from natural stones, stone pavers have a unique and organic look. It can be made of various stones such as sandstone, slate, basalt, etc.
Basalt cube
Basalt paving is made of natural basalt and is characterized by high strength and abrasion resistance. It has a distinctive dark color and is often used in projects with a modern style.
Paving stones made from syntethic material
Paving stone made from synthetic material is lightweight, easy to lay and available in a variety of colors and designs. It is popular for garden and recreational projects.
These are just a few examples of the types of paving stones that are available on the market. There are many other types that differ in appearance, properties and application. When choosing paving stones, you should consider the style of the project, weather conditions, expected loads and aesthetic preferences.
You can pave a circle with trapezoidal, square, fan-shaped or hexagonal pavers
© BRUK-BET
Paving blocks for laying a circle
Fan-shaped paving blocks
Fan-shaped paving blocks create striking circular patterns. Their shape allows them to be easily laid in a circle, creating attractive focal points.
Square paving blocks
Square pavers are also a good choice for circular paving. They can be laid in rectangular sections, which can then be arranged in a circular shape. Uniformly sized pavers make it easier to create even circles.
Trapezoidal paving blocks
Trapezoidal-shaped pavers are another option for laying in a circular shape. Their non-uniform shape gives you the opportunity to create interesting patterns around a central point.
Hexagonal pavers
Hexagonal shaped pavers are also popular for laying around a central point in a circular form. Their irregular shape adds a unique touch to designs.
It's important to choose the right size of paving stones for laying a circle. With smaller ones you will create more delicate patterns. Larger pavers, on the other hand, will work well for bolder arrangements.
How to lay paving stones?
Preparing the surface
Make sure that the ground on which you will be laying paving stones is properly prepared. Remove any obstacles, such as stones, tree roots, or other elements that could affect the evenness of the surface.
Design and plan
Before you start laying pavers, it's a good idea to create a design and plan that takes into account the shape, pattern and layout of the pavers. You can do this on paper or with special garden design software.
Dimensions and markers
Mark the area where you want to lay the paving stones. You can use lines, string or spray to mark the area and the pattern you want to achieve.
Dig
Depending on the depth of the paving stones and the thickness of the substrate that is recommended for your specific application, you will need to dig the appropriate amount of soil. It is usually recommended to dig to a depth of about 15-20 cm to make room for the base, sand and paving stones.
Primer
An underlay should be added to the excavated area. This can be a stabilizing layer such as ballast, aggregate or a layer of sand and gravel. The subfloor should be well leveled and compacted to provide a stable base for the paving stones.
Sand
Evenly spread a layer of sand about 3-5 cm thick on the subfloor. Sand allows you to adjust the level of the paving blocks and ensure that the load is evenly distributed over the entire surface.
Laying the paving blocks
Start laying the paving blocks from one of the corners of the area you have marked. You can use the pattern you designed earlier. Make sure that each paving block is laid exactly next to the previous one, so that they are even and well aligned.
Matching and leveling
When laying the pavers, use a rubber mal let to gently blend the cubes into the sand. Check the level and level the pavers regularly using a level and rubber hammer to achieve an even surface.
Grouting
After laying the pavers, level the joints between the pavers. You can use a special grouting material such as quartz sand or a special mix designed for paving stones. Pour the material into the gaps between the pavers and sweep the surface thoroughly to fill the joints evenly.
Tamping
Finally, use a vibrating tamping plate to help reinforce and blend the pavers into the sand and evenly distribute the load over the surface.
Preparing the right substrate for the paving stones is key to ensuring a durable and stable installation
© Pebia
How to prepare the substrate for paving stones?
Preparing the right substrate for paving stones is key to ensuring a durable and stable installation. Here are some steps you can take to prepare the substrate:
Mark out the area
Mark the area where the paving stones will be laid using lines, string or grass spray. Make sure the area is properly prepared in terms of dimensions and shape.
Remove plants and organic materials
Cut and remove any plants, weeds and grasses from the installation area. Make sure to pull out their roots to prevent re-growth. Also remove any organic materials, such as roots, leaves and branches.
Excavate the soil
Dig out about 15-20 cm of soil from the area where the paving will be installed. You can use a shovel or excavator to remove the soil. Make sure the excavation is level and of the correct depth.
Base layer
After excavating the area, prepare the base layer. On the bottom of the excavation, place a layer of gravel or ballast about 10-15 cm thick. It is important to compact this layer well to get a stable base.
Sand layer
Place a layer of sand about 3-5 cm thick on top of the gravel layer. You can spread the sand evenly over the surface and then use a board or stick to smooth and level it.
Check the level
Check that the surface of the substrate is level and horizontal. You can use a level for this.
Pavers without a chamfer
Pavers without a chamfer are a type of pavers in which the edges are not chamfered. The term "chamfer" refers to the rounded shape of the paving block edges, which provides a softer and finer finish. In contrast, paving blocks without a chamfer have straight, sharp edges. Pavers without a chamfer are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, as the sharp edges give a more modern and minimalist look to the surface. It is also popular for projects that call for a more geometric design, with clearly defined lines and shapes. It is worth noting, however, that paving blocks without a chamfer can be more prone to chipping and edge damage compared to those with a chamfer. Therefore, it is important to be careful when laying and using such pavers, especially if there is a risk of exposure to heavy loads or impacts.
Unchamfered pavers are a type of pavers in which the edges are not chamfered
© Tikkurila
How to clean paving stones?
Regular sweeping
Regular sweeping of paving stones helps to remove fine dirt, such as leaves, dust or trash. You can use a broom or a vacuum cleaner with a sweeping function for this.
Washing with water
You can wash paving stones with water using a garden hose or mop. Spray the cube with water and use a soft brush to remove stubborn stains or dirt. If the cube is very dirty, you can use a mild soap or cleaner designed for paving stones.
Mechanical cleaning
For stubborn stains, such as oil or greasy substances, mechanical cleaning can be used. Use a special stain remover or cleaner along with a soft brush or sponge to thoroughly clean the stains.
Use of high-pressure cleaning
High-pressure cleaning can be an effective way to remove stubborn dirt from paving stones. However, be careful not to damage the surface of the pavers. Use low pressure and keep the nozzle at a safe distance.
Weed removal
Regular removal of weeds that can grow between the joints of the paving stones will help keep the surface clean and aesthetically pleasing. You can use hand tools to remove weeds or use chemicals to prevent their growth.
It is important to remember that different types of paving stones may have different cleaning recommendations. Before using any cleaning products, read the manufacturer's instructions and follow paving block maintenance recommendations.
To keep your paving stones clean, sweep them regularly, wash them with water with a special paving stone cleaner and remove weeds. You can also try mechanical or high-pressure cleaning
© Tikkurila
We encourage you to use the database of reputable and reliable Pavement Manufacturers we are building in the Products for Home portal, as well as the articles we publish on modern pavements available on the market, adapted to changing trends and legal requirements.
Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
