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A Brief History

Decorative concrete paving stones (pavers) got their start in post-war Europe as a fast and easy method of repairing bomb damaged streets and walks. The technology stayed in Europe until the 1960’s when it was brought to the United States and used on some commercial projects as an alternative to traditional street bricks. Some of these early projects experienced problems and as a result, the paver would wait another decade before gaining popularity in the U.S.

Application and Installation

As with everything else, the technology of paving stones has caught up to the new millennium. Today pavers are made on state-of-the-art computer controlled machines to ensure exact specifications. Today there is a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors of pavers to choose from. All pavers when installed correctly “interlock” creating a very durable and stable surface. You can create many different effects by mixing colors, styles and patterns- the possibilities are almost limitless. Today pavers are used as landscape edging and also to construct patios, walks, and driveways. Prices vary for different types of pavers and their application. Typically, paver installation is priced per square foot. One of the biggest variables of cost can be the application of the product. For instance, a patio or sidewalk is generally less expensive than a driveway or carport because the base required for vehicle traffic is more expensive. Before starting a job we transit shoot all grade elevations to get an accurate representation of exactly how much fill or excavating is required. Once grade is set, we excavate and install sub-base materials. Normal sub-base for a patio or walkway is 5-6” of compacted ¾” crushed limestone. The base should be compacted every 3” with a tamper. The bedding sand for the pavers must be no more than 1” of sharp sand  (C33). An easy way of controlling the depth of the bedding sand is by using a 1” diameter pipe or rail and pulling a straight edge or screed across the rails.

Pavers are then laid out following a lay out line, a line that is square with the structure or area where pavers are to lay. We normally snap a chalk-line on the sand itself and check for square from time to time. Once the main body of the paver field has been laid, mark the outline for any cuts that might be needed for the edge row(s). After all cuts are made and dry sharp sand has been swept into all joints, install the edge restraint of your choice. This should be followed-up by compacting the entire paver field with a plate compactor. We normally coat the pavers with a thin layer of sand before tamping. This process will ensure a long lasting patio with minimal space between the brick pavers. Generally, pavers are more expensive to install than traditional concrete walks, driveways and patios, but over time - they can be a better investment and more aesthetically pleasing. If properly installed, a paver application can outlast a concrete slab. They are virtually maintenance free and can easily be repaired if damaged. To learn more about interlocking brick pavers visit www.pavestone.com, www.pavetech.com, www.hometime.com and www.belgard.biz.

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