The type of perfect pavers you choose for your patio project can greatly affect how good it looks and its longevity so for the purpose of both, it’s important to get your paver choice right from the get-go. In this post, we’ll take a look at the integral things you should be considering when making your paver choice to ensure you get a beautiful and long-lasting result.
The Slip Rating
A patio will be walked on frequently and often barefoot. The paver you use must have a high slip rating. Some pavers can be slippery even when they aren’t wet. Your patio will inevitably get wet from time to time, whether it’s from a spill or the rain, and if your pavers offer less than sufficient grip, they can become a hazard. For optimal safety, look for pavers that offer a slip rating of P4 at the minimum.
The Colour
The colour of your patio matters for a couple of reasons. The first is that if your pavers are out in the sun, it can affect their comfortability. For example, if they are dark, they’ll heat up and become hot, sometimes so hot that they burn feet. On the other hand, if your pavers are light in colour, say light grey or white, they’ll cause the sun’s rays to bounce off them and the area can become glary. These things should be considered, especially if they’ll be in the sun. Secondly, the colour of your pavers should complement the rest of the exterior to create a cohesive and well-thought-out space.
The Stone’s Overall Resilience
Some types of pavers are stronger than others, and to ensure you are investing your money into a lasting product, it’s a good idea to consider the lifespan and overall resilience the paver offers. A patio will typically be a high-traffic area, and the pavers you choose should be able to withstand such conditions.
Scratch and Spill Resistance
Your patio will likely get a lot of use, and the brick pavers Perth you choose should be up to the job. If you have children or pets, there’s a good chance that your pavers will sustain scratches. If you choose a paver that scratches easily, this can detract from its appeal. You don’t want to have to consider the possibility of scratches every time your pet or children go outdoors, this can get exhausting quick. Additionally, if you have a BBQ in your patio area, this will likely cause spills of some sort. Even if you don’t have a BBQ, drinks and food will be consumed here and you don’t want a paver that stains easily.
The Finish
Pavers can come in a multitude of finishes, and you may not think that it matters but choosing a smooth finish can make your patio area that much more comfortable. Abrasive finishes can hurt the feet and cause grazes to kids playing in the area.
The Quality
It goes without saying, if you want your pavers to last, you need to ensure they are of good quality. There are lots of paver suppliers out there that will sell imitation pavers or pavers of a questionable standard. While premium quality pavers will cost you more upfront, they last much longer and can save you money on repairs and replacements. It’s not uncommon for cheap pavers to crack or crumble.
The Size of Your Perfect Pavers
As a general guide, you should use pavers that are size appropriate for the space, for example, if you have a small patio area, using large pavers can make the area seem smaller. This is always worth considering when you are trying to achieve maximum impact and aesthetic appeal.
Great Perfect Pavers Options for Patios
Travertine
Travertine not only looks impeccable, but it’s extremely long-lasting too. Due to their classy appearance, they suit a plethora of home improvement styles and applications.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate is an attractive paver choice for a patio. The surface is smooth and offers a textural element. You can find exposed aggregate in a variety of colours, styles and finishes, allowing you to find the perfect one for your paved patio project.
Limestone
Limestone is a beautiful paver choice for patios. Featuring distinctive white/light grey hues, this paver is a great addition to any space.
Why Choose Pavers for Your Patio
Pavers are exceptionally hardwearing and resilient even when exposed to the harshest conditions. They are also very popular due to their appearance. There are plenty of options to choose from, and there’s something for every preference and budget.
Things to Consider When Installing Perfect Pavers on Your Patio
Drainage
When implementing any type of hardscaping into your backyard, drainage should be factored into the design and layout. This will prevent the area from flooding when it rains. Pooling water on your patio can cause issues with the foundation and it may cause sinking as a result. Additionally, if there is heavy rain and your patio doesn’t have proper drainage, this excess water can enter the home if it has nowhere to go.
The Installation Technique
There are several ways you can install pavers, and ultimately it is up to you however, for a sturdy and long-lasting result, we suggest installing your pavers on concrete.
Sealing Your Perfect Pavers is Strongly Recommended
Once your pavers have been installed, it’s strongly recommended that you seal them. This has many benefits, including protecting the paver from external damage such as the sun’s UV rays and it prevents water and liquids from permeating into the stone. This makes cleaning spills up much easier, and stains are less likely. Sealer can effectively extend the lifespan of your pavers dramatically.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Pavers for Your Patio?
Choosing pavers to create a patio is exciting, and doing your research first will ensure you pick a high-quality paver that going to stand the test of time. Pavers can last for decades when the right installation is carried out. We hope this post has given you an idea of what to look for in your patio paver choice. If you have any questions about pavers for patios or you’re ready to purchase some, contact the team at Bonita Stone. We manufacture world-class pavers here in Perth, and we’d love to be of assistance if we can.
