Are you looking to renovate your patio but aren’t set on a material yet? Patio pavers may be the best option out there. Both robust and aesthetic, said paving stones will give your backyard some much-needed flair. Learn everything there is to know about paved patios in the guidelines below, from the different types of pavers, features, assets, and installation methods.

Building a Paver Patio: What to Know

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Pavers are typically blocks used for landscaping purposes. They can be made of materials like concrete, stone, glass, clay, and plastic. Pavers are used for outdoor patios, as well as for alleyways, gardens, walkways, terrace-like balconies, etc. Said type of paving stone is retailed in an array of different shapes, colours, textures, and sizes, all suited to your needs. Pavers are timeless landscaping components that will add a certain authenticity to your backyard. Given their durability and aesthetic, they're a very sought-after material in Canada. 

What are the different types of patio pavers?

There are several different types of patio pavers, all made with materials granting them specific characteristics. As such, to choose the right type of paver for your outdoor setting, you have to take into account the following factors when purchasing your outdoor flooring: surface to pave, the aesthetic you’re hoping to convey in your backyard, and whether the surface should be vehicle-friendly or not.

Natural Stone Patio Pavers 

Natural stone pavers are known for their elegance and strength. This material is ideal if you’re looking to give your backyard a chic and classy aesthetic. Note that there are several different types of natural stone pavers: limestone granite, and sandstone.

• Limestone: Is robust and has a non-slip surface. Limestone pavers are easy to install and will give your backyard a historical-like vibe. They’re retailed in a wide range of colours; grey-blue hues to cream and beige shades, with greyish brown and beige ochre in between.

• Granite pavers: This type of paver will convey a noble and one-of-a-kind vibe to your backyard. Granite pavers are available in numerous sizes and perfectly withstand abrasions and scratches. 

• Sandstone: These pavers are rich in colour: brown, orangey, yellow, pink, ochre, etc. Sandstone is the material of choice if you’re looking to prioritize your backyard’s aesthetic. 

While a tad expensive, natural stones will increase the value of your home due to its bucket load of charm. Furthermore, given that these stones are on the smaller side, they will make your patio look bigger. 

Maintenance-wise, avoid using acid-based cleaners that risk tarnishing the stone’s glow and focus on gentle cleaning products instead.

Concrete Patio Pavers

Concrete pavers are perfect for those who love modern-inspired, trendy settings. This is what you need if you’re looking to give your outdoor setting a modern or rustic flair. Concrete pavers can withstand heavy loads given their density and strength. They can also withstand bad weather and have great value for money compared to other materials. Furthermore, you can choose between a range of different installation patterns (stack bond, herringbone, staggered, arched, etc.). 

The downside is that concrete fades over time. To prevent fading, we recommend choosing pavers coated with a wear-resistant coating. You can, for example, opt for ceramic clinker tiles that withstand the effects of time very well. Concrete pavers are retailed in a great variety of colours, textures, shapes, and sizes. 

Reconstituted Patio Paving Stones

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Reconstituted patio pavers have a sort of "used" look, which will give your patio a unique and vintage-like flair. Such pavers can mimic the look of several different types of noble materials, such as wood, natural stone, marble, etc. They're non-slip, comfortable to tread on, and pretty weather-resistant. Such a paving stone is more budget-friendly compared to other materials and is retailed in a wide range of shapes, colours, and sizes. 

As for maintenance, it’s best to avoid using harsh products and instead use a soft-bristled cleaning brush to keep the stones looking as good as new. Using this type of outdoor flooring isn’t recommended around water points, such as ponds and pools.  

Interlocking Pavers

When it comes to interlocking pavers, their uniqueness comes from the fact that they can be easily moved given their interlocking feature, snapping one into the other. Due to the interlocking feature, these pavers are super easy to install, whether the land is sloping or pitching. Furthermore, the pavers can be altered or removed faster than any other paving stone. Interlocking pavers are especially time-resistant and easily adapt to all situations and configurations. They're available in concrete or stone and can be stained with colourants. They're also retailed as monolayered or bilayered tiles. 

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers are both aesthetic and eco-friendly. As a matter of fact, on top of giving your patio the desired elegance, they allow rainwater to seep into the ground, facilitating the renewal of phreatic zones. Courtesy of their drainage feature, permeable pavers also limit the amount of water channelled toward sewers during heavy rainfalls, thereby reducing flood risks. 

There are four different types of permeable pavers on the market:

• Porous pavers: Allow water to seep through the material without damaging it.

• Open-joint pavers: Resemble peel-and-stick pavers with a wide joint, allowing stormwater to flow between the tiles.

• Turfstone pavers: Their honeycomb shape allows water to seep into the ground and promote grass growth.

• Open pavers: They have little grooves, allowing water to seep into the ground.

The Benefits of a Paved Patio

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If paved patios are so sought-after by Canadian homeowners, it’s on account of the following advantages: 

• Very weather-resistant: Paved patios have a great lifespan and can withstand the harshest of climates.

• Have non-slip properties: This type of outdoor flooring is non-flip. They're made with natural stones, giving the paved surface the stability you’re looking for.

• Stones age beautifully: Said attribute gives your backyard a unique charm. As a matter of fact, you can enjoy your paved outdoor space for an extended period of time without having to worry about renovations.

• Easy installation: Installing patio pavers is easy and simple. If you’re somewhat handy, you might be able to do it without having to hire a team of professionals. Pavers often have the same shape and size, making for a uniform and structured result.

• Personalized setting: Unlike concrete, which is poured in a single direction, pavers can be laid individually. This allows you to design your patio according to your vision.

• Wide range of colours: There’s a little something for everyone. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find something worthwhile.

• Eco-friendly: Opting for a paved patio, it’s choosing to consume in an eco-friendly manner. In fact, it’s a natural, recyclable, and reusable outdoor flooring, making it an environmentally friendly material.  

How to Install Paving Stones: Patio Building Steps

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Installing patio pavers is done according to several steps, and note that there are two ways to go about it:

• Dry-lay on a sand base;

• Wet-lay done with concrete and mortar, ensuring the best long-term results for your patio. 

Step 1: Preparation 

Should you be laying your pavers a bare land, pour a slab of reinforced concrete and allow it to cure for one to two months. Consider drawing up a plan for your patio to establish the desired paver pattern. For a sand-base installation, opt for pavers that are thicker than 2.5 cm, and if you choose to proceed with a concrete base, opt for pavers that are less than 2.5 cm thick.

Step 2: Lay the pavers

If Installed on a Sand Base 

If you choose to lay your pavers on a sand base, start by digging the ground 23 to 28 cm deep, based on the nature of the soil (sandy or clay). Plan for the base to have a 2 cm slope every metre for drainage purposes. Make sure said slope drains away from your property. Spread out a layer of rubble to promote stormwater runoff. Then, compact the ground using a stamping tool, and lay geotextile membranes, followed by a sand bed. Level it.

Once the area has been levelled, start laying the paving stones individually. Start with the side closest to your property, allowing for a 10- to 15-mm gap between each paving stone. Avoid treading on the sand while laying the pavers. Stabilize the pavers correctly in the ground using a wooden rod. Next, start removing the joists and position the pavers that will border the space on a 3-cm thick concrete bed. Allow the installation to cure for 24 hours prior to filling in the gaps between each paver with sand and cement.

If Installed on a Concrete Slab

To install pavers on a slab of concrete, clear the area where you will build your patio and put together the framework around the concrete screed. Mix the concrete. Then, pour the slab and proceed to lay the pavers, one by one, ensuring you’re not treading on the freshly poured concrete. Leave a 10-mm gap between each paver. Wipe clean any traces of mortar and allow to cure for 24 hours. Fill in the joints with mortar, smoothing it out and removing any excess. Allow to cure for 24 hours.

How much does it cost to build a paved patio?

Costs vary based on several factors, such as the quality, thickness, and shape of the purchased pavers. But, note that they’re models suiting all budgets, from the smallest to the biggest. Still, be cautious of overly budget-friendly prices as quality may be lacking. 

Paving Stone Maintenance: What Not to Do 

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• Pressure washing is advised against to limit the possibility of foaming between the pavers. Doing so risks damaging the stones and promotes the growth of green deposits. Instead, use anti-foaming agents. 

• To prevent damaging your patio pavers when cleaning, opt for gentle and eco-friendly detergents whenever possible.

• Always remove the vegetation covering the patio platform to prevent the spread of mould and lichen.  

• There are liquids made to protect concrete against dirt and moisture. You can soak the pavers in one of those liquids to render the pavers less vulnerable to outdoor conditions.