Patio Paving Stones
the basics for creating walkways and pathways

by Mike Mussog

Whether it's a narrow pedestrian pathway, a stylish faux-historic cart-path or roadway, or a public space, pave stone can provide smooth, even surfaces that will stand the test of time.

The relatively new availability of manufactured pave stone designs allows builders to pave areas easily. Pave stone fills a particular role in landscaping stone projects, around homes, apartments, or in public areas around commercial properties, where planners use it to achieve a clean, modern look.

Can you imagine any surface you would rather have as your walkway, driveway or patio? Now take into account the low cost, low upkeep, and high durability of pave stone compared to other pavements, it's no wonder why pave stone's popularity is sky-rocketing.

Photo courtesy of brewbooks

Compared to all common pavements available, the unrivaled beauty and design possibilities of pave stones in addition to being the most upkeep free and easiest pavement to maintain makes it a clear choice for increasing the beauty and value of your home.

Designed to Fit

The appeal of pave stone is in its design: manufactured pieces fit together without a need for conventional mortar, difficult stone sizing, or excessive cutting and fitting. The uniform pieces can be laid out and installed with just a little loose sand for fitting the small spaces in between.

This makes pave stone a favorite for small do-it-yourself projects. For larger, more heavily used projects, a pave stone contractor can bring the proper tools to the job and install pave stone quickly and efficiently.

All Kinds of Designs

The variety of pave stone available means planners can lay out their walkways and pathways in many different ways. Rectangular stones can be laid in a V shape, which is a popular and simple design. Other kinds of polygon pave stones can be fitted into a "weave" or "tessellated" system to create a different look.

A Base for Pave stone Projects

Although pave stone paths do not need mortar, they often do require some kind of base. Concrete, sand and gravel mixes are used for many pave stone projects, according to the type of soil the pathway or walkway is set in.

Take a look at the proposed setting and evaluate it: is the soil wet and soft? Dusty and transient? Pave stone professionals can help you determine what kind of base to use for your project. They can also provide tools often used for installation like cutters and edgers or "platform machines" that will tamp down the pave stones into the base for a more solid installation.

Paving stones surpass the beauty of brick

at the price of concrete - with durability and strength that are unrivaled by any comparable pavements.

Patios and walkways increase your outdoor landscape living space, and with the flexibility of landscape design paving stone they can be as unique and beautiful as you wish. Paving stones are available in many different colors, blends, textures and shapes.

Photo courtesy of madjag

Browse pave stone photos or talk to a pave stone contractor to see how the stones fit together and how edging is achieved, and also how the project is matched to its environment.

Enhance Scape is the trusted resource for creating and installing your pave stone projects. Enhance Scape serves several areas including pave stone in Atlanta, Dallas and Annapolis. Learn more at http://www.EnhanceScape.com.

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