Thursday, April 23, 2015

Hardscape 101- A Primer on Pavers


With the stunning views, lovely climates and pleasant ocean breezes, outdoor living is a given in Bermuda and the Caribbean. A great way to enhance your outdoor living space is with pavers. Low maintenance pavers are strong and durable, and offer endless design possibilities through a variety of colors, tones and striking patterns.

By installing pavers, you will see an immediate improvement in any outdoor space. Patios, pool decks, garden pathways, driveways, stepping stones- you are only limited by your imagination. For every application, each type of paver presents unique color, pattern and texture options.

At Global Sales, we offer a full range of paver options, including brick, concrete and natural stone. We can help you choose the pavers that are best suited to your project and then provide you with everything that you need to install and enjoy your new outdoor area. Finally, we will help to coordinate and consolidate your paver order to save time and money on your shipment.




Learn the basics on pavers from
Jeff Collins, President of Global Sales.







Things to Consider When Choosing Pavers

The Thickness of the Paver

There are two basic types of pavers- thick and thin. The way pavers are installed depends on their thickness.The thickness of paver you choose for your project depends on the specific requirements of your application.



Thin Pavers

Thin pavers, which are usually about ½", are installed similar to the way tile is set, with mortar or thinset.



Thick Pavers

Thick pavers are typically approximately 1 ¼" in thickness and are sand set. This means that a bed of sand is placed over concrete or compacted soil, and then the pavers are placed on top of that.
Then, a layer of sand is spread over the top and worked down into the cracks to create a solid placement.

The Paver Material

Natural Stone

With natural stone pavers, you can create looks ranging from rustic charm to sophisticated elegance with a variety of colors and designs. Available in both thick and thin, we recommend either a tumbled or brushed and chiseled finish to get the best traction for wet feet. Many stone types will also keep those same feet cool even in the heat of summer. Natural stone comes in a variety of popular colors, including tone on tone matched pavers as well as complementary shades. They are also available in various sizes and patterns which create many different styles.

While natural stone won't fade, it is best to seal natural stone pavers to maintain their beauty and minimize dirt and mildew.

Concrete

Stronger than brick, versatile concrete pavers are usually the less expensive option as compared to natural stone or brick. Concrete pavers can also be easier to install since they are uniform in size and easier to cut.

We feature the Belgard brand of concrete pavers which are available in both thick and thin sizes. The many different color, shape and finish options can be utilized in a limitless array of designs.




Brick

The rich color and lovely patina of brick pavers add warmth, character, and elegance, and blend beautifully with most settings. Brick can be arranged in numerous classic patterns, such as herringbone, running bond, circular, and basket weave. Available in both thick and thin, our offerings include Sunshine Pavers, Old Chicago, and many others.




Pavers- Always a Great Choice

No matter which type of paver you choose, you will instantly add curb appeal and value to your home. Well placed hardscaping gives visual definition to outdoor spaces while adding functionality. Long lasting, attractive, and easy to maintain, pavers are a great choice for any home.