Take your
pick
The choice of
paving, which is usually a decision for many years to come, must be carefully considered, and the texture, type and colour scheme of the pavers should be tailored to the style of the entire property. The products available on the market impress with their varied textures, shapes and rich colour palette, offering the chance to choose the perfect one. In rustic settings or surrounded by historic architecture, aged pavers, reminiscent of classic cobblestones, work best. They emphasise the character of places marked by the passage of time.
For minimalist designs, on the other hand, those with geometric shapes and a slightly larger size are ideal. Their simple form and monochromatic colour scheme harmonise well with modern buildings. In your own garden, you can also create an exotic paradise using pavers in warm, colourful blends or those that mimic the shape and texture of natural stone – such as sandstone or granite. A good way to decorate your property is to replace straight paths with winding ones and interesting patterns. For this, we can use trapezoidal pavers, which allow for the creation of arches and circles.
Just as important as the colour and shape of the pavers is their size and thickness. When choosing the size, you should take into account the size of the area to be paved – small stones are ideal for narrow paths, as they eliminate the need for cutting, whilst large slabs are best for terraces. Thickness, in turn, is chosen based on the intended use – 4–6 cm for surfaces with lighter traffic, and 6–8 cm for areas exposed to heavy traffic.
Proper maintenance is essential
Surfaces paved with pavers are constantly exposed to harmful factors – changing weather conditions, heavy use, as well as stains, the action of microorganisms, and weed growth. All these factors affect the appearance and durability of the pavers, which is why it is important to remember to maintain them properly. Regular sweeping and washing are basic and essential maintenance tasks. It is also recommended to thoroughly wash the entire surface at least 2–3 times a year using a pressure washer, which helps to clean hard-to-reach areas and recesses and remove the green lichen covering the top layer of the pavers.
When removing stubborn stains, such as grease or engine oil, we must be careful, as strong chemicals or mechanical scraping can cause discolouration and damage the structure of the pavers. In such cases, it is best to consult the manufacturer and use the recommended products. Weeds growing into the gaps between the pavers also do not add to the charm of our surface. Removing them, however, is no simple task. You should avoid pulling out plants by hand, as this can cause individual stones to become loose and, as a result, destabilise the entire surface.
A far easier and safer method is to weed using professional weedkillers, which are applied with a sprayer or a special applicator. Once our paths and walkways are sparkling clean, it is a good idea to protect their pristine appearance with special sealants for concrete pavers. This prevents the absorption of water and liquid contaminants, positively affecting the material’s durability and increasing its resistance to scratches and abrasion.
The surface around the house serves two important functions: decorative and strictly practical. The driveway and paths should remain stable and attractive for many years, regardless of the season. The final result, however, depends on proper design and appropriate maintenance.
