In addition to a wide range of designs, colours and thicknesses of pavers and concrete slabs, we also distinguish between those with or without a chamfer, i.e. with a diagonally cut or rounded upper edge. Therefore, anyone planning to purchase paving elements should be aware of what is involved in choosing a material finished in one way or another, and which type of paver – bevelled or not – will work best in a given location.
Location and purpose
– Surfaces laid with non-chamfered pavers, such as Polbruk Square or Polbruk Rectangle (with a straight edge profile), are almost uniformly even, with minimal gaps between the elements. Surfaces made of pavers with these characteristics are ideal for industrial developments and public facilities, as well as large-scale projects such as squares, car parks and hall floors. Additionally, they are more comfortable for parents with children in pushchairs, cyclists or even people with wheeled suitcases – as they cause less vibration – explains Wojciech Średniawa from Polbruk.
Women in heels will also notice the difference when walking on similar surfaces. Furthermore, surfaces made of pavers or slabs without chamfers are also referred to as quiet, as vehicles moving over them produce less noise. However, for those considering the modernisation of their outdoor spaces, paths or driveways, these benefits are usually not as important as the pattern and colour of the selected elements. Why?
Effect
– The irregular edges of bevelled pavers in products such as: Nostalite or Rockdeco by Polbruk ensure that the entire property gains a unique, interesting character. Furthermore, thanks to their use, the resulting paving arrangements around the house and garden paths give a more refined impression, imitating natural stone. They stand in contrast to the spaces around office blocks or shops, which are considered more technical – adds Wojciech Średniawa from Polbruk.
The aesthetic aspect may explain the popularity of bevelled paving elements in the design of private properties. But what is the difference in maintaining surfaces made from materials with different edges?
Maintenance
Pavements made from bevelled and non-bevelled pavers are equally stable – this is determined primarily by a well-constructed sub-base and robust material. The same applies to joints – if the joints are properly prepared, for example using special mortar and washed sand, and the paving is maintained regularly, neither type will become overgrown with moss. An extreme case is surfaces that are constantly shaded and exposed to periodic dampness, for example on the north side of a property – to keep them looking neat, maintenance work must be carried out more frequently.
Many users point out that a surface made of unchamfered pavers is much easier to clear of snow. In places with harsh winters and heavy snowfall, this may be significant, but in urban areas where winter is not a problem, it may be of little consequence.
In summary, commercial developers and representatives of towns and local authorities should opt for non-chamfered paving materials – i.e. those with a straight edge profile – due to their practical benefits and functionality. However, the choice of pavers or slabs by homeowners is largely a matter of personal taste.
