A cobblestone is a stone made of concrete, natural stone, clay brick, or even porcelain. They are usually small pieces that vary in size. Homeowners can choose from several colors, textures and patterns. Paving stones are made of clay, it's what we call bricks.
It is molded into shapes and then heated, and can be obtained naturally in many colors by mixing several types of clay. Concrete pavers are made of a very dry mixture of gravel, sand, cement and a coloring agent. The ingredients are moved with conveyor belts and placed in molds. A vibrating press compresses the concrete in the mold, causing the small amount of water inside the mixture to harden the cement.
Usually made with recycled tires, rubber pavers give a completely different feel to a patio or walkway. Not only are they slip-resistant, but they also need little or no maintenance. Architectural slab pavers offer a more aesthetic alternative. Although these thinner pastels can't withstand car traffic like their intertwined relatives (and are a little more sensitive to the vagaries of the freeze-thaw cycle), they perfectly mimic the look of brick or natural stone.
Best of all, they do it for much less than in reality. All concrete pavers contain sand, gravel, Portland cement and water, but their durability and texture vary depending on the way they are manufactured. Interlocking pavers offer a lifetime guarantee for structural integrity. However, few architectural slabs have guarantees.
All of them are suitable for paths and patios, but, in general, only intertwined pavers work in entrances. When rain runoff is a problem, use permeable pavers. The term paving stones is most commonly used to describe concrete pavers. Paving stones made of clay, brick pavers or natural stone are also available.
They are usually bits of different sizes installed in various colors, textures and patterns. Repairs in or under a cobblestone patio are easier and more hassle-free than those surrounding a concrete patio, where you may have to replace the entire concrete slab. The first links the cobblestones, while in the second, natural stone is placed to create a flat surface. These pavers have extra wide joints or molded drainage holes so that water can flow directly to the ground, recharging groundwater and trapping contaminants.
Slab pavers, cut in a stone quarry, are durable, safe and stay cool because they don't absorb heat. Paving stones last longer and are better used when a proper installation is done, with the right bedding and planning. The subsidence of cobblestones can be caused by a number of problems, such as roots, poor drainage and even animals. A 12-inch by 12-inch cobblestone pallet contains 288 square feet of cobblestone (or 288 pieces) and weighs approximately 3,600 pounds.
This process began in the Netherlands, which is why cobblestones were called (and are sometimes still called) Holland Stones. More affordable than stone, more colorful than brick and more durable than asphalt, concrete pavers are a practical and attractive option anywhere on the property. The raw materials used in the manufacture of concrete pavers are cheaper, and the final product becomes stronger and more uniform compared to brick, which also makes the installation process easier and less expensive. Add one cobblestone at a time to the sand and keep them as tight as possible to each other to avoid a large space.
Placing a base with an inch of coarse-grained sand or a mallet is the best way to prevent cobblestones from settling. Landscape remodels can quickly become overwhelming, and for good reason, as the paving materials you choose will set the tone for the entire project. .
