Practically maintenance free – pavers to dress up your patio

Waterloo Region Record

It’s time to cleanup your tired walkway – perhaps even dress up an existing patio; time to talk with the experts at South Cambridge Home Hardware Building Centre.

Renovations or if you prefer, remodelling, need not be confined to your home’s interior. From stone walkways and edging to driveways, patios and pool decks, there are many outside areas that can benefit from the beauty and durability of paving stones, or "pavers." Pavers are made from a variety of materials, including natural stone, brick and concrete and come in a wide variety of shapes, styles and colours.

Pavers are relatively inexpensive and installation can easily be accomplished by a DIY-er with just some general tips and guidelines. Pavers require little maintenance, and repairs are fairly simple, making them a perfect addition to your garden or backyard.

There are three basic types of paver materials – natural stone, brick and concrete. Within these simple materials there are hundreds of different styles and colours. Since concrete pavers are actually a manufactured product, colours are introduced during the manufacturing process to produce a wide range of strong, bright colours which resist sun and fading.

Manufactured pavers are interlocking, which makes them particularly easy to install. Lay them side by side to create borders that separate your lawn and garden or stack them in a low wall to make a raised bed. You can use concrete pavers, as well as natural stone or clay bricks, to create beautiful, intricate designs on walkways and patios.

Natural stone pavers, such as flagstone or fieldstone, are very attractive and are the most expensive type. Limestone is often used as an edging material and the stones are extremely strong and stand up well under punishing weather conditions.

Paving brick is made of clay, which is very strong and resistant to stains. Brick also offers timeless design appeal and presents a quiet, stately elegance when used on pathways, patios and more. Concrete pavers are made of molded concrete mixed with aggregate.

Pavers are practically maintenance free; sweeping helps maintain pavers and periodic treatment with a pressure washer keeps them clean. You can also seal some to minimize staining and increase longevity.

So, if you’re ready to spruce up your pool patio area, come on in and consult with the experts at South Cambridge Home Hardware Building Centre located at 200 Franklin Boulevard in Cambridge or call ahead at 519-623-2361.