Stone Pavers FAQ
BuildDirect is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products. If your questions are not answered on this page, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America at 1-877-631-2845 or by email at customerservice@builddirect.com
Q. What are pavers?
A. Pavers are landscape elements laid on flat surfaces, most often made of stone or stone-derived materials. Pavers are installed over a sand and/or crushed limestone base. They are often laid out in interlocking patterns, sometimes randomly to create an artistic effect. They are known to have a functional values as well as an aesthetic appeal, so you can add them as a finishing touch to complete your overall landscape projects.
Q. What are the most common shapes of pavers for me to consider?
A. Pavers are a varied landscape element in terms of shape, but some of the most common ones are standard square and rectangular pavers. We offer shapes which you can use to form your own patterns, sold in paver kits. This includes circle kits, octagon kits, and diamond kits.
Q. What are some typical dimensions for pavers?
A. Of the square and rectangular pavers we offer, typical sizes include 8”x8”, 12”x12”, and 24”x24”. These are nominal thickness due to the random surface textures of each paver. Talk to us about the range of thickness which applies to the pavers that you’re most interested in.
Q. Why should I consider natural stone pavers?
A. Natural stone adds a random beauty that brick pavers don’t. Also, natural stone pavers are the standard you can look to for durability. Some of these materials are among the hardest in the world for any application. For a permanent fixture to your landscape project, consider natural stone first.
Q. What are some advantages of slate, granite and travertine as pavers?
A. They all have something unique to offer, although all are known to be extremely durable materials for use as pavers.
Granite pavers are the choice to make if hardness is your priority, with a crystalline appearance that equals its hard-wearing surface.
Travertine pavers add an earthy beauty, and if you’re looking to add something of a Greco-Roman atmosphere to a landscape project, travertine is your clear choice.
Slate pavers are the choice to make for extra slip-resistance, but they also add a range of color that makes for the visually striking landscape effect you’re after.
Basically, you’re gaining a range of benefits with all of these choices that will easily fit a number of tastes and applications no matter which one you decide to go with.
Q. Can I get uniform colors with natural stone pavers?
A. Not as such. All natural stone pavers are the products of millions of years of development. Random mineral elements in each slab of stone, from which the pavers are cut, mean that there are naturally occurring differences in color and pattern from paver to paver.
Generally though, there is a subtle tonal range in travertine and granite that you can use to your advantage when laying out each paver. Slate pavers tend to have more radical differences, but the principle is the same; you can use the variations to your advantage when laying pavers, and the result is a visual effect that reflects your creative expression.
Q. What does the term “French Pattern” mean?
A. French pattern is a term to describe a certain approach to the layout of stone pavers. Basically, it is a layout which interlocks various pavers of different sizes flush against each other in a random pattern. You can see what we mean when you view this image of French pattern pavers, in this case in travertine.
Q. What does the term “flamed” mean for stone pavers?
A. The term “flamed” refers to a surface which is subtly textured as opposed to smooth. This comes particularly handy when you’re thinking about slip resistance when choosing granite pavers. View an example of flamed granite pavers to get an idea of what a flamed surface looks like.
Q. Where can I install stone pavers?
A. Pavers are elements you can add to a number of locations, including:
Poolsides
Paths
Patios
Driveways
Residences as well as commercial projects benefit heavily when natural stone pavers are used for exteriors. If you’re a homeowner, an architect, or a commercial construction project manager, the initial cost of natural stone pavers adds significant value in the long term.
Q. How long will my natural stone pavers last?
A. Natural stone pavers are designed to be permanent fixtures, and given that some of these surfaces have endured in various forms for centuries, you’re definitely gaining a leg up when choosing natural stone pavers. Our pavers are meant for commercial and residential applications, but also industrial ones. So, durability is a definite advantage. Of course, it still makes sense to take care of stone pavers as much as you can to make sure that they retain their original look.
Q. How do I take care of natural stone pavers?
A. The best means of protecting stone pavers from long-term wear is similar to that of doing the same for stone tile. The first step for you to take is to seal the stone. Talk to local retailers about the best sealers to use for the type of stone you’ve chosen. When it comes to spills, particularly those of an acidic nature, be sure to clear them up as soon as you can.
Alkaline cleaners should be the only ones to consider when cleaning natural stone pavers. Once again, your local retailers can help you with choosing the right products that are best suited to the type of stone you’ve installed. Once you’ve chosen them, read the labels and follow the instructions on the packaging of any products you buy.