Paving FAQs: 5 of the Most Commonly Asked Questions about Paving
It’s the simple things that make the biggest differences. A good paving job can totally transform the look and feel of a property, so it’s a good option to keep at the back of your mind if you’re thinking about starting a home or commercial renovation project.
Here at Jim’s Paving, we receive plenty of questions on a daily basis regarding paving for residential and commercial properties. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
What is meant by ‘paving’?
When we use the term ‘paving’, we’re talking about the process of applying flat construction units to surfaces to create exterior flooring. These construction units can be made out of a variety of materials, with the most popular ones being stones, brick, and concrete. Paving is a budget-friendly ground-cover option that can completely transform the look of sidewalks, patios, driveways, and courtyards. Not only do paved surfaces enhance your home, they can also add value and increase curb appeal.
Is it cheaper to concrete or to pave?
Concreting and paving can both make big differences to your space. They each come with their own sets of pros and cons, so your decision shouldn’t be based on price alone. Standard concrete slabs are generally cheaper per square metre; however, the long term costs for repairs and replacements often exceed the initial savings in upfront costs.
Aside from cost, here are some other factors to consider when you’re making a decision as to whether you should concrete or pave your outdoor surfaces:
- Design flexibility – Both concrete and pavers offer different style and design options, however, since pavers are laid down individually, they tend to offer more flexibility when it comes to design. Pavers come in a variety of patterns, colours, sizes, and finishes, so if it’s important for you to have a high degree of creative control, paving may be the better option for you.
- Longevity – Although concrete is strong, it’s prone to cracking and staining over time. Unfortunately, when large cracks appear, you often have to remove the entire slab. Pavers, on the other hand, can be four times stronger than concrete slabs and can take up to four times as much weight. In addition to this, pavers are much more easy to repair than concrete.
- Safety – Concrete can be slippery when wet and also produces glare, which isn’t ideal if you’re located in a sunny area. Pavers, on the other hand, can be non-slip and skid-resistance, making them a great option for families with young children.
Each case is unique, so we always recommend speaking directly with your local paving expert to find the best option for your job.
How much does it cost to put pavers on a driveway?
Our driveways are the entranceways to our homes and they contribute a great deal to curb appeal, so paving a driveway is a great way of enhancing a property’s look and feel.
At Jim’s Paving, we offer a range of paving options for your driveway, including:
- Stone or block paving
- Pebble paving
- Spray-on paving
The cost to put pavers on your driveway will depend on your material choice and the size and steepness of your driveway. Costs also vary locally, so the best way of finding out accurate prices is by getting quotes from local paving specialists.
Your driveway gets used everyday, so it’s important to lay down all the groundwork so that the surface will be able to withstand the repeated strain of heavy vehicles driving on it. Obviously, you want the work to last for years and years, so make sure you only hire a trusted and reputable paver to do the job.
How do you prepare the ground for paving?
A good paving job starts with good, solid prep work. You can’t lay pavers directly on dirt, so there’s a little more to the job than simply laying some stones onto the ground. Preparing the ground properly will prevent sinks and cracks from appearing in the surfaces later on, and it will also prevent the growth of weeds between the pavers.
Prep-work for paving usually involves measuring the area to be paved and laying out a thin layer of road base evenly over the entire area (this can be done with a shovel or a levelling rake). After this, the surface is dampened with water and – with the help of a plate compactor – is compacted to a depth of about 10mm. Once this has been completed, sand can be laid and leveled over the surface and the area is ready to be paved!
Which paver is the best?
Choosing the right paver for your project is where our customers often get stuck. With so many styles, colours, and materials out there, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. The first question you can ask yourself is: how are you using your pavers? For example, if you’re looking to pave a driveway, you’ll need to find a sturdier material than if you were paving a courtyard. If you’re looking to pave a poolside area, then you’ll want to find a slip-resistant paver material, and so on.
Once you’ve figured out your purpose for paving, you can start thinking about things such as maintenance requirements, style, and appearance. Here, the possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your local paving expert for a consultation.
At Jim’s Paving, we’ve helped to transform thousands of outdoor spaces across Australia. We offer a range of paving solutions to both residential and commercial properties at competitive price points. If you’re looking to revamp your outdoor spaces in 2021, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local paving expert for an obligation-free quote. Give Jim’s Group a call on 13 15 46 to learn more.
Related Jim’s Group News
– When Should I Resurface My Driveway?
– How to Choose The Right Type of Paving For Your Yard?
