Pavers are a way to turn any average patio into something high-end and beautiful. Compared to dropping a slab of concrete, a paver patio is a more expensive option. Because of this, you want to definitely get your money’s worth, making sure the pavers will last. Here we’ll discuss some common paver patio materials and how long you can expect them to last.
Patio Paver Materials
There are a lot of options for paver patio materials, each with different pros and cons. They also may vary based on how long the pavers will last. These are some of the most popular choices for paver materials.
Concrete Patio Pavers
Concrete pavers are a favorite choice for homeowners everywhere. This is because they are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, textures, and finishes. You can generally expect a concrete paver patio to last between 25 to 45 years. But it is important to note that proper installation is critical. In addition, maintenance is also important. This includes things like regular re-application of a surface sealer and repairing or replacing damaged pavers.
Brick Pavers
This paver patio material works well with many different styles of houses thanks to their uniform shape. Still, they come in many different styles and qualities to match what you are looking for. Because the color comes naturally, they tend to hold their color better than some other paver options. In addition, brick pavers have a naturally textured surface and are highly abrasive. This makes them slip and skid resistant. Finally, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, brick may be the way to go. These pavers are made from a natural clay material that comes from the earth’s soil. With regular maintenance, a brick paver patio will last about 25 years.
Flagstone
For people who love an organic, irregular pattern, flagstone pavers for your patio are a great choice. The color and characteristics of flagstone come from the natural process that forms them. Depending on where the pavers come from, they can be a wide range of colors including rich hues of gray, brown, green, and red. Another benefit of flagstone pavers is that they naturally have a rough and grippy surface. This means that even when it’s raining, you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling. Typically, a flagstone paver patio will last about 10 years before it needs major repairs or replacements.
Slate
Flagstone pavers can be extremely expensive, which may not be feasible for all homeowners. So if you like the look of natural stone but not the price, slate could be a more attractive option. The installation process and appeal is very similar, but for a much lower price. However, slate pavers typically only come in square or rectangular tiles. Similar to flagstone, you can expect slate pavers to last about 10 to 15 years.
Clay Brick
Clay brick is a time-tested, enduringly popular patio paver choice. It offers a distinguished aesthetic that can match traditional and contemporary architecture. Even after a long time, clay bricks typically retain their rich, warm, color. Plus, as with normal brick pavers, a wide range of patterns are possible. It is possible that clay bricks would crack due to the freeze-thaw cycles in the winter, but it is generally durable. Plus, if individual bricks are damaged, they can easily be replaced. Clay brick will generally last around 25-45 years, depending on the care you give them.
How to Make Paver Patios Last Longer
Just like with most other things in life, the more you take care of your paver patio, the longer they will last. Pavers are generally made of very durable materials, but that doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free.
Right Location
Choosing the right place in your yard for your patio is essential to making it last. It’s fair to say that most places will probably work well for your patio, but you should consider this before you install it. For example, you don’t want to build a patio that has poor soil or unstable ground. The ground the patio is over provides the base for the pavers.
Regular Cleaning and Sealing
This will help keep your pavers look more beautiful as well as expand their lifespan. Proper cleaning techniques will wash away debris, mold, and moss from the surface of the pavers. Then, sealing will create a protective layer that protects the pavers from weather conditions, color fading, cracking, and more. It’s essential that you choose the right type of cleaning product and sealants for the material of your patio. This will make them last even longer.
Proper Installation
Your paver patio will only last if it has been installed properly. There are several steps to the installation process that need to all be done correctly to make your patio last longer. When it has been done well, the pavers will stay in place and last longer than you might’ve imagined. Improper installation often makes the pavers more prone to cracking, lifting, sinking, or shifting over time.
Edging
Edging is a vital part of any paver installation. After all, this is what will keep everything in place! It is what prevents pavers from shifting or sinking over time. In addition, edging also plays an important role in preventing weed and moss growth between the cracks of the pavers. Without proper edging, even the most durable paving materials won’t last.
Install a Paver Patio
For longevity, pavers for your patio are a better option than large slabs of concrete. They are stronger and more durable, as well as better able to endure shifting ground and weather-related expansions. In places where weather conditions are extreme, concrete slabs will only last for a few years. As time goes on, tree roots, contraction, and weather changes cause concrete to develop cracks.
A paver patio is a long-lasting solution to improve the liveable space in your backyard. You’ll be able to entertain friends and family for years to come with a properly installed paver patio.
