A paving project can make a huge difference in the look of your outdoor space. From a walkway made of patio stones to a brand new driveway designed with beautiful patio blocks, there are many ways to use a paving project to rejuvenate a home’s exterior. In order for your paving project to go as planned, there are some dos and don’ts to be aware of.
Keep reading to learn more about what to do and not do when undergoing a paving project.
Do Think Long Term
A paving project isn’t like picking a new wall color for your home. Not only are paving projects very expensive, they’re often permanent. Before settling on a paving project, be sure that you’ve thought out the long-term impacts.
First, you want to ensure that the materials being used are durable and of high quality. Materials like natural stone, patio pavers, and paving stones are designed to withstand the natural elements. Choosing the right materials ensures your project will look great for years to come.
You’ll also want to consider the size and placement of your project. Many people wish they had gone bigger when looking at the final product.
Do Map It Out
Because it can be hard to visualize a paving project, you may find it helpful to map out your design ideas using paving stones or some other material. While these materials don’t have to be used for your project, they will be quite useful in allowing you to create a visual idea of how big your walkway or patio may be.
By visualizing the size and shape of the paving project, you can better understand how it will look once it’s finished.
Don’t Use the New Surface Immediately
No matter the type of material that’s used, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours before walking or driving on the new surface. This gives the patio blocks or stones time to set into the ground. By applying too much weight or pressure onto the newly paved surface, you could shift the materials which could lead to dirt buildup or improper draining.
Don’t Improperly Handle Pavers
No matter if you’re purchasing the pavers or a contracting company is, it’s important to ensure that the pavers are handled properly. To start, you’ll want to keep the protective shrink wrap around the pavers intact. This protects against dirt and moisture that can cause discoloration.
Other tips for taking proper care of pavers include:
- Keeping them dry
- Not stacking them
- Avoiding storing them in moist areas
By taking proper care of the natural stone or patio blocks before they’re used for your project, there’s a much lower chance of having to buy replacement material because of discoloration or breakage.
Professional Paving You Can Trust
Now that you know what to do and what not to do during a paving project, the next step is to find a qualified contractor who can get the work done for you. Our team has years of experiencing in a variety of paving projects, including walkways, driveways, and more.
For all of your paving project needs, choose Vancouver Landscapers. No matter if you’re using patio blocks or paving stones to makeover your outdoor space, we’ve got the expertise needed to turn your exterior design ideas into reality.
