One of the most common pavement surfacing alternatives for pool contractors and hardscape contractors alike is block paving.
Not only does it come in a variety of materials, such as concrete, clay, recycled plastic, and so on, but for exterior pavement applications, such as those used by Orange County landscape contractors.
Block paving also provides a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures to ensure a personalized landscape.
For the past three decades, block paving has been a go-to option for landscape contractors. In this article, we will provide you with a brief guide on how you can use adjacent paving blocks in your landscape design and the various benefits that each option offers.
Keep reading below to learn everything you should know about paving blocks and how personalized and professional landscape design in Orange County can make your outdoor living area stand out.
Why Choose Block Paving?
Block paving is a general procedure in the construction industry, it is used for constructing outside pavement using individual blocks composed of various materials such as clay, concrete, and natural stones.
It provides a flexible structure for absorbing living and dead loads from stationary and moving people and vehicles.
Block pavers are relatively easy to install and maintain because replacement is limited to only a few damaged blocks, and it provides timeless appeal and aesthetic value.
Types of Paver Blocks
Paver blocks are divided into three categories:
Concrete Paving Block
Concrete block paving is available in various sizes and is mass-produced in large quantities, and has two surfaces, one that is smooth and the other that is rough. Concrete pavers can be easier to install with the help of tools such as mud jacking and concrete lifting in Denver or in other locations.
Concrete paving blocks are best for heavy-duty applications because they can carry large weights and resist shearing and braking effects. Moreover, the high durability of the concrete ensures that the paver stays strong for years throughout all the harsh climatic conditions.
Clay Paving Blocks
Paving blocks made of clay are often known as bricks or cobbles. While the most available shape for concrete blocks is that of rectangular brick paving, for specific landscape needs, unique shapes can be created.
Unlike concrete paving blocks, clay paving blocks can be utilized on either side, allowing them to be used interchangeably. Because clay blocks are only available in natural colors, there is no risk of color fading in these blocks.
Natural Stone Block Paving
Lastly, natural stone block paving is becoming increasingly popular as demand and supply conditions improve.
When compared to other paver materials, improved technologies from quarrying to finishing have made natural stone pavers accessible to every home or business owner.
Natural stone block pavers are available in a variety of sizes, both standard, and custom, though the most common dimension stone blocks used are 200mm x 100mm x 50mm with a 1mm variance.
Shapes and Classification of Paver Blocks
The four types of blocks are represented by four typical shapes of paver blocks:
Type A
Paver blocks with straight vertical faces that do not interlock when laid down in any configuration.
Type B
When paved in any arrangement, type B paver blocks have alternating plain and curved/corrugated vertical faces that lock into each other along with the curve/corrugated faces.
Type C
Paver blocks with all curved or corrugated faces that lock into each other and all vertical faces when laid out in any design.
Type D
‘L’ and ‘X’ shaped paver blocks with all faces bent or corrugated that lock into each other and all vertical faces when laid down in any manner.
What are the Advantages of Using Blocks for Pavement?
The following are some of the benefits of interlocking concrete block pavements:
Low Maintenance
Concrete pavers and concrete blocks, as opposed to simple concrete or asphalt pavement, require little maintenance.
The top surface of the paver does not require polishing, and it will not require repainting in the future. You can also keep your patio or driveway looking fresh and bright for many years by washing it with ordinary soap and water on a regular basis.
Highly Durable
Block paving is exceptionally long-durable, with a lifespan of roughly 20 years. When they are correctly interlocked with each other, cracking does not occur, making it a long-lasting substance that can be used in both residential and commercial applications.
Pavers are also low-maintenance and can sustain any amount of pedestrian activity or traffic.
Highly Versatile
Because of the wide variety of shapes available, block pavers have a unique capacity to interlock with one another.
Paver blocks are also a widely available material that comes in a variety of forms, colors, and common block paving patterns. Block paving is suitable for both household and commercial purposes, such as patios, driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and parking lots.
Environmentally-Friendly
When compared to a solid plain surface, paver blocks are more environmentally friendly.
Block pavers also allow for the re-use of stormwater into the grounds rather than onto the roadway and will help keep rainfall from accumulating and flooding your patio or driveway, enabling you to develop a better drainage system.
Safe to Use
Block pavers are an extremely safe pavement material for outdoor use. When the top surface of a paver has become oily as a result of a vehicle traveling over it, walking and driving a car over it is incredibly safe.
Additionally, interlocking pavers are slip-resistant and skid-resistant. When the top surface of the interlocking paver block is wet, it is also safe to walk on because there is no risk of slipping.
Quick to Install
Block pavers are typically easy to install without the use of heavy machinery or equipment, and it takes three to four days to complete. However, in case this is a reinstallation, some equipment may be needed like a jackhammer (those interested may wish to look at a jackhammer for sale) and a concrete buggy to remove the pavement and clear the area before laying the blocks again.
After installation, you can walk on the block paving right away and be open to traffic. Furthermore, the placement of the paver does not necessitate the use of mortar.
Easy to Repair
The most crucial advantage of interlocking paver blocks is that they can be easily removed and changed if one is damaged or soiled by oil, diesel, or petrol spillages.
As opposed to asphalt or concrete pavement, block pavers are easy to repair and replace, and no heavy machinery or skilled labor is needed to do so.
Find Professional Landscape Contractors You Can Trust
With all of these benefits, paver blocks are the most popular choice for driveways and outdoor block pavement and landscape design. They not only give exterior walkways added beauty and elegance, but they’re also an excellent low-maintenance pathway option.
If you’re considering hiring a landscape design team, make West Hills Masonry your first call.
For over 15 years, West Hills Masonry has provided our customers in Orange County and the neighboring areas with gorgeous landscapes and professional landscaping services.
We’ve worked hard to develop a reputation for providing high-quality landscaping services as well as precise and well-crafted solutions, and we can’t wait to help you.
To receive a free quote for your next home improvement project and discover how our landscaping specialists can help you create a beautiful outdoor space. Contact us at West Hills Masonry today.
