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This page is to help homeowners better understand the basic concepts of hardscape landscaping. Use the information to make educated decisions for your project, and understand the installation process.

Pavers

Pavers are used to pave a designated area usually roads, patios, driveways or pathways. They can be made of stone or other man-made materials like concrete. Pavers can be used in multiple applications including driveways with a standard height of 60mm.

Slabs are larger than pavers with dimensions of 12″ by 12″ or larger. They are also used for designated areas like patios and pathways. Slabs Should not be used in any vehicular setting and will break if driven on.

Patio Stones are linear and also have dimensions of 12″ by 12″ or larger. Patio stones can be used for pathways, gardens, and patios. Patio Stones Should not be used in any vehicular setting and will break if driven on.

Things To Remember

Pavers can be used in all applications
Slabs – Not for Driveways
Patio Stones – Not for Driveways

Shopping for Pavers

With multiple hardscape manufacturers, there are so many options to choose from when shopping for your pavers. For a better shopping experience, it is best to identify your needs and determine what you’re looking for in a paver.

Identifying Your Project Is it a patio, pathway, or driveway? Which paver type do you need? (Paver, Slab or Patio Stone) What are the dimensions of your project?

How To Shop For Pavers; An Easy Break Down

Style: Pavers have multiple styles that add to your aesthetic.

Texture: Will add dimension and style

Color: Know what colors you are looking for Most pavers come in color blends that give your project a variation in color while staying within your color scheme. The images below are examples of the variation of colors, all manufacturers create their own color blends. Although not as common solid colors can be found, Patio Stones do come is solid colors.

Patterns: Determine which size pavers you will need for your project Paver Collections come in a variety of sizes that have dimensions and allow the pavers to interlock together. Having various sizes gives your patio a beautiful dimension rather than a flat grid. There a variety of patterns to choose from including herringbone, random, running bond and more. You will be able to see corresponding patterns on the product pages.

Remember that patterns correspond to their specific paver collection dimensions. Try not to choose a pattern from another product!

Paver Install Listed below is what you will need to install your paver project. Be sure to consult with a customer services representative about how much supplies you will need. Loose materials are important as they may need to be adjusted based on your project.

Road Base
Sand
Surefoot Paver Restraint with nails
Polymer Sand (or “seam” filler)

Wall Systems

Retaining Wall – Is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it. (Allan Block) Retaining walls are one-sided and only show one face.

Free Standing Wall – Double-sided wall that allows separation between areas to section off a patio or courtyard. Can be used as a seating wall for additional guests in your outdoor living area.

Garden Walls – Can be any wall product typically smaller blocks used to create or section off areas for your garden beds or planter.

Things to Remember

Check with your local city and county for permitting needs on walls more than three feet in height.
Be sure to use the correct block size for your project
Verify if Geo Grid is needed
Verify if engineering is needed

Shopping For Wall Blocks –

Colors – Like pavers, wall colors are typically blended for the best aesthetic. Solid colors are available but usually not as popular.

What kind of style do you want? Blocks come in a variety of styles. Most blocks have a “Rock Face” or “Split Face” which exposes the aggregate. Other blocks have a smooth face or a molded face which can have a variety of looks, such as a natural stone appearance.

Patterns– are not available for all block collections however, collections with multiple size blocks allow for a pattern.

Wall Install

Listed below is what you may need for your wall project. Not all walls require the same install products. Be sure to consult with a customer services representative about how much supplies you will need. Loose materials are important as they may need to be adjusted based on your project.