Garden paving is a crucial element in creating the perfect outdoor area. From casual patios to grand dining areas, there are endless possibilities for creating the ideal paved space.
What materials you select for paving depends on your personal taste, lifestyle and budget. Before making any decisions, give these ideas some serious thought.
Permeable Pavement
Permeable paving, commonly referred to as porous pavement, offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete, asphalt and poured-in-place concrete. These materials allow rain water and snowmelt to seep through to underlying soil and gravel where it is absorbed, reducing runoff from storms and improving water quality.
Installed correctly, permeable paving can last as long as traditional hard surfaces and add an attractive aesthetic element to any property. They help prevent erosion in areas with frequent rainfall such as lakes, rivers or streams.
Another significant advantage of permeable paving is its capacity to reduce stormwater runoff into storm drains. It restores natural hydrologic balance and can reduce runoff volume by up to 75%, as well as improving water quality by filtering pollutants out.
One of the most essential facts to know about permeable paving is that it requires a deeper sub-base layer than other surfaces. This depth is determined by your soil type and capacity for absorbing moisture from rainwater runoff.
Particularly in soils with high clay content or other low to ‘non’-draining soils, it is recommended that a deep layer of open-graded or crushed drain rock be added as the base to accommodate any water that seeps into the ground.
In cold weather, water that seeps into permeable paving surfaces won’t pool and becomes less slippery, decreasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. However, if snow is packed or stockpiled onto this porous surface it may clog up its pores for water filtration.
Furthermore, permeable paving can present its own challenges when it comes to maintenance. It may become clogged with organic material and experience collapsing pores, which is difficult to repair pavers adelaide.
Permeable paving is an excellent option for garden paving, but it should be used with caution. When selecting a surface for gardening, make sure you choose an item of high quality that will last and won’t need regular repairs. Furthermore, ensure the area won’t cause ice formation or puddling.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a versatile material that can be used for garden paving. Available in an array of colours, materials and shades, natural stones can be arranged into various patterns with ease. Not only that but they’re relatively low maintenance requiring and add character and unique feel to any space.
Natural stones for paving are limestone and sandstone. Both can be used in various applications such as patios, driveways and pathways, being highly durable with an array of colours available – the perfect slab for your home and garden!
When selecting natural stone for your project, it’s essential to take into account its appearance, texture and durability. Doing this will enable you to decide if this material is ideal for your job and outline both its advantages and drawbacks.
Natural stone paving not only looks beautiful, but it is incredibly economical compared to other options. This can be an advantage if you are on a tight budget and need to save money for your landscaping project.
Another advantage of natural stone is that it’s eco-friendly. Its origins allow it to be processed using low energy machinery and recycled if necessary, plus, natural stones tend to last longer than concrete does.
Natural stone comes in an extensive range of colours, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style and preferences. Plus, you can mix and match these hues for a truly unique aesthetic.
If you are using stone for your paving, it is best to start by laying down a base layer. This underlayment serves as the foundation and creates an even surface that supports the pavers.
Once the base has been laid, you can begin positioning the pavers themselves. Either do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
When installing natural stone paving, it is essential to use a sturdy base that can withstand heavy traffic and water. Doing this will guarantee your paving lasts as long as possible while creating the foundation of an eye-catching landscape.
Brick
Bricks are a popular choice for garden paving, as they can be tailored to create any shape or pattern. Plus, their durability makes them an attractive investment that can easily be replaced if necessary. You have your pick of colors and sizes, ensuring you find one that perfectly meets your requirements.
Before installing paving, it is essential to prepare the ground. Make sure it is level and free of weeds, rocks or roots; flatten and grade so water can drain from beneath the paving surface. Apply a layer of weed cloth or black plastic over top before sweeping sand into joints for better adhesion.
Sand for pavers should be finer than concrete sand and contain additives which act as a bonding agent when dry. When placing the sand into joints, make sure it’s spaced 1/16 to 1/8 inch apart and stack on top with your pavers tapped in place with a rubber mallet.
Garden paving bricks come in several varieties. Some are clay, while others are manufactured from molded concrete mixed with aggregate. While some may appear to look like natural brick, they won’t provide the same color variation that real bricks provide.
When using bricks as paving, it is important to prepare the ground thoroughly and install them correctly. For stability, use at least 3 inches thick bricks in driveways or applications with heavy loads. Furthermore, ensure your base has been graded properly with an adequate drainage layer of compacted aggregate.
Once your paving is in place, you can install a patio or walkway. If creating a path, lay the bricks in an irregular pattern to follow its curve. Be sure to leave enough wiggle room when sizing so that it flows smoothly.
Gravel
Gravel is an ideal material for garden paving as it adds color and texture to your outdoor space. Additionally, gravel helps prevent erosion and improves water drainage in areas with frequent rainfall.
Combine it with other materials like pavers for an eye-catching effect. Installing natural stone veneer is simple, and its timeless aesthetic works well in both contemporary and traditional garden designs alike.
One of the benefits of gravel is its low maintenance requirements and affordability. Unfortunately, it also gets quite dirty quickly and must be kept clean to prevent mud tracks. To reduce this risk, use a rake to level out the surface or consider installing a weed membrane underneath to keep weeds at bay.
When creating your garden paving project, there are various types of gravel you can use. Pea gravel, crushed stone and resin-bound gravel are just a few options to choose from.
Pea gravel is composed of small, rounded river stones formed through natural weathering and erosion in areas where streams once gently rounded each stone to its smooth, round form.
These pea-sized gravels can be purchased in bulk at your local landscape supplier or from garden centres. They come in an assortment of sizes and colors to suit any landscape design scheme.
It’s essential to avoid installing gravel over an existing base of paved area. Doing so could cause the gravel to shift underfoot and make walking on it difficult.
Instead of using gravel for garden paving, you can create a solid border around the perimeter with medium size rocks, large boulders or other structural edging. This will keep the gravel in place and guarantee its consistency throughout your entire garden.
Another alternative is resin-bound gravel, which appears like loose gravel but is fully embedded in resin and suitable for slopes of less than one in 15. This type of gravel offers a sleek appearance ideal for contemporary gardens.
