Interlocking concrete pavers are a sensible and aesthetically attractive choice for all outdoor surfaces. They can be applied in both residential and commercial settings, including surface coverings for driveways, parking lots, promenades, sidewalks, pool decks, patios, streets, golf cart paths and even roof gardens.

Pavers' combination of strength, excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility deliver highly durable, crack-proof pavement able to handle wheeled traffic and pedestrians with very low maintenance requirements. Areas surfaced with concrete pavers are immediately useable once locked in position, guaranteeing a speedy process of the work contracted, which is especially important when resurfacing highly populated areas. Whether for new construction or resurfacing of old unsightly or damaged surfaces, consider the valuable benefits of pavers.

Manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances, pavers are stronger than regular poured concrete surfaces and more durable than black asphalt. They can take more abuse and last for generations. A segmental paving system allows for expansion and contraction without producing surface cracks, unlike monolithic concrete surfaces and stamped concrete.

On both vehicular and pedestrian applications pavers have a non-skid surface even when wet -- an important safety feature.

When considering maintenance and replacement costs, pavers offer an economical long-term alternative to other types of pavement. They can be laid in almost any weather condition and require no grouted joints, mortar (other than perimeter reinforcement), concrete sub-base or curing time.

Since pavers are made of natural aggregates without petroleum-based products and water percolates through joints, they present an environmentally conscious product.

Interlocking pavers are available in two thicknesses -- 2 3/8" and 1" tiles. One-inch tiles should only be applied in pedestrian areas, since they are definitely not suitable for wheeled traffic. Vehicular areas require the thicker paver for durability. In some cases the excavation of existing concrete surfaces used for wheeled traffic might only be partially necessary, thus eliminating the need for complete removal and thereby lowering the job cost. To assess the situation and your options, acquire information and advice from knowledgeable paver installers. However, to rid a structure of unsightly, damaged and unsafe surfaces, the removal and new installation costs will be financially beneficial when viewed in the long tem. Pedestrian areas usually do not require removal of existing surfaces so one-inch pavers are a perfect resurfacing method that won't dramatically change elevations. Paved traffic and recreational areas may be sealed for added protection against fading and soiling.

Pavers are easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional rinsing are usually the most maintenance needed. For heavy soiling, pressure washing with appropriate clearing solutions (re-sanding of joints will be necessary) or a simple spot treatment with a brush, cleaner, water and some elbow grease will solve the problem.

A well-manufactured paver is guaranteed not to crack or delaminate, especially pavers with complete color saturation.

In summary, pavers will offer the following benefits:

• Durability
• Safety features
• Reusability
• No surface cracking
• Pro-environmental
• Ease of installation
• Economical

Be smart. Be savvy. Choose pavers.