When you start dreaming about a new landscape design, chances are you gave a great deal of consideration to the features you wanted to see. Those aspects might include the seating area, whether or not to have a fire feature, and of course, some type of ‘flooring’ to pull it all together. But when it comes to that ‘flooring” it can be tough to decide whether to opt for pavers or stone. Each of these options – pavers or stone- are both beautiful and known for their longevity. So, you might be asking if one material is better than the other?

Pavers or Stone? That is the Question

Pavers:

• Pros: Typically made from concrete and of a rectangular or square shape, pavers come in a wide range of colors. This means you can create a custom look utilizing a variety of shades. They can be easily customized to suit your specific design needs and can be installed in virtually any pattern. In terms of maintenance and longevity, they can withstand extreme heat as well significant cold. They do require being cleaned off with a pressure sprayer from periodically. In addition, should they be damaged, they can be replaced simply by removing the damaged section and placing in new ones.
• Cons: Pavers – especially concrete ones- can often be more pricey than other types as it requires more grading and backfilling. They can also crack, though this is rare, due to settling or shifting of the soil.

Stones:

• Pros: Perhaps the favorite feature of stone landscaping is that it is natural, thus adding a unique and timeless look to any structure in which it is used. They are strong and will retain the natural variations of color and texture. Better yet, they do not require any serious maintenance work, other than occasionally sweeping. In the event one is damaged, they can be replaced, though it can a bit more to find a replacement stone.
• Cons: Keep in mind that because it is natural, your stone flooring will change in color. In addition, some stones are more inclined to retain heat, so would not be recommended for use around a pool. For the budget conscious, stones can also be a larger investment – but with an equally high ROI- than pavers. Both options are a great way to add more dimension to your outdoor makeover or new landscape design. It really just comes down to what you wish to invest in and the overall look you want to achieve for your yard. If you are uncertain as to whether to choose pavers or stone, talk to one of the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team members. We will be happy to help you make a decision that meets all your needs.

The post Pavers or Stone: A Tough Decision appeared first on Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces.

While neighborhoods up North have many homes where the driveways are made from asphalt as they are ideal in areas where extreme cold is more common, in the South many homeowners have discovered that paver driveways are the preferred choice.  This is because driveway pavers offer many advantages that make them a practical investment for residences, as well as many Atlanta area commercial sites. Driveway pavers, often referred to as cement pavers or concrete pavers, can be solid or open and are a great way to make the entrance to your Atlanta home or office stand out from those around you. But individuality in outdoor design is not the only reason to opt for a paver driveway. Here are 8 more reasons to choose paver driveways for you residence.

8 Benefits of Driveway Pavers

1. Durability – Driveway pavers will last for many years and are strong enough to withstand the weight of your vehicles without cracking or damages.
2. Maintenance – Unlike gravel driveways or concrete slab driveways that can require a significant amount of upkeep, driveway pavers do not need to be sealed and are resistant to stains. In the event that anything is spilled on the pavers, they can be easily cleaned with a simple cleaning solution and a water hose. In addition, unlike a concrete driveway where grass/weeds can grow up through cracks, pavers do not allow for unwanted foliage growth.
3. Replacement – In the rare event that a paver is cracked or damaged, they can be easily removed and replaced in as little as a day.
4. Value – Choosing pavers for your driveway is an easy way to add curb appeal and home value. Also, because there are many types of driveway pavers available there is a significant range of cost of paver installation.
5. Versatility – The list of driveway pavers available is exceptionally long, and the styles are varied. Be it an Old World look, a Modern style or a more casual approach, there are driveway pavers that can be used to create the look you want. From the color to the design used, you can have driveway pavers that showoff your own individuality and compliment the architecture of your home.
6. Color – As referenced above, there are many different colors available for driveway pavers. Some of these include various shades of red, brown, black or grey. This range of colors means you can have a custom designed driveway pavers that shows off your style.
7. No Spalling – Unlike a concrete driveway that can look patchy as a result of spalling due to excessive moisture, pavers are not affected by significant rainfall.
8. Installation Time – Most driveway paver designs can be installed in just a matter of days.  

If you are ready to update your Atlanta driveway with pavers, then contact the team at Outdoor Makeover and Construction and learn how we can take your driveway to the next level.

The post 8 Reasons to Opt for Paver Driveways appeared first on Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces.