PAVEMENT TYPES APPEARANCE initial cost & installation maintenance winter durability snow removal A wide range of surface Moderate–Tightly fitted, uniform Low–Stained or broken pavers High– Small, high density Smooth surface allows for easy CONCRETE finishes–smooth to textured. units are placed over a sand bed can be easily replaced without units resist cracking as well as snow removal. Pavers can be Many available colors, shapes, and a compacted aggregate base. patches. Dark colored pavers damage from freeze-thaw and colored dark to help melt snow PAVERS and laying patterns can Immediately ready for use. Can be can help hide stains. Ants and salts. Pavers are stronger than faster. Snow-melt systems can ✓Best compliment the architectural installed by homeowner. Factory- weeds in joints can be prevent- ordinary or stamped concrete. be installed to eliminate snow The Beauty Buy style of your home. made pavers last for decades. ed with sealers or herbicides. and ice removal. CHOOSING Gives elegant, permanent, yet Very High–Each unit must Low–High quality stone lasts High–High density stone Rough surface makes plowing of COBBLE informal “Old World” feel. be fitted together by hand. for decades. Wide joints may resists cracking and salts. difficult. STONE encourage weeds and ants. Rough surface makes walking TheBest and driving difficult. Surface is usually colored. High–Difficult for homeowner Moderate–Cracking will likely Low–Subject to deterioration Uneven surface of some Pavement STAMPED Patterns look good from a to install. Requires special develop. Difficult to match from de-icing salts. Surface patterns and textures can CONCRETE distance, but close up surface equipment to stamp stone or original color or pattern in sealer may provide some pro- make plowing difficult. looks artificial. paver patterns into surface. repaired areas. Repairs leave tection from salt attack. Surface sealer often used. unattractive patch.

Mostly shades of red and High–Concrete base often Low–Irregularities in surface Moderate–Salts can attack and Rough surface can make snow CLAY red-brown. Limited number required which increases cost. make them prone to damage, deteriorate some clay pavers. removal difficult. PAVERS of shapes available. Inconsistent dimensions make especially edge chipping. units slow to install and difficult to maintain straight pattern lines.

Grey or light brown. Can be Moderate–Difficult for home- Moderate–Cracking will likely Low–Cracks from freeze-thaw, Smooth surface allows for easy ORDINARY colored throughout or on surface owner to install. Must wait 5 to develop. Repairs and replaced settlement and deteriorates removal. Light colored surface CONCRETE only. 7 days for hardening before use. sections leave unsightly patch- from salts. may not melt snow rapidly. Surface quality depends on es. Oil stains difficult to weather at time of pour and remove. expertise of installers. Limited color options. Low–Goes in quickly over High–Wear and weather will Low–Cracks from freeze-thaw, Smooth surface allows for ASPHALT Difficult to get neat looking compacted aggregate base. break down surface. Black seal settlement and deteriorates easy removal. Dark surface edges. Cracks will likely Can’t be installed by coat required every 2-3 years. from de-icing salts. accelerates snow melting. develop. Stamped and colored homeowner. Ruts or pothole repairs make asphalt looks fake. ugly patches. Subject to erosion from oil drippings. Typically a rustic look. Low–Dumped and spread over High–Scattered stone must High–Stones resist freeze-thaw Stones will scatter when CRUSHED Appearance varies with color soil (no base required). be replaced and releveled cycles and salts. plowing snow. STONE OR and shape of stones. regularly. Ruts from tires will likely develop. GRAVEL A comparison guide for consumers How to Choose the Right Contractor rearrange the furniture that fit right into the paver pattern. These systems The Best Buy occasionally or add a few include wiring and a transformer that plug into a more pieces. standard 110-volt outdoor receptacle. Most interlocking The Best Plan For Patios, Pool decks, concrete pavements are built by professional Walks, or Driveways contractors who specialize There is more to know when choosing a in their construction. Interlocking concrete pavements They can complete a pavement than simply meets the eye offer beauty and long-term perform- high-quality job quickly ance to the home landscape. and safely because they Their pattern, colors, and texture have the right equipment will enhance the character and value and materials. of your home. To get the most from your paver project, consider the To assist in choosing a following aspects before you start. contractor, ICPI offers a free Consumer Guide Driveways should be at Patios, pool decks, walkways, and brochure to guide you in least 10 to 12 ft (3 to 4 m) driveways should be wide enough to the selection process. wide when straight and at Snow Melt Systems fit people, lawn furniture, or in the The ICPI recommends using contractors with a Basic Level least 14 ft (4.2 m) wide at case of driveways, cars and people. Walks should be at Certificate from the ICPI Contractor Certification Program, curves. Consider providing a space in front of the Interlocking concrete pavements can accommodate least 3 ft (1 m) wide and a wider walk lends more as well as suppliers who have ICPI-certified concrete pavers. garage to turn around or to fit an extra car for guest snow melting systems. These consist of hot water grace to an entrance. People enjoy walking on paths parking. A turn-around space needs to be at least 12 filled tubing or radiant wires placed right in the pave- with gentle curves, and pavers A contractor can show you the range of paver colors, shapes, by 18 ft (4 x 6 m). The driveway should join a walk- ment. They turn on automatically when a snowstorm can define and enlarge space for and patterns available in your area, or use those selected by you. way to the house. starts, eliminating plowing, ice hazards, and the need planting beds. for de-icing salts. For further information on concrete pavers, installation, Be sure to plan where water will flow. All pavements and contractors, contact your local ICPI member supplier. As a conscientious owner, you want assurance that should slope away from the house to drain rainfall. the pavement for your walkway, driveway, patio or The driveway center should be a bit higher than the Installation—Hire a Contractor pool deck will look beautiful for a long time, sides in order to shed water into the grass or drainage require little maintenance, stand up to the weather, channels. If possible, keep the slope of the driveway or Do-it-yourself? and return its cost to you. It should also be easy to less than 15 ft per 100 ft (5 m per 30 m) to minimize clean or repair as well as compliment the style of the possibility of slipping. The surface you choose for You may be an ambitious your home. the driveway should resist oil and antifreeze that leak and skilled do-it-yourselfer from cars, and, depending on where you live, damage who would like to install from snowplows and deicing salts. Interlocking concrete a patio or walkway. All Things pavers offers superior durability under these conditions. To start, make a sketch of Layout of patios the project with dimen- Considered and pool decks is sions so the area of pavers like planning a Lighting can be calculated. Take the The beauty of your new room. plan to your paver supplier ICPI What part of the INTERLOCKING CONCRETE completed project– Lighting defines patios, walk- and decide on the colors, PAVEMENT INSTITUTE well designed, day will it be in ways, and driveways at night, shapes, and patterns. properly installed the sun and shade? Is it going to be blocked from the increasing safety and adding a Most concrete paver suppliers can supply printed step- wind? Where will plants be around it? A fountain or U.S. Offices CANADA with the right bit of mystique to your home. by-step instructions for patios, walkways, and drive- pool? How easy is access to the house? Are steps need- 1444 I Street, NW – Suite 700 P.O. Box 23053 materials–will Lighting can be from over- ways, as well as help you locate tools and materials make you feel your ed? Consider all the furniture that will be on the head, such as from spotlights, required to complete the project. In addition, the ICPI Washington, D.C. 20005-2210 55 Ontario Street patios such as chairs, lounges, tables, umbrellas, and Tel: (202) 712-9036 Milton, On L9T 2MO research was worth- Innovative lighting or regularly spaced fixtures offers brochures on installation and videos on how to while. This brochure provides the information and grilles. Patio furniture requires room around it in set into pavers. placed above the ground for construct a patio, walkway, or driveway project. Fax: (202) 408-0285 order to be used comfortably. A minimum of a few Email:[email protected] comparisions you need to make the best choice. lighting the edges of the pavement. Interlocking con- hundred square feet is needed for a table and chairs. crete pavements can accommodate lighting fixtures http://www/icpi.org/icpi Allow for a generous area because you’re likely to