If you are looking for a way to beautify your property, you might want to consider some of the types of paving stones available on the market today. These stones include sandstone, concrete, porcelain, rubber, and others.
Each has its own distinct look and feel, and they can be used in a variety of applications. The type of stone you choose for your paving project will determine the style of your home’s exterior, the texture of your walkways, and the durability of your driveway.
Sandstone
Sandstone is one of the most popular natural stones for paving. It is used in both residential and commercial settings for pavers & landscaping. As a paving material, sandstone offers lots of texture and color. In addition, it is durable and easy to clean.
Many homeowners love using sandstone in their homes. They are affordable and offer a decorative touch. Unlike manufactured tiles, sandstone is non-slip and can be cleaned easily. Sandstone slabs are also ideal for gardens and outdoor areas.
Slabs can be recycled and reused. However, sandstone will eventually wear out. Nevertheless, they are a good alternative to concrete. There are some precautions to take when applying sandstone. Make sure to check its thickness, water absorption and installation location. Avoid laying it close to steps.
Flagstone
While most people choose to use sandstone as the base material, you can choose a natural material such as limestone or travertine. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that contains rich minerals. Travertine is a more durable material that is good for outdoor use.
Another popular option is slate. Slate is a fairly soft type of flagstone. Although it is not as striking as other types, it still has its own charm. If you’re going for a modern look, you’ll want to choose a hard stone with a smooth surface. That way, you won’t have to worry about scratches and chips.
For a more traditional appearance, sandstone is a solid choice. But, keep in mind that sandstone is susceptible to staining. To avoid this, seal the surface of your stone with a water-based natural sealer. This will allow it to breathe while slowing down the effects of the sun, rain, and other natural elements.
Travertine
Travertine is made up of calcium carbonate, chlorites, gypsum, quartz, and white mica. The mineral composition varies depending on the source. Travertine is a very durable material that will hold up well over time. It is a natural stone that has been in use for centuries.
Today, homeowners are finding new uses for travertine in their home’s interiors and outdoor areas. While travertine is a very beautiful building material, there are disadvantages. One of them is that it is porous. Because of this, travertine can absorb water and chemicals very easily.
Also, it can be vulnerable to etching. Travertine is also prone to freezing and thawing, so it’s best to avoid it in regions with long thawing and freezing periods. If you do need to install travertine in an area with cold temperatures, it’s best to grout it to help keep it from freezing.
Porcelain
Unlike natural stone, they are durable and long-lasting. In addition, they can be used for any area, indoors and out, including walkways, driveways, pool decks and terraces. Aside from their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, they are easy to clean and they don’t require sealants or special maintenance.
You can remove a variety of stains from them by using a soft-bristled broom and a cotton cloth. If you want a more natural look, consider a textured stone such as travertine. This elegant stone is available in a variety of colors, from cream to silver. It can be tumbled or cobblestone.
Another alternative to natural stone is concrete. However, a concrete surface can easily become stained or damaged. Unlike porcelain, a concrete surface can also absorb liquids, making it difficult to keep clean.
Rubber
Rubber paving stones are a great way to make your driveway or outdoor patio more durable and attractive. They also help prevent weeds from growing and increase grip when it’s wet.
These man-made surfaces are softer than concrete, but harder than wood. They also absorb sound.
You might think they are a bit difficult to clean, but they’re not. They’re easy to install. Most companies that manufacture rubber paving stones use recycled tires. This reduces the amount of waste going into landfills, which is good for the environment.
Manufactured and concrete
Recent test results indicate that the MSWC was the lightest and lowest abrasion-loss paving stone, which you can read more about here. Furthermore, it also showed the highest splitting tensile strength. As part of the investigation, the MSWC was subjected to two different curing regimes. In addition, a surface abrasion was carried out to determine freeze-thaw strength.
The curing process at 200degC has a significant impact on pore structure and microstructure. This results in delayed ettringite formation. Therefore, combined curing of the paving stones can help increase durability.