Nowadays, having a decent curb appeal is key to increasing your home’s value. Beautiful neighborhoods all share a similar vibe – each house follows in the other’s footsteps, and then we have organic aesthetics being born from scratch, almost naturally. A crucial part of this whole dynamic, the piece that glues it all together, is the street itself – more specifically, the walkways and what they’re made of. If you’re here, you know the influence that pavers have in modern hardscape – so what are the best pavers for a sidewalk?
Well, no need to wonder anymore. In this article, we’ll present you with some paving stones that can be the perfect fit for your needs. In case you’d like to know the best ways to replace old pavers before making any decisions, read our guide here.
So, what are the best pavers for a sidewalk?
Ultimately, to answer this, there are two factors we should take into account: looks and general durability.
A good-looking sidewalk will not only be pleasant to the eye but also match your house’s foundation, becoming an extended part of it. Since this pathway is supposed to lead to your personal space, there’s nothing better than customization. Materials with a great share of personality include, for instance, bricks and porcelain pavers, which come in many colors, shapes, and forms, and in the case of the latter, even imitate the elegance of natural stones.
Now, in terms of technical capabilities, some pavers are definitely better than others. Concrete is so popular for a reason: when used as paving stones, this material can withstand a lot of weight and is quite easy to come by. On the other hand, rubber pavers are the most inviting variation for kids, considering their soft, non-slippery properties that naturally avoid bruises and accidents.
At the end of the day, you have numerous options to choose from – and there really isn’t a kind of paver that you shouldn’t use by any means necessary. Though of course, with the help of experts, you can point out the ones that will offer the ideal cost-benefit for each individual project, as you can see below.
Some inspiring ideas for your upcoming project
First of all, a tip. When it comes to the width of a sidewalk, 48 inches is comfortable enough for two people to walk alongside each other, although 36 inches is the standard size across the country.
Moreover, a wheelchair needs a 60-inch-wide turnaround area on top of that, so make sure to be updated on local regulations and restrictions. In some neighborhoods, you may even need a special permit before building anything.
Natural Stone Pavers
Cobblestone is the main contender here – they’ve been around for centuries. Natural stones, however, are usually more expensive than other pavers – and don’t tend to follow a pattern, usually resembling a puzzle. Although stunning and durable, it’s best to avoid using them if there’s going to be car traffic around, since their thin surface can crack under immense weight.
Brick Pavers
You can find bricks pretty much everywhere. For sidewalks, we can lay them out in a variety of ways, while mixing similar tones for density and depth. Also, when using bricks as pavers, you can place them on top of a pre-existing concrete installation, which might just be the current state of your site.
Porcelain Pavers
Porcelain is beautiful – and even though more expensive than average, it can last for a very long time. These paving stones don’t need to be sealed – which is an upside – and, alongside concrete, porcelain doesn’t retain so much heat. This is always a nice addition to warm summer days.
Concrete Pavers
This is the cheapest, most accessible option for a sidewalk. Concrete pavers are superior to their slab counterpart because they are less prone to breakage and drainage problems – and if you seal them properly twice a year, it’s probably never going to happen anyway. Of course, the only downside is the lack of color pallets, which might be more important to creative people.
Rubber Pavers
If anything, rubber is the least recommended material on this list, but to each their own. They don’t have much of an aesthetic appeal and are very delicate, but their non-slippery, kid-friendly surface can have many uses. Keep vehicles out of these, though – over time, wheels will flatten and stain these pavers even faster, urging for individual replacements.
Belgard Pavers
Belgard is the most trusted provider out there – and in Florida, S&SPavers serves as a primary distributor. On the market, Belgard products have outstanding quality and demand, which opens up a world of possibilities for your sidewalk ideas.
How do I begin planning the installation?
Are you ready to begin, then? Have you decided on the perfect pavers for a sidewalk? If so, it’s time to plan out everything from start to finish – and make sure not to waste any budget.
If you’re interested in DIY techniques, you can read our complete guide on paver installation here to get started.
However, keep in mind that any kind of installation requires meticulous handwork, expertise, calculations, and patience. Not only do you have the cost of transport, but the logistics of the whole thing can be arduous for beginners – and that’s why we suggest professional assistance every step of the way.
You see, paver sidewalks – being outdoors and all, particularly if they’re around a constant flow of passersby – involve the right climate conditions, leveling, drainage, and sealing. Even after getting your hands on a set of units, it takes a while to lay out the territory.
S&S Pavers can give you a hand – or several!
Over 12 years in the hardscape business, our team has dealt with many homeowners in many different situations – and we know how tricky the whole process can be. As we said, we always recommend hiring a professional in your area whom you can trust.
With that said, if you happen to be around our area of activity, the Sarasota and Manatee counties, in Florida, why not give us a call to help you out?
You can contact us any time for a free estimate of our services! Call us right now at 941-773-3098 or email us at sales@sspavers.com. We would be more than happy to help you with any hardscape needs you might have – including supply, installation, and maintenance services.
