10 Reasons to Install Interlocking Pavers

Most of us put little thought into the design of our driveway. But upgrading your home’s driveway or other outdoor spaces with interlocking pavers can make a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal. Plus, it offers a long list of benefits beyond just how it looks.

Interlocking pavers are stones that are shaped to fit together tightly, creating the view of cobblestones or tiles. This creates a beautiful yet durable surface that can be custom designed based on your home’s layout and appearance.

If it is time for you to re-do your concrete or brick driveway and you are weighing your options, there are some important reasons why interlocking stone pavers may be the best choice.

Let’s discuss some of the greatest benefits stone pavers have to offer.

Interlocking Pavers Are a Quick and Easy-to-Install Project

One key reason why interlocking stones for driveways stand out from options like asphalt, loose sand, gravel, or poured concrete is the installation process. You often have to wait days for concrete or asphalt applications to dry completely. Additionally, lots of care has to be taken to ensure that the surface is leveled and there is a solid foundation underneath.

Interlocking driveway pavers, on the other hand, can be installed in just a day or two, depending on the size of the area. You can also start driving and walking on the paver stones right away.

The process of installing interlocking pavers is fairly simple, too. However, it is recommended that you only hire licensed contractors who have special engineering training for interlocking paver installment. The paver stones have to be specifically laid out to create these tight seals – and there is little room for error. Don’t try to do it on your own!

First, a layer of sand and concrete is poured to create a base for the interlocking stone pavers to securely attach to. This concrete mixed with sand provides a secure base that the tires will seal to. Then the interlocking pavers are fit together to form the desired pattern. Each paver stone is positioned tightly together, so there is very little space between each piece.

Once all of the interlocking pavers are laid down, the stones are covered in a light layer of sand and then secured with a vibrating paver. The sand fills in any small cracks between the stones, and the vibrating paver compacts it down. This machine puts high amounts of pressure over the stones to secure them into the concrete layer below, securing them tightly together. Any excess sand is swept away to create a smooth surface.

And that’s it! Interlocking pavers can be used right away; there is no need to wait for any of the materials to dry.

Paving Stones Are Easy to Replace or Remove

Driveways and pathways have to withstand a lot of wear and tear from vehicles, foot traffic, and weather conditions. If a portion of a driveway made of concrete or asphalt is damaged or cracked, it can be difficult to correct. You may even need to re-seal the entire area.

On the other hand, interlocking pavers are quite easy to remove and replace. If one of the paving stones is cracked or stained from a vehicle oil leak, it can be removed fairly easily. A flat pry bar is used to loosen the paver from all angles until it can be “popped” out. Then, fresh applications of concrete and sand are poured below and a new paving stone is put in.

This design feature is also quite convenient if you need access to the ground below the interlocking pavers. For instance, if you need to lay down electrical lines or sprinkler plumbing systems, portions of the paving stones can be removed underneath. The same stones can then be re-installed all in a matter of hours.

Interlocking Stone Products Are Customizable to Any Design

You are not limited to the generic black, grey, or brown color scheme when you choose interlocking pavers. The paving stones can be made from natural stones like limestone, granite, or flagstone, or pre-poured concrete. They can also be colored into all sorts of shades to match different style preferences.

Paving stones also come in a variety of shapes which can be mixed and matched if desired. For instance, the Everest Paver includes a mix of rectangular shapes which create a beautiful stone-like pattern that can be quite stunning for a patio or seating area.

Hexa Pavers are made in six-sided hexagonal shapes to create a geometric look. These paving stones are available in a variety of colors to create unique pattern designs for a truly stunning layout.

Interlocking pavers can also be designed to look like smooth ceramic tiles. The Para Smooth Paver is sanded down for a polished view. However, if you prefer a more natural stone appearance, the Blu 45 interlocking paver is a great choice. These paver stones are made of poured concrete that is uniquely designed to provide a textured stone.

Paving Stones Are Not Just for Driveways

Another great benefit to using interlocking pavers is they can be used for all sorts of outdoor applications – not just the driveway. Paving stones can also be used for:

• Patios and porches
• Pathways
• Pool areas
• Retaining walls
• Stairs and steps
• Commercial outdoor areas
• Fireplaces
• Grill stations

The versatility of interlocking pavers is virtually endless. Plus, you can stick to a cohesive style all-around your home or mix and match patterns and colors, depending on your personal design preferences.

Paving Stones are Long Lasting

Most of the traditional paving options for driveways will last between 10 to 20 years under the best of conditions. Asphalt and concrete are quite durable, but they will start to crack and split after a few years. Additionally, many driveways need to be re-sealed every few years.

Interlocking pavers are extremely durable. If they are properly cared for, they can last for decades. Paving stones can be covered with a protective seal which helps to prevent discoloration and chipping. We have even seen interlocking pavers that have lasted without any repairs for 40 years!

Interlocking pavers can also be coated with high-performance polymeric paving sand. This settles in between the tiny cracks and space between each of the pavers to prevent damage, weed growth, and even erosion. This is ideal for areas with extreme temperature changes throughout the year or places that receive lots of rain and snow.

To keep your pavers in tip-top condition, you should reapply this sand every couple of years. You will simply need to cover all of the stones and then sweep the excess sand off. It is not recommended that you use a leaf blower but stick to a manual broom so that only the top layer of sand is swept away.

Interlocking stone pavers can also be coated with an epoxy-based sealant which helps to protect the color. This is ideal for areas that will receive long hours of direct sunlight, which can fade or discolor the stone material.

Stone Driveways Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Investing in a beautifully designed outdoor living space can boost a home’s curb appeal significantly. A beautifully designed driveway made from durable paving stones can make a home look far more attractive and modern than a traditional black-top or gravel one.

Interlocking stone pavers can be a great selling point for a home as well. According to one survey, 84% of people looking to buy a home would not consider a house that did not have a paved driveway.

This can also help to increase the home’s overall value and selling price. In some cases, a well-maintained paved driveway can increase a home’s resale value by $10,000 to $20,000.

Interlocking Pavers Are Easy to Maintain

Since interlocking pavers are made from durable materials like natural stone or poured concrete, they are made to take a lot of wear and tear. They can withstand heavy loads from large vehicles, grill stations, and patio furniture without breaking.

Pavers will not get marked up from excessive wear, unlike poured concrete. You won’t see any tire marks, scratches from shoes, or marks from patio furniture on the stones.

Depending on the material of paving stone you choose, an interlocking paver driveway or patio area requires little to no upkeep. The only routine maintenance required is occasional sealant applications to extend the life of the paving stones. This can be done just once every five to ten years and can be completed in a single day.

You should also keep up with the sand applications from time to time to fill in the gaps between each paver. If there is space between the tiles, vegetation may start to grow in the cracks. In this case, you will need to apply weed killer or a specialized sealant to keep this under control.

Stone Works for All Weather Conditions

Another incredible benefit to interlocking stone pavers is they can be designed to withstand any type of weather, making them an ideal choice for homes around the country.

Some materials often used for driveways such as asphalt will expand and crack as the temperature changes. This can be a problem for homeowners in areas with hot summers and cold winters. Dark pavement like tar can also get extremely hot in direct sunlight.

Additionally, loose stone, sand, or gravel driveways are also not the best for changing weather patterns. Heavy rainfall can create deep puddles and wash away the loose stone, making the driveway uneven. This can also be difficult to shovel and clean off.

The natural stone or poured concrete used for interlocking pavers is ideal for all kinds of weather, no matter where you live. The paving stones will not expand or warp in extreme heat or cold. They are also not susceptible to cracking – like concrete or asphalt – since the paving blocks are made to be slightly flexible and disperse weight pressure evenly.

Additionally, the natural stone or concrete used for interlocking pavers can absorb high amounts of water. The sand layer between each of the pavers also helps to absorb excess water, keeping the surfaces dry. This helps to prevent puddles from forming, keeping the driveway, patio, or walkway dry.

Interlocking Pavers Are a Cost-Effective Option

Installing a new driveway is an investment no matter what material you choose. However, interlocking stone pavers often pay off in the long run and are much more cost-effective than other options.

According to Home Guide, interlocking pavers cost an average of $10 to $30 per square foot. This makes it slightly more expensive than driveway pavement options, compared to the cost of gravel, asphalt, or concrete.

However, you have to remember that installed interlocking pavers is a one-time project. Although an asphalt driveway will cost you less for the first installment, you will need to re-seal the driveway every few years. You may also need to replace the driveway altogether.

Concrete and gravel driveways often need touch-ups or full replacements after just five to ten years if they are not well maintained. Specially poured, stamped, or stained concrete can wind up costing more than interlocking pavers to achieve the same design effect.

The upkeep costs for stone pavers are generally fairly low. You can easily apply sand to the pavers on your own at a minimal cost. Specialized sealant applications should be done by a professional, but they are only needed once every 5 to 10 years.

Additionally, paving stones can be up to four times as strong as poured concrete – which means that it requires less material to withstand the same weight. This means that these types of pavers can be the most affordable option, all things considered.

Paving Stones Promote Safety

Interlocking pavers are an ideal choice if safety is a top concern. The natural stone or poured concrete material makes the surface of the interlocking block pavers naturally non-slip. This makes it a great option for areas around the pool or hot tub so no one slips getting in and out of the water. The sand in-between the stones also helps to provide a bit of extra grit so the tiles are not slippery when wet.

Interlocking stone or concrete pavers are the perfect choices for creating safer patio areas or pathways around the home for children and pets. The tops of the paving stones will not scratch at bare feet like loose gravel, nor will it create dangerous slippery surfaces while it rains.

Paver stones are non-skid, which is great for driving and parking vehicles on slanted surfaces or during rain, snow, or icy conditions. Tires can easily grip the interlocking pavers, so vehicles will not slide or skid out.

Conclusion

A beautifully designed driveway and outdoor space is a great way to elevate your home’s appearance. Opting for an interlocking paver design for the driveway, patio, pool area, pathways, or retaining way is a long-lasting investment that offers numerous benefits.

At Central Home Supply, we have helped thousands of homeowners create the outdoor design of their dreams. We carry a wide variety of paver stone products and brands to choose from, depending on the color, shape, and style of pavers you want. We also offer forklift delivery service and can provide contractor referrals for products installation.

If you have any further questions on interlocking stone pavers products, designs, or applications, please contact us. Our team can help you find the exact style or design that is best for your home and put in an order with our shop today.

First published on: Jan 11, 2021
Updated on: Dec 28, 2022