Creating an inviting outdoor space involves thoughtful consideration of various elements, and one crucial aspect is the choice of paving. Whether you're aiming for a cozy patio, a winding pathway through a garden or a grand driveway entrance, selecting the right paving option can significantly enhance your outdoor aesthetic. In this article, we'll explore a range of paving materials and styles to help you transform your landscape into a visually stunning and functional outdoor haven with local experts.

Brick Pavers
Brick pavers exude classic charm and warmth, making them a favorite for traditional and vintage-inspired landscapes. With their rich earthy tones and uniform shapes, brick pavers lend a sense of timeless elegance to outdoor settings.

"After the pandemic, people became reluctant to travel, and wanted to create beautiful outdoor spaces that they can enjoy at home," explains Chris DeMato of Rock Bottom Landscaping. "And brick pavers have become an extremely popular choice for homeowners from the start."

Whether laid in herringbone, basket weave or running bond patterns, brick pavers create visually captivating surfaces that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Moreover, their inherent strength and low-maintenance requirements make them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

"Brick paver manufacturers have done a great job with developing new styles and also many natural stone look-alike products for a less expensive option than real stone," says DeMato. "We have adapted these products at Rock Bottom Landscaping to beautify your home's curb appeal as well. For example, you can use a brick paver for a driveway, or border your asphalt driveway or entranceway."

Another plus for homeowners, brick manufacturers also give a lifetime warranty on the structure of the products. "A good power washing and sealant job can turn that dull paver into almost new again," shares DeMato.

Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers offer versatility and durability, making them a popular choice for various outdoor applications. Available in an array of shapes, sizes and colors, concrete pavers allow for endless design possibilities. From classic brick-like patterns to sleek modern designs, concrete pavers can complement any architectural style.

Natural Stone
For a timeless and elegant look, natural stone paving is hard to beat. Materials such as flagstone, slate, limestone and granite impart a rustic charm and unmatched character to outdoor spaces. Each stone carries its unique texture, color variations and veining, adding visual interest to pathways, patios and driveways. While natural stone may require professional installation due to its irregular shapes and sizes, the result is a stunning, one-of-a-kind landscape feature that ages beautifully over time.

Asphalt
When it comes to building your perfect home driveway, there are a few options available. From concrete to gravel to asphalt, each material has its pros and cons, with asphalt being a common choice among homeowners, and for good reasons.

"One of the major benefits of choosing asphalt for your new home driveway construction is that it can be installed quickly and easily. Asphalt is often poured in a single day, allowing you to get your driveway up and running as soon as possible," explains Patrick Burke, third-generation contractor at Burke Asphalt.

Asphalt is also a cost-effective option when it comes to construction materials. "It is relatively inexpensive compared to other driveway materials like concrete and gravel. Asphalt is also relatively simple to install, which means you will not have to invest a lot in labor costs," Burke says.

Additionally, asphalt is long lasting, requiring fewer repairs and maintenance over time. So if you're looking for a cost-effective solution, asphalt may just be the perfect choice.

Resurfacing Options
Resurfacing asphalt is the practice of overlaying a new driveway over a settled old driveway using what is called a modified driveway mix. That is essentially 9.5 millimeters of top coat asphalt that has been modified to get into the cracks and crevices of the old driveway so you don't have to tear up what you have.

"Resurfacing your driveway saves the homeowner quite a bit of money and gives the same result as tearing up and starting new. Of course, there are exceptions, such as pitch concerns and water drainage concerns, which may make certain projects unqualified for true resurfacing," explains Burke.

Homeowners can choose to resurface concrete around the home as well. New Castle Artisan offers an innovative, effective way to renew old, chipped, spalled and cracked concrete surfaces.

"Over time, wear and tear, weather and exposure to the elements can cause damage to your property's concrete surfaces. That damage, if left unfixed, can get worse and eventually result in unsightly blemishes, unsafe surfaces and decreased property value. Our talented professionals can transform your concrete surfaces to have an entirely new look, turning the error into art," says Gwen Kunkle from New Castle Artisan. "Once the concrete is applied, our artisans go to work creating beautiful designs in wonderful colors. The designs are chosen to suit the state of your concrete space, match your preferences and complement the surrounding space. Once the new concrete surface quickly sets, your space is ready for use in an amazing new way."

When taking the resurfacing route, homeowners can have peace of mind that their environment stays free and clear of costly, time-consuming obstructions.

Whichever direction you go, choosing the right paving option is essential for enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of natural stone, the versatility of concrete pavers or the modern allure of composite decking, there's a paving material to suit every style and budget.

DeMato advises: "Whatever direction you choose when pricing your job, be sure to work with licensed and certified professionals, as proper installation will save you thousands in repair work down the road."

In the end, by carefully selecting materials, reliable and professional contractors, and creatively combining paving materials, you can transform your landscape into a visually stunning and inviting retreat that reflects your personal taste and enhances your outdoor living experience.

Burke Asphalt
Allentown, Pa.
(484) 228-1776
BurkeAsphalt.com

New Castle Artisan
Sicklerville, N.J.
(856) 725-3333
NewCastleArtisan.com

Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing
Belle Mead, N.J.
(732) 873-6780
RockBottomLandscaping.net

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 5 (April 2024)
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