There are a number of options when paving a driveway, sidewalk, garden path or patio, other than cold gray concrete. Among the more common selections are the various types of paving stones, or “pavers,” that may be used in a variety of decorative patterns. There is also a means of making an existing concrete surface more attractive with a decorative topping applied over a design that is lifted to reveal a stenciled-on joinery pattern. Two basic choices of paving stones are natural or cast. Natural stone is quarried and cut into shapes that can be laid in the pattern of choice. There are a number of natural stone materials that make good pavers; sandstone, slate, granite and limestone. These are all sturdy enough for foot traffic and are good for years of use. Limestone, however, may be etched and pitted by acid rain or other air-borne chemicals.
Also, some natural stone will look differently in the rain than when dry. Man-made or cast pavers also come in a variety of materials; concrete, clay and aggregates of concrete and stone. The pre-cast concrete pavers can be made into many shapes that facilitate assembly into a myriad of patterns. Clay comes in a variety of styles as well; brick, glazed tiles, terrazzo and the like. Selection of the type of material, the color, shape and the pattern to be used is important to the final outcome. Both the natural paving stones and the cast man-made materials may be laid in a variety of patterns and styles; cobblestone, flagstone, quarry tile, irregular slate and many others, all of which reflect the style selection of the designer. Cost is another consideration in selecting the paving material. For garden pathways, gravel is a very low cost means of paving, but will require a lot of attention to keep the walkway weed-free.
Concrete is probably the lower cost product in terms of material alone, but it does require some expertise and equipment to lay it properly. Concrete pavers are probably the lowest cost material that may be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. On the higher material cost side are brick and glazed tiles, granite and other harder-to-process natural stones. Stenciled or patterned concrete is an option where there is an existing concrete surface or a new one is to be poured. In a new pour, the pattern is achieved by carefully laying a stencil, either heavy paper or plastic, over the still wet concrete. The stencil is rolled into the wet concrete, and then a colorant is broadcast over the entire surface.
After a brief cure time, the stencil is lifted and the pattern emerges, the grout lines being the color of the underlying concrete, the “stones” in the pattern being from the colorant. On existing concrete, the same effect may be achieved by thoroughly cleaning the surface, laying the stencil, then spraying a thin coating of a polymerized, white Portland concrete mixture over the top. The Portland mix can be colorized to almost any hue. The cost per square foot is approximately the same as mid-range pavers, but the application requires some specialized equipment and knowledge. For the Tänavakivi paigaldus, you should have the complete information. The use of the equipment is with the intelligence of the people. The installation will offer the desired results to the outside area of the house. The learning of the things is essential for the people.
