Paving is often the most expensive item in a landscaping plan and this is one of the most permanent constructions. So selecting the right material and excavating company for your yard or garden is important. You need to consider the style you desire to make it more pleasing to your eyes, the functionality of the material to assure your safety and maintenance requirements.
Flagstone
This is known to be an easy material to work with due to the flat, thin nature that comes from the splitting layers of sedimentary stone. They use large and flat stones in a variety of landscaping projects ranging from walkways, patios, paths, seating areas, and walls.
Flagstone pavers are available in several different shapes, colors, and thicknesses. The stone ranges in thickness, although it is recommended for the stone to be at least 1” thick in areas that will endure heavy traffic or weight. The color palette for flagstone varies from red, pink, orange, brown, blue, gold, and even white.
Cobblestones
This is a great paving material for achieving an Old-World, European look. The word cobblestone dates back to the 15th century and this refers to a small stone that has been rounded by the flow of water.
Modern cobblestone is typically quarried granite that has been shaped to look like cobbles. The granite is cut into rough squares or rectangles and the corners are rounded. Individual cobblestones are very small, ranging from 6 to 12 inches square. Cobblestones are known to be authentic, consider reclaimed cobblestones and they are likely to be more expensive, but it’s worth it if you want an aged look.
Decomposed Granite
Using decomposed granite to create natural-looking patios, paths and driveways, decomposed granite is made up of granite aggregates a 1/4″ or smaller. Sometimes decomposed granite is so fine that it resembles sand. decomposed granite provides a natural, rustic look and is available in subtle hues of gray, tan, and brown. Decomposed granite is the least expensive way to pave a patio, walkway, or driveway.
Types of Decomposed Granite
Loose Decomposed Granite
Loose decomposed granite, the least expensive type, is simply the granite aggregates, without any additives. Uses for loose decomposed granite include landscape mulching, garden paths, patios, play areas, and sports courts. A patio or walkway covered with loose decomposed granite will be fairly hard. However, loose decomposed granite is easily affected by erosion and will need to be filled in often and this can be quite messy and may damage hardwood flooring.
Stabilized Decomposed Granite
Stabilized decomposed granite has a stabilizer mixed in with the granite aggregates. Compared to loose decomposed granite, stabilized decomposed granite is more expensive, but it’s still less money than pavers, decorative concrete, and natural stone. Once spread and compacted, decomposed granite with a stabilizer will look similar to loose decomposed granite, with the top layer appearing loose and organic.
Decomposed Granite with Resin
This is the most expensive type of decomposed granite. Resin is added to the decomposed granite, creating a surface similar to asphalt. Sometimes called poly pavement, decomposed granite with resin is the strongest and most durable decomposed granite option, making it great for driveways and high traffic areas
In designing and choosing outdoor paving patterns and designs, it’s important to think and check your yard’s site conditions to make sure that it’s safe and the effect that you wish to create. For example, if you have a small yard and you want to make it feel bigger and more pleasing to the eyes of everybody then simple patterns work best. One thing that is great for creating beautiful designs and works well in large open yards is small pavers, but in small spaces, they will create a busy surface that will make a patio seem even smaller.
