Introduction
Concrete pavers, also known as paving stones, are precast blocks typically made of concrete that are laid together to create a durable and attractive surface for driveways, patios, walkways, and more. Though first invented by the Romans and used throughout Europe for centuries, concrete pavers have seen a surge in popularity in Michigan over the past couple decades.
With their numerous benefits and customization options, it’s easy to see why concrete pavers have become a top choice for many Michigan homeowners looking to install or replace their exterior living spaces. Pavers provide an affordable yet upscale look, combining the welcoming feel of brick with the strength and longevity of concrete. They also allow for more design flexibility compared to poured concrete or asphalt.
As Michigan’s climate brings harsh winters and freeze-thaw cycles, concrete pavers are an ideal solution. Their permeable nature prevents dangerous ice buildup, and it’s easy to replace just one or two damaged pavers rather than redoing an entire slab. With proper installation, concrete pavers can last for decades with minimal maintenance required. Let’s explore why concrete pavers may be the right choice for your next Michigan project.
Types of Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers come in a few main types that each have their own unique benefits and uses:
Interlocking Concrete Pavers
Interlocking concrete pavers, also known as paver stones, are designed to fit together tightly without mortar or gaps. The interlocking design distributes weight and provides strength while still allowing flexibility for the paver surface. Common paver shapes like rectangles, squares, and hexagons can be arranged into various patterns. Interlocking pavers are a great choice for driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks.
Permeable Concrete Pavers
Permeable pavers allow water to drain through small spaces between them. They are designed to promote drainage and prevent puddling. Permeable concrete is better for the environment since runoff can flow into the ground instead of the storm drainage system. They work well for driveways, parking areas, and walkways.
Paver Sizes, Shapes and Colors
Concrete pavers come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors. Standard paver sizes include 4×8 inches, 6×6 inches, 6×9 inches, and 12×12 inches. Common shapes are squares, rectangles, hexagons, and interlocking circles. Colors can be solid hues like red, brown, tan, grey and black. There are also multi-colored blends. The variety allows creativity in laying out patterns and designs.
Benefits of Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers offer many advantages for homeowners and businesses in Michigan. Here are some of the top benefits of using concrete pavers:
Durability
Concrete pavers are an extremely durable paving option for Michigan homeowners. Unlike asphalt, concrete pavers do not crack or fade easily over time. The individual pavers can shift slightly without breaking or crumbling, making them more flexible and resistant to damage. Concrete also withstands extreme temperature fluctuations better than asphalt or poured concrete.
Pavers have a typical lifespan of 25-30 years, compared to just 10-15 years for asphalt. And because they are installed in a bed of sand, it’s easy to remove and replace individual damaged pavers if needed. With asphalt, entire sections need to be torn up and repaved if cracking and crumbling occurs. The modular nature of concrete pavers makes spot repairs simple and cost-effective.
Overall, concrete pavers are one of the most durable and long-lasting paving options available for Michigan driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks. Their strength and longevity provide lasting value for homeowners.
Aesthetics
Concrete pavers come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, allowing homeowners to create unique patterns and designs to enhance their home’s curb appeal. Pavers are available in classic squares and rectangles, as well as interesting shapes like hexagons, circles, and interlocking patterns. Mixing and matching different colors and textures can result in eye-catching designs, from simple and elegant to bold and dynamic.
The color options are nearly endless, ranging from earth tones like reds, browns, tans, and grays to bright colors like blue, green, yellow, and purple. Textures can be smooth, dimpled, or exposed aggregate, adding visual interest. Pavers can also be stamped with designs during manufacturing for added flair. The flexibility of concrete pavers allows each homeowner to put their personal stamp on their landscape.
With the ability to remove and rearrange pavers, homeowners can refresh their home’s look by creating new patterns and designs over time. Concrete pavers are an attractive paving choice that can enhance curb appeal and offer unlimited design flexibility.
Easy Installation
Concrete pavers are designed for easy installation compared to other paving options. Their interlocking design allows them to be installed quickly without specialized tools or equipment. Homeowners can tackle DIY paver projects if desired. Pavers can also be removed and replaced if one becomes damaged, without having to redo the whole area.
Variety of Styles
Concrete pavers come in a huge range of colors, shapes, textures and patterns. Popular options include brick, cobblestone, slate, and flagstone designs. Concrete pavers can resemble natural stone at a lower cost. There are endless options for creating a unique look through concrete paver shapes, colors and layout patterns.
Permeable Options
One of the key benefits of concrete pavers is their permeability. Unlike poured concrete or asphalt, concrete pavers have small spaces between each paver that allow water to drain through. This gap drainage system helps prevent flooding, stormwater runoff, and drainage issues.
Concrete pavers effectively manage water flow and allow excess water to drain away from paved surfaces. The water drains through the joints between pavers and into an open-graded crushed stone base underneath. This base acts as a reservoir to temporarily store water and allow it to infiltrate the native soil below.
This permeability makes concrete pavers an environmentally friendly paving solution. They reduce problems with standing water, prevent pollutants from accumulating on paved surfaces, and minimize runoff into storm drains. Their ability to replenish groundwater supplies through infiltration is a major sustainability benefit as well.
Overall, the permeability of concrete pavers is a key advantage that makes them an ideal paving material for driveways, patios, walkways, and more in Michigan. Their drainage capacity helps prevent flooding while providing environmental benefits.
Affordability
Concrete pavers are often the most affordable paving option when considering long-term costs. While the initial installation price may be higher than asphalt, concrete pavers have a much longer lifespan and don’t require frequent replacement. The average asphalt driveway or parking lot needs to be resurfaced every 5-10 years, while properly installed concrete pavers can last 50 years or more. This means you’ll avoid the perpetual cycle of re-paving costs with asphalt.
Concrete pavers also don’t suffer from the same deterioration issues like cracking, fading, and staining that plague other paving materials. Their timeless beauty remains intact for decades, saving you money on repairs and replacements over the years. When factoring in lifecycle costs, concrete pavers provide outstanding value and often the lowest overall investment for your paving needs. Their unparalleled longevity provides long-lasting affordability.
Customization
One of the biggest benefits of concrete pavers is the ability to customize them for unique designs. Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of colors, textures, sizes, and shapes to create a truly one-of-a-kind look for their driveway, patio, or walkway. This allows you to match your pavers to your home’s style and reflect your personal tastes.
Businesses can also take advantage of concrete pavers for branding opportunities. Restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and other companies can integrate their logos, colors, and designs right into the pavement. This is a great way to establish brand identity and give your business a signature look.
On a neighborhood scale, concrete pavers allow communities to develop a cohesive aesthetic. Entire subdivisions can coordinate colors and patterns to reflect the character of the area. Pavers are highly versatile, so each home can still have unique details while contributing to an overall style.
The customization possibilities are virtually endless with concrete pavers. Whether you want a classic brick design or something bold and modern, the right pavers can realize your vision. Their flexibility makes them a great choice for aesthetically-minded homeowners and businesses in Michigan.
Increased Home Value
Concrete pavers can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Unlike poured concrete or asphalt driveways, pavers are considered an upgrade that adds aesthetic value to your property. Their unique shapes, patterns, textures and colors make a driveway or walkway stand out. This increased curb appeal translates into a higher resale value for your home.
According to real estate agents, homes with paver driveways and walkways tend to sell for 5-10% more than comparable homes. The pavers are seen as a premium feature that buyers are willing to pay extra for. They increase the overall desirability and boost the perceived value of the property. With concrete pavers, you can recoup 80-100% of your initial installation costs when it comes time to sell your home.
So if you’re looking to increase your home’s value, concrete pavers are one of the best investments you can make. Their beauty and longevity make them appealing to potential buyers. Pavers give your home an instant facelift that leads to a higher market price.
Low Maintenance
Properly installed concrete pavers require very little ongoing maintenance. An occasional sweeping or hosing down is all that’s needed in most cases. Weeds have difficulty growing between the pavers, so no herbicides are necessary. Re-sanding the joints may be needed every few years. Concrete pavers are a long-lasting, low maintenance paving solution.
Safety
Concrete pavers provide a much safer walking and driving surface compared to poured concrete. Poured concrete can become quite slippery, especially when wet. The smooth surface provides little traction, which can lead to slips and falls. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, have textured surfaces and grooves that allow for excellent traction, even in wet conditions. The paver stones interlock tightly together, which helps to prevent shifting and settling over time. This results in a very even and stable surface underfoot.
Concrete pavers are also designed with small spaces between each paver, which allows water to drain through. This drainage helps prevent puddles from accumulating and icy patches from developing in winter. For homeowners with steep driveways or walkways, concrete pavers are a great choice to provide reliable footing. The textured surface and grooves grab onto shoes, tires and paws, reducing the risk of slipping. Concrete pavers provide a safe option for walking and driving surfaces in Michigan’s variable climate.
Read more: Benefits of using pavers for outdoor space..
Concrete Paver Installation
Proper installation is crucial for concrete pavers to last and look their best. Here are the key steps:
Base Preparation
The base beneath the pavers must be compacted and stable. For most projects, a 4-6 inch gravel sub-base over compacted soil is ideal. The gravel should be layered and compacted in 1-2 inch lifts using a plate compactor. A 1-2 inch bedding layer of coarse sand goes on top of the gravel base. Screed pipes help level the sand.
Laying Pavers
Concrete pavers come in various shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Plan the layout in advance. Place the pavers tightly together, maintaining consistent gaps of 1/16″-1/8″. Use spacers to keep gaps even. The layout pattern impacts durability – herringbone patterns resist shifting better than a grid pattern. Cut border and edge pavers with a masonry saw or chisel to fit.
Edge Restraints
Edges must be restrained to prevent outward movement. Options include concrete curbs, plastic or metal edging, concrete collars dug around the perimeter, or extending the base layer beyond the pavers. Edge restraints should be installed before laying pavers.
Filling Gaps
Once laid, pavers are compacted with a plate compactor. This causes them to settle firmly into the bedding sand, creating gaps between them. These gaps must be filled with sand, brushing it over the surface until the joints are full. Excess sand is removed once filling is complete.
Compacting
The final step is going over the pavers with 1-2 passes of a plate compactor. This forces the pavers into the sand bedding and creates a tight, interlocked surface. The pavers may need minor gap filling after compacting. Always compact dry pavers on a dry base.
Concrete Paver Maintenance
Properly maintaining concrete pavers is crucial to preserving their appearance and structural integrity over time. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
Cleaning
Concrete pavers should be cleaned 1-2 times per year using a stiff broom and water or mild detergent. This prevents dirt and debris from compacting into the sand joints. Pressure washing is not recommended, as it can dislodge the sand between pavers.
Re-sanding Joints
Over time, the sand between pavers can erode. Checking the joints annually and re-sanding as needed keeps pavers locked tightly together. Use polymeric sand for best results. Sweep sand into joints until completely filled.
Weed Control
Weeds growing between concrete pavers are unsightly and can cause damage. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide yearly to prevent weed seeds from germinating. For existing weeds, spot treat carefully with glyphosate or use a propane torch. Avoid weed killers that could stain pavers.
Replacing Damaged Pavers
Chipped, cracked or broken pavers should be replaced to maintain an even surface. Lift out the damaged paver with a pry bar. Apply new polymeric sand and tap the replacement paver into place with a rubber mallet. Check for level and stability.
Regularly maintaining concrete pavers preserves their aesthetic appeal and functionality for many years. It’s a small investment that pays big dividends.
Cost of Concrete Pavers in Michigan
Concrete pavers can range in cost from $3-$20 per square foot in Michigan, depending on the paver type, pattern, and installation. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Paver material – This is the biggest cost factor. Basic concrete pavers can be as low as $3 per square foot. High-end pavers with decorative shapes, colors, and textures can cost $8-$20 per square foot.
- Installation – Labor will add $5-$10 per square foot for most paver projects. Complex patterns and base preparation may increase costs.
- Base preparation – A gravel base will cost around $1-2 per square foot. More complex bases with multiple layers can cost up to $4 per square foot.
Total project costs typically range from:
- $6-$12 per square foot for a basic single-layer paver patio or walkway.
- $12-$25 per square foot for a high-end paver driveway or pool deck.
For example, a 500 square foot paver patio made with basic $3 pavers and $5 per square foot installation would cost around $3,500 in total.
A more premium 1,000 square foot driveway with $12 designer pavers and $8 per square foot installation may cost around $20,000.
Costs can vary based on site conditions, accessibility, prep work needed, and geographical location. Always get multiple estimates from concrete paver installers before starting a project in Michigan.
Best Uses for Concrete Pavers in Michigan
Concrete pavers are extremely versatile and can be used in many outdoor areas in Michigan homes and businesses. Here are some of the most popular uses for concrete pavers in Michigan:
Patios
Concrete pavers make an attractive and durable patio surface. They come in a wide range of colors and shapes to create a customized look. Pavers are easy to install, long-lasting, and low maintenance compared to other patio materials. They allow rainwater to drain through the joints, avoiding puddles. Concrete pavers can withstand Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles better than poured concrete or flagstone.
Walkways
Walkways made of concrete pavers have an upscale, elegant look. They provide a smooth walking surface and won’t crack or buckle like poured concrete. The variety of colors and patterns allows creativity in walkway design. Pavers are slip-resistant and safe even when wet. Their modular nature makes repairs easy if part of a walkway gets damaged.
Driveways
Concrete pavers create a stylish driveway that enhances curb appeal. Interlocking pavers flex and move with the freeze-thaw cycle, avoiding cracks. They have excellent traction for vehicles, even in winter snow and ice. Concrete pavers come in earth tone colors that complement landscaping. Permeable pavers can reduce stormwater runoff from driveways.
Pool Decks
Using concrete pavers around swimming pools provides a slip-resistant surface that stays cooler than poured concrete in the hot sun. The range of color options allows pool decks to coordinate with the pool and landscaping. Concrete pavers won’t crack or chip like stamped concrete. Drainage through the paver joints prevents pooling of water on the deck surface.
Commercial Areas
Businesses like the attractive, upscale look of concrete pavers in patios, walkways, parking areas, and more. Interlocking concrete pavers have the strength and durability to handle heavy vehicle traffic in parking lots. Permeable pavers are a good option to reduce runoff. Concrete pavers come in colors and patterns that complement business signage, architecture, and landscaping.
Concrete Paver Suppliers in Michigan
Michigan has a robust network of concrete paver suppliers across the state to meet your hardscaping needs. Here are some of the top options:
Unilock
Unilock is another leading concrete paver manufacturer with suppliers located throughout Michigan. They offer unique EnduraColor pavers that retain their color and have special surface treatments to prevent fading. Unilock provides various styles from cobblestone, bricks, slabs and more. Their Michigan suppliers have extensive showrooms to view products.
County Materials
This Midwest concrete paver supplier has a location in Michigan that serves Detroit and surrounding areas. County Materials provides many reputable paver brands. They have a streamlined delivery process and also offer hardscaping installation services. Their staff can provide recommendations to find the ideal concrete pavers for your project.
Emser Tile
Emser Tile has a distribution center in Michigan that supplies concrete pavers across the state. They offer a diverse range of color options, shapes, textures and sizes. Emser Tile provides guidance on selecting the right concrete pavers with visualizers on their website. They distribute leading brands like Belgard, Unilock, Pavestone and more.
In addition to the major distributors, there are also several local concrete paver suppliers located throughout Michigan. These small businesses offer competitive pricing and excellent customer service. They can help find the perfect pavers for patios, driveways, pool decks and walkways in your neighborhood. Connect with local landscaping pros to get recommendations for reputable Michigan paver suppliers near you.
Concrete Paver Projects in Michigan
Michigan is home to some of the most creative and beautiful concrete paver projects. Here are a few that showcase the versatility and artistry possible with concrete pavers:
Cobblestone Streetscape in Grand Rapids
The streets of downtown Grand Rapids feature intricate patterns of brick and concrete pavers. Interspersed with historic cobblestones, the pavers create a charming old-world aesthetic. The varied colors and textures of the pavers add visual interest. This extensive paver streetscape required expertise to install but provides an iconic look for the city.
Frankenmuth Paver Mural
The Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store in Frankenmuth has a massive paver mural featuring Christmas images. Over 2 million pavers in vibrant colors were used to create the mural covering over 17,500 square feet. The intricate design includes Christmas trees, wreaths, stars, and reindeer. At night, the mural is illuminated with LED lights. It’s an impressive work of paver art attracting many visitors.
Pictured Rocks Paver Walkway
At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a winding walkway allows visitors to fully take in the colorful sandstone cliffs. The walkway uses exposed aggregate concrete pavers with a rough surface resembling natural rock. The varied earth tone colors of the pavers complement the natural hues of the cliffs. The pavers provide stability, traction, and a natural aesthetic perfect for this landscape.
Contemporary Paver Patio in Northville
A home in Northville has a modern paver patio that resembles abstract art. Thin brick pavers in red, brown, tan, and charcoal gray create a pixelated effect. The random pattern looks chaotic yet artistic. Pavers were carefully installed to maintain 1/8 inch spacing between them. The result is an eye-catching contemporary patio.
Conclusion
Concrete pavers provide a beautiful, durable, and versatile paving solution for driveways, patios, walkways, and more in Michigan. In this guide, we covered the major types of concrete pavers, including tumbled, interlocking, and permeable. The benefits of concrete pavers are numerous – they come in a variety of shapes, colors, textures, and patterns to fit any design aesthetic. They are also extremely strong and can last 50+ years with proper installation and maintenance.
Concrete pavers have the advantage of being both attractive and functional. They allow rainwater to drain through the joints between pavers, preventing puddling and slip hazards. Their modular nature makes repairs simple if a section becomes damaged. Overall, concrete pavers are one of the best paving options for residential and commercial projects in Michigan due to their aesthetic appeal, longevity, and low-maintenance. With proper installation and care, they will provide a beautiful and functional outdoor living space for decades to come.
Transform your patio, walkway, or driveway with Michigan Rose Construction’s expert concrete paver installation. Enjoy lasting beauty, low maintenance, and increased curb appeal. Get a free consultation!
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