Patios and walkways can be made from a variety of different masonry material and designs like concrete, pavers, bluestone, and brick. A brick or bluestone walkway or patio can be installed by “wet laying” the brick or bluestone in the concrete or “dry laying” it over a bed of RCA(Recycled Crushed Aggregate). A paver walkway or patio is not installed on top of a cement base.  In fact, Pavers are installed over a bed of RCA with cement edging on the sides to hold them in place with sand or polymeric sand installed between the joints. Pavers are then compacted to lock them in place.

A concrete walkway or patio is normally installed over a bed of RCA, with the purpose of creating a drainage bed underneath the concrete. Concrete is then poured over the RCA base of 4” thick. The surface of standard concrete is then, edged and broom brushed finished. 

Paver Patios Have a Long Life Span

While concrete may be a durable material, there’s something to be said for how it’s installed in a patio project. Because concrete is poured in slabs that cover a large surface area, it’s subject to crack over time — an issue that can mar the appearance of the patio, introduce safety hazards and warrant expensive repairs.

What’s unique about pavers is that individual pieces interlock to create the patio structure. This not only allows for greater flexibility in the design of an outdoor patio, but it also contributes to developing a stronger foundation that is more resistant to cracks from environmental stresses.

For potential buyers who are interested in outdoor living spaces, the long life span of a paver patio (and the subsequent costs this saves) can function as an added selling point.