Pavement is the hard surfacing of a road, airstrip, or patio in your home. It is made from durable materials that are laid down on a surface, with the intent to carry any vehicular and foot traffic with efficiency. The main aim is to transmit the weight to the underlying soil or subbase. A well-paved path must have sufficient skid resistance, proper coefficient of friction, light-reflecting characteristics, and minimum noise pollution while adding to the charm of the landscape at the same time.

This article will talk about the importance of pavements in homes, a complete understanding of a pavement contractor, and what special talents and services they offer. Rest assured, by the end of this guide, you will be able to answer this recurring question: what does a paver in Dublin do?

Why Do You Need Pavers in Homes?

The word “paver” generally refers to stones made from concrete. They are also made from some other materials such as clay, natural stone, asphalt, gravel and many more. These pavers are the building blocks of pavements, which are a special type of covering on a surface that makes them more sustainable and user-friendly. We can commonly see paved surfaces on streets, motorways, driveways, backyards, etc. as it is a landscape investment made by owners and it proves to be very beneficial in the long run.

The most important reason to get paved surfaces in a home is to enhance the look of your home, by making it much more aesthetically pleasing. This not only adds to the overall appearance of the property but also increases its monetary value. Paired with groomed hedges, grass, and shrubs; the paver technology is a perfect appeal to the eyes which gives the house a neat and manicured ambience.

A well-maintained pavement also provides safety to the underlying surfaces from various elements. Rough weather such as rain or wind can erode the unpaved surface which weakens the foundation and poses a high safety risk. Therefore you must pave your homes, especially in the regions which carry vehicular traffic, to ensure the well-being of the residents.

Another important factor to consider when paving your home is longevity. Asphalt, concrete, and gravel stones are some of the most durable materials used in paving, which can last a lifetime. Pavers require little to no upkeep. Their minimalistic maintenance, such as filling up any cracks or gaps in the surface, can increase the life of the pavements to a much greater extent.

Pavement Contractors in Dublin

A paving contractor constructs paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, concrete floors, etc. When hiring a contractor, you need to show them the site of construction and ask for an estimate for the project. As there are a lot of pavement options in the market, you can also meet with a few different contractors and choose the one with creative ideas and an affordable bid. We believe that the best way to gain confidence in your contractor is by asking for references from previous clients whose projects were similar to yours.

Some companies specialize in residential work such as laying down a new driveway, patio floors, or repair walkways or steps; while others specialize in commercial tasks, such as the construction of motorways, runways for airports, and harbour areas for a port.

What to Expect From a Paver in Dublin

If you are planning to hire a paver contractor, perhaps you are wondering: what does a paver in Dublin do? To make it easier for you we have created a list of tasks that you can expect from your hired paver, so you can be sure that the output you receive is up to the mark. A paver:

• Prepares base for installation by removing unstable or unsuitable materials, compacting and grading the soil, draining or stabilizing weak or saturated soils, and taking measures to prevent water penetration and migration of bedding sand. [1]
• Talks through the options of designs a client has regarding his property.
• Designs the paver installation layout and directional markings before initiating the installation procedure.
• Supplies paving materials and the required equipment at the site.
• Cuts the pavers to the desired sizes with properly carved edges.
• Sets the pavers on a smoothed surface, making sure they are properly aligned with regular spaces in between.
• Compacts the pavement by making sure that the joints are thoroughly sealed.
• Sweeps the residue from the surface before permitting its use.
• Takes all precautionary measures such as the use of safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, etc.

Pavers Specializing in Driveways in Dublin

The front of your house is the first thing that people see when they drive over, visit, or walk past. We understand that the weather in Dublin cannot always be favourable in terms of wind and rain, which adversely affects your properties. Thus, a good first impression of your home comes with a well-maintained driveway for which you need such paver contractors who specialize in driveway paving services.

Types of Driveways

To answer your question: what does a paver in Dublin do? We have compiled a list of what exactly a paving labourer’s job entails, and what is their expertise. Here are some of the options you can choose from when considering the pavement of your driveways.

Concrete Driveways

Concrete is a composite material that is made up of stone aggregate banded with lime-based products and water. This easy-to-pour material can be cured in any form of a paving block, making it a viable option for paved driveways. The patterned concrete block gives an aesthetic look, and its cost-effectiveness and longevity prove to be beneficial for the customer. Most importantly, this resilient option does not require much maintenance which is a bonus. A paver will offer you various patterns for this driveway, including interlocking-shape patterns and wall-brick pavers, which are very popular in Dublin.

Asphalt Driveway

Driveways are often paved with asphalt cement which is a petroleum product. This is a popular choice as it is one of the most flexible paving materials and is the least susceptible to cracking. One drawback of using an asphalt driveway is that it requires resealing after every few years whereas in comparison, concrete is practically maintenance-free. Despite its high maintenance, this driveway pavement works best in Dublin as it can withstand harsh winter conditions and has a relatively easier installation process.

Gravel Driveway

Gravel used in driveways is a processed product made up of rocks, sand, and clay. This is one of the cheapest driveway paving options available in the market. And it works best on properties surrounded by trees of large roots as gravel driveways are flexible and extremely accommodating to such an environment. Even though gravel requires extensive upkeep, with proper care, it can last for more than a hundred years! The low initial costs and such extraordinary durability make a gravel driveway worth it.

Pavers Specializing in Patios and Landscaping In Dublin

Paving the lawns or backyards of houses is one of the most popular architectural designs in Dublin. Whether you plan to pave your entire garden or just the small patio seating area, the finished look will always be charming and add to the appeal of your home. The question is what does a paver in Dublin do when paving the patios and gardens of your home. In this section, we will talk about the major aspect of patio paving i.e. hard and soft landscaping. We have also listed some ideas for your patios that you can take inspiration from.

Hard and Soft Landscaping

The landscaping will be a crucial factor for your pavers when they start designing your patio. There are two basic types of landscaping; namely hard and soft landscape. Hardscape includes elements that are man-made. The soft landscape includes the living aspects of your landscape architecture such as shrubs, flowers, grass, turf that can enhance the beauty of your home. A balance between both the landscapes must be maintained and thus is considered as the focal point when the patios are being paved.

Here are some of the popular patio paving designs in Dublin that will help you plan out your very own terrace style.

Popular Patio Paving Designs

Turf and Pave

This is what we consider a real aesthetic approach to your patio design. Using turf as your soft landscape is an option that can never go wrong. With a great variety of patterns and placement styles of pavers to choose from, you can bring in the hints of green by the application of artificial turf in the most dynamic way. This design lends some soothing lush look amidst the rustic feels of tumbled pavers.

Dramatic Spur of Colour

The most recent innovation of paver technology is incorporating dramatic spur of colours, which has grown popular in Dublin. This development of multi-coloured patterns provides a rich look to the surface. This type of patio is great for outdoor dining settings and you can make it aesthetically pleasing with the cosy lighting and perfect barbeque grills. To make it look even more beautiful, you can add borders of greenery along the bottom lining of the walls.

Keeping it Neutral

If you are a fan of neutrals shades, this kind of patio style is the right one for you. A paver contractor will mostly focus on the sedate earth tone that will bring the minimalistic yet elegant vibe at the same time. To balance out this prolific look, a soft landscape consisting of short trees and luscious shrubs is your best bet. This design also gives plenty of space to play around with, and you can include statement-making patio furniture to complete the look that complements your upcoming late-night hangout plans!

Pavers Specializing in Walkways in Dublin

When landscaping a yard, people mostly pay attention to patios, pools, and surrounding soft landscape; without considering the connections between these different parts of the entire yard. However, we believe that a well-designed house always pays heed to the architect of the walkways. These paths not only provide a guide throughout the yard but also set the ambience of your entire house.

If you are wondering: what does a paver in Dublin do when designing walkways, we are here to help you find the answer. First of all, a walkway specialist will ask if you want the look to be formal or informal. You can make decisions regarding the size, dimensions, shape, colour, and material of the walkway, which can range from simple gravel to well-constructed patterns of flagstones. Boxed hedges along the borders of the walkways are a good way to give a groomed look to your walkway paths.

Kinds of Walkways

There is a huge variety of walkways that you can pick your favourite from. Here are some of the types that we love, and so would you!

Formal Walkways

The idea behind the formal walkways is that when a person stands at the beginning of the path, he should be able to see where the formal walkway leads to. Such walkways are designed in a way that two paths intersect with each other perpendicularly to form a “T” pattern. Straight paths, lined with the well-manicured soft landscape, create a formal atmosphere for the outside of your home. The path usually leads up to a focal point of the entire setting, such as a fountain or a statue.

Rustic Walkways

A rustic walkaway gives an illusion that the pavers have been there for a long time even if they are brand new. The muted colours of the pavers give a rustic vibe to the setting which coordinates well with retaining walls made of real stone. This is a perfect solution to achieve old-fashioned scenery, on a modest budget. Especially during the autumn season, this walkway sports a classy look that adds to the value of your home.

Curved Flagstone Walkways

Using flagstone in curved walkways gives a casual feeling to the architect of your house. The natural look of flagstone in terms of colour and texture is an eye-catching, prominent feature to any outdoor area, especially the walkway. The best part is that it provides a non-slip walking surface and is permeable to water. Overall it creates an innate, organic, and welcoming entrance to the house.

Brick Mosaic Pattern

Brick pathways coordinate well with houses of a colonial or farm style. They are a traditional walkway design commonly used on structures with low vehicular traffic. The brick blocks can also be paired up with other paving materials, such as cobblestone or natural stone, to give a much more unique finish. The mosaic pattern is a perfect merge of conventional and modern brick pathways. The centre of such walkways is embedded with concrete hearts and pebbles, which create a random mosaic effect.

The Final Word

We hope that this article helped you answer the question of ‘what does a paver in Dublin do?’ If you are interested in getting your driveway or patio paved, we recommend you to check out our services and get a free quote right this moment!

What is paver used for?

A paver is a construction material used for building pavements. They are in domestic and commercial applications. Most commonly, pavers are used for making roads, driveways, patio floors, and walkways.

Do pavers make a good driveway?

Yes. Pavers are manufactured to high standards to ensure the durability and uniformity of the driveways. They are a good investment as they are much stronger and more sustainable than conventional poured-concrete driveways.

How long do paving blocks last?

Paving blocks last for many years. They require little to no maintenance and if they are taken good care of, they can last for up to fifty years.

What does it cost to pave a garden?

The cost of paving a garden patio in Dublin costs between €65 and €85 per square meter. The expenses might vary depending on the design and layout of the paving blocks as well as the site.

References

1. What They Do
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