Your driveway is one of the first things that
people see when passing by your house or visiting your home. It is also among
the most used areas on your property, which is why quality, durability, and
curb appeal are critical considerations when selecting a good material for your
driveway. If you want to know how
expert pavers choose the best material for these kinds of installations,
here are most important factors to consider on their checklist:
- The type of
driveway. Driveway type is essentially determined by the general material
used for paving. The four most common materials used by contractors
include gravel, asphalt, concrete, and pavers, each of which have their
own pros and cons, although major differences lie in their cost, visual
appeal, ease of installation, and overall maintenance requirements.
- The cost of the
project. Pavers are always considerate of your budget, but will never compromise
quality for cheap cost. While paver stones are usually the most expensive
option because of material and installation costs, they are highly
recommended not only because they offer the best look, but because they
provide a steady foundation for your driveway.
- Maintenance
considerations. Day to day upkeep is also a major factor to consider.
However, you should also note the projected lifespan of the material you
choose. While some may require the least amount of maintenance, they may
need to be replaced much sooner. Pavers may be expensive to install, but
they don't require too much maintenance and can last a really long time
(decades) if they are professionally installed and receive good care.
- Visual appeal.
When it comes to visual appeal, nothing beats natural stone pavers as the
choice of many homeowners and designers. They are considered the
best-looking option because they can be installed in many ways, using a
great variety of techniques and interesting patterns and styles. Pavers
also come in different shapes and sizes, making room for even more
attractive design configurations.
Travertine
pavers for patios and pool decks come from the richest and finest quarries
around the world. This is exactly what gives them the unique color, natural
pattern, and movement that the stone is known for. Travertine is essentially
transformed limestone created from the precipitation of calcium carbonate,
which is deposited by mineral springs. There are many benefits to installing travertine pavers
for patios, walkways, and outdoor decks, including:
- Innate
strength and durability. Before travertine is harvested, it would have
gone through years of intense heat and pressure and exposure to all kinds
of elements. This gives the stone more than twice the strength of
concrete.
- Resistance
to efflorescence. Travertine is not prone to developing unsightly whitish
crystalline deposits that often occur in cement products due to exposure
to natural environments. The material also resists fading, which is common
in man-made pavers. Natural stones like travertine retain their hue well
even with years of outdoor exposure.
- Heat
resistance. Travertine pavers have the ability to stay cool even in direct
sunlight, unlike other stone paving materials, which tend to absorb heat
very easily. Travertine doesn't have a reflective surface, which prevents
the tile from contributing to the ambient temperature above the deck.
- All-natural.
Because travertine is a natural tone, patios
made with travertine pavers can very effectively blend into the
surrounding landscape or stand out as desired. Manufacturers and
distributors offer a wide range of color and pattern options for those who
want a subtle or a more pronounced look for their patio setup. In any
case, travertine can be easily coordinated with any existing landscaping,
patio furniture, and even with hardscaping in the immediate vicinity,
making it a versatile choice for any patio application.
- Innate
beauty. Travertine is naturally beautiful and it can complement any
outdoor installation. Apart from patio paving, it can also be used for
pool decks and other outdoor living spaces.
