Concrete Pavers in Modern Construction
As we’ve shown, in many different ways, here on our website, there are many different types of materials that can be used for paving. The materials range from wood, to natural stone, to asphalt, to concrete, as we show here. There are near infinite different ways that these materials can be put together to be unique and function properly.
Today we’re looking at pictures from an interesting example of a patio where concrete was used, but intended to look more like a patio covered in pavers. It’s actually cast in-place concrete, the same as would be used for a continuous concrete patio. If this area were to be covered in just concrete, it would lack the interesting variety provided by the interstitial strips of grass. Having grass between the stepping stones creates the need for a higher level of maintenance and upkeep. The grass, of course, must be cut throughout the growing months. Nonetheless, since this particular patio doesn’t have large trees nearby, there’s a relatively low risk of destabilization from tree roots.
Each of the individual block areas or square concrete areas has been formed and while the concrete was still wet, the forms between the grid of stones were removed. At that same time or step of the process, the concrete faces were also washed to release some of the cement at the surface and expose some of the aggregate stone below. This provides a more varied and natural look to the face of the concrete.
Concrete is basically made up of three main elements: portland cement, sand and crushed rock. The crushed rock is the aggregate that we are referring to here. The cement and these other parts are basically dry when they’re first mixed, but when water is added and they are mixed together they create a soup of materials, basically. The water hydrates the cement which causes it to change form and lock all of these materials into a matrix of concrete.
The concrete starts out wet and loose but turns as hard as a rock. In this particular case, when the concrete is still a bit wet, not totally dry but almost hard and no longer plastic or mixable, the cement is washed off. Washing that cement off the surface at that point, exposes a bit of the rock at the surface of the concrete.
Even when the concrete does not go through a special treatment process like this, over time, in many years, the cement will wear off the surface a bit and begin to expose the stone. This is different though, it’s intentional and it’s been done through this process of washing before it’s become very hard.
In a typical masonry patio, when an ashlar stone is used and there’s an intended joint, the joint or space between the stones may be filled with a mortar, like a grout. In those more typical cases, weeds that grow between the stones, in the joints, are problematic.
Weeds that grow between the stones are normally a maintenance problem. Here though, they’ve chosen to use grass as the interstitial material because it provides a nice aesthetic, allows for space between the individual paving units, and allows for permeability. Not all types of paving allow for permeability, but when possible, it’s a better feature. Without a degree of permeability, excessive runoff is forced into the public drain systems which causes an additional load or requirement for the infrastructure.
One of the few downsides to this type of installation is that it also requires upkeep and maintenance. The joints between the stones need to be consistently reseeded, needs to be watered from time to time and trimmed or cut. The trade-off here is interesting because there is no perfect solution. The downside to a concrete patio, where it’s continuous and does not have open interstitial areas, is that it has near zero permeability. There’s actually also another inherent benefit in this type of construction assembly. It also looks really nice. A plain concrete patio, by comparison, is very boring.
Use a contractor who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck building and design process. A backyard and outdoor space should make a significant, positive impact on both quality of life and home value. We can help with more than just decks, we also build patios, pergolas, ramadas, awnings, gazebos, arbors, and privacy fences.
Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities. We are happy to participate in improving your outdoor space and quality of life! You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com/contact-us
