One of the beauties of pavers is that together they create a large, durable space, but individually they’re lightweight and easy to install.  This gives Do-It-Yourselfer’s the permanence of concrete without the special tools, know-how and “hurry-upness” that concrete requires.  Plus, pavers have color, shape and pizazz.

There’s no doubt about the durablity of concrete pavers.  They’re often used in streets and industrial parking lots where heavy machinery cracks ordinary concrete slabs.  Pavers withstand abuse by flexing, rather than cracking, under pressure.  They’re ideal for regions that go through freeze/thaw cycles, too; the individual pavers absorb heaving and movement without cracking.  And it’s a lot easier to repair small areas in a dry-laid patio than with a slab.

Pavers can be used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, garden paths, even porch floors.  As long as the underlying gravel and sand base is properly prepared, pavers can be used almost anywhere.  In areas where vehicles will travel, the subbase must be increased to at least 10 inches.