Many people spend copious amounts of time, money, and energy on home beautification projects but settle for standard concrete walks and driveways of asphalt, concrete, or even gravel. Such conventional drives and walks are unlikely to detract from a home’s appearance but they add very little to the overall aesthetics. Using period pavers for drives and walks will turn them into elements of the landscape rather than just utilitarian necessities.
While stamped concrete can enhance the look of a walk or drive, the modular installation of pavers offers several advantages. They are less likely to crack because of ground changes, and when this does happen individual piece can be easily replaced, or in some cases simply flipped over. The pattern and layout of pavers can also be easily altered to fit better with landscaping additions and changes.
Pavers are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors, and most can be arranged into different patterns to reflect historical or regional standards. Many different materials have been used to pave roads, walks, and drives through the years, but brick and stone are by far the most durable and popular. Stone pavers can be divided into two general categories—cobblestones and flagstones.
Traditional cobblestones are created from smooth stones, usually granite or basalt, found in riverbeds. They are worked into rounded square or rectangular blocks of a relatively uniform size before being used for paving. Cobblestone roads are still found in many European cities, making them the perfect choice for homes with an “old world” motif.
Flagstones are made from sedimentary rocks such as shale or limestone that can easily be split into flat slabs. Flagstones tend to be rather heavy, and therefore were historically used primarily in regions where appropriate types of rock were found. The shape of flagstones is not usually altered, which makes them more difficult to install and pattern than other types of pavers.
Brick was a popular paving material for roads in early 20th Century America, and in recent years some cities have begun restoring or reconstructing brick roadways. While brick drives are bumpier than asphalt, they never develop potholes and usually last 50 years or more before requiring serious maintenance. Brick is a perfect choice for homes featuring early American architecture.
Pavers to match most historical styles can be purchased from landscaping stores and paving companies. For homeowners who want true authenticity, a number of companies deal in brick and stone reclaimed from historic streets and buildings. Using such reclaimed materials allows a homeowner to preserve and recycle historic building materials, and, if the source of the material is known, provides and anecdote that adds to the home’s allure.
Using period pavers for drives and walks can help to reinforce the architectural and design themes of any home. If the homeowner is willing to do a bit of research, they can also reproduce styles from particular regions or historical eras. Even if the choice of period pavers isn’t part of a grand design concept, they can enhance the overall appearance and value of any piece of property
