Every homeowner knows what good paving can do for their home. From increasing the value of your home to looking stylish and welcoming, paving is as important as any other outdoor element in your home. 

Trends and Types 

Pavers can be split into two main types, manufactured and natural pavers. Concrete, brick, cobblestone, flagstone and travertine are just some of the options available for homeowners today. 

Decorative textures and natural stone are very popular at the moment. Natural stone allows you to lay your paving any way you like. Your paving contractor can lay your stone in irregular shapes to create an earthy look. Go for rectangular or square shapes for a more defined surface if you are opting for natural or textured paving. 

It is also important to think about how the paving will accentuate your home and garden. Ideally, you want your paving to act as an element that rounds off your home. It is also important to look for colour and border compatibility of the paving area with the overall exterior of the property. 

Drainage 

Most of the paving types mentioned here are impermeable. This means that water does not drain through them and rather collects on the surface. Pavements must be designed to drain towards a disposal point, such as a gully, a linear drain, a ditch, or a rain garden. The only exceptions here are permeable paving, grass paving and gravel.  

Failure to properly drain a pavement can cause all sorts of problems. Water on the surface encourages mosses, algae and other vegetation to grow on your paving. 

Maintenance 

Regular hosing and sweeping will successfully keep your paving clean and prevent weeds from shooting up between the pavers. To remove general dirt and debris, regularly hose down, keeping Waterwise restrictions in mind, and sweep with a hard-bristled broom.  

A garden blower or vacuum is great for keeping your paving looking neat and allows you to clean more often, as hosing is not always an option. 

Choose a paving specialist on your trusted HOMEMAKERS website.