The installation process followed when installing a concrete, brick, or clay paving stone is the most critical component to the integrity and longevity of any paved surface. The interlocking system requires the stones to be set in an interlocking pattern that will allow for slight movement but will be able to lock into each other to resist lateral movements. These systems will not crack during an earthquake or in soil expansion and retraction cycles, unlike poured concrete or asphalt will. The surfaces can be smooth or they can be rough with a weathered look by using a tumbled or distressed style paving stone. Either look will deliver the same structural integrity and will give you a faithful paved surface.
Paving stones have been around for over two thousand years, since the Roman Empire, and have evolved into the various styles and textures that are used in today’s paving stone applications. Originally, the Romans used paving stones to create roads necessary for the growth of the Roman Empire and for military and trade routes. Pioneering the interlocking process, the Romans used a rectangular pave stone made of rock or polygonal pave stones from lava, they used the strongest system that is still being used today, the interlocking paving system.
Today, we use this same interlocking system to construction roads, driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and virtually any area that can be paved.
Concrete pave stones are manufactured at minimum compression strength of 8,000 pounds per square inch (psi.), and advancements in manufacturing have improved strength, durability, availability and offer many different styles. Paving stones come in a broad variety colors including solid or blended colors and are available in just as many shapes, sizes and textures.
Paving stones, however, aren’t always concrete. Clay pavers have proven to be just as durable and strong as concrete or natural rock pave stones. Formed and pressed with 400-ton presses and the fired at 2000 degrees, clay pavers can last just as long as concrete pave stones and offer a unique characteristic that concrete cannot offer.