You are looking for a maintenance-free option for your backyard and are considering a paving stone patio. Stone is beautiful, rugged and will potentially last a lifetime, but is there a better option? A paving stone patio constructed using traditional interlock building techniques will fail over time, so why not consider a paver deck patio vs a paving stone patio?
Over the last several years, various companies have developed and introduced new innovative products that help create that stone landscape without the worry of it falling apart over the years. In a few of our last blogs we mentioned such products as Paverdeck, Silca SoilGrid and Gator Base, all designed to do exactly that.
Let’s look at the key difference between a paving stone patio vs a paver deck patio. A traditional paving stone patio is created by excavating an area, filling that area with granular materials which are then compacted. On top of this compacted granular bedding, you lay your paving stones. This method of construction is susceptible to ground movement and freeze-thaw cycles which are always prevalent in our Canadian climate. It also is not a reliable way of installing porcelain pavers, which are becoming more and more popular.
So, when comparing a paver deck patio vs a paving stone patio, why is a paver deck patio a better option? The bottom line is these innovative products for creating a paver deck patio do not rely solely on compacted granular material to support the stone and they will not be as affected by the environmental conditions.
Paverdeck is a galvanized steel substructure that can be buried completely or partially in the ground. This is especially helpful when dealing with a backyard that has a slope or changes in elevations, as the Paverdeck can be fully buried at one end, while being above grade at the other. This can be done without having to build retaining walls with stone blocks at the end that is above grade. Paverdeck is a complete solid base that will not be affected if the ground shifts or moves in one area. This is particularly helpful with any freeze-thaw cycles, which would normally wreak havoc on traditional paving stone patios.
Silca SoilGrid and Gator Base are two other products that demonstrate the advantages of a paver deck patio vs a paving stone patio. Both of these systems allow for less excavation and the need for less granular materials to be brought in and compacted. They create a thermal insulating layer, which again will help minimize or eliminate the effects of the freeze-thaw cycles. These two types of ground application products are the perfect choice for the homeowner who is trying to save even more money by doing the work themselves. This further demonstrates how Silca SoilGrid and Gator Base products prove the advantages of a paver deck patio vs a paving stone patio. Asmentioned, the popularity of porcelain pavers is consistently growing as an alternative to traditional interlock paving stones. When porcelain pavers are installed on ground using traditional techniques, extra time and effort needs to be put into the base preparation to sure the pavers will not shift, move or break. Silca SoilGrid and Gator Base products both offer the same advantages and principles as a paver deck patio. Theyare the perfect choice for porcelain pavers, as these systems will support the porcelain and prevent them from shifting or potentially breaking do to ground movement.
Over time, you will see the concept of a paver deck patio and how it is installed become more popular and definitely the preferred choice for the average homeowner. As it becomes the preferred choice for customers, you will see more companies develop and introduce these innovative products that will continue to demonstrate the benefits of a paver deck patio vs paving stone patio.