All Your Questions About Pavers – Expert Answers from Midland Brick
What do you need to know about pavers?
Choosing the right pavers involves more than just selecting your preferred colour or style. The depth, material, and quality of your pavers directly affect their durability and suitability for different outdoor projects.
Read on to discover expert answers to the most frequently asked questions about pavers from Midland Brick, Western Australia’s trusted supplier of quality clay and concrete pavers.
Benefits of Using Pavers for Your Outdoor Spaces
Durable and Long-Lasting Pavers
Pavers are a robust paving solution designed to last for years. When properly installed and maintained, they retain their finish and withstand heavy use.
Aesthetic Versatility
With a broad range of colours, textures, sizes, and styles, pavers offer endless design possibilities to enhance the look of patios, driveways, pathways and pool surrounds.
Suitable for Various Applications
Pavers can be used in many outdoor settings, such as:
- Patios and alfresco areas
- Pool surrounds
- Walkways and garden paths
- Residential and commercial driveways
Permeable Pavers for Better Drainage
For areas prone to flooding or poor drainage, permeable pavers allow water to filter through, reducing runoff and easing stormwater system pressure.
Learn more about permeable paving solutions
Different Paver Thicknesses and Their Uses
- 40mm pavers: Best for pedestrian areas like patios and pool decks.
- 50-60mm pavers: Suitable for residential driveways and light vehicle traffic.
- 60mm+ pavers: Recommended for driveway crossovers and commercial or heavy-duty applications such as roads and car parks.
Tip: Always confirm your local council’s requirements for driveway and crossover paving depths.
Why You Need Thick Pavers for Driveways
Driveways require at least 60mm thick pavers, especially for crossovers. This thickness provides necessary strength to support vehicle weight and prevent damage.
A well-prepared sub-base is equally important to avoid issues like sinking or paver displacement.
Clay vs Concrete Pavers: Which Is Better?
Clay Pavers
- Colour is permanently fired into the brick, preventing fading.
- Highly durable and easy to clean.
- Typically available in smaller sizes.
Concrete Pavers
- Available in various sizes and shapes.
- Colour achieved with oxide pigments but may fade over time.
- Recommended to seal concrete pavers to protect colour and surface.
Important: Choose sealers compatible with your paver type.
DIY Paving: Can You Lay Your Own Pavers?
Yes! Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare and compact the ground.
- Spread sand as the bedding layer.
- Lay pavers evenly, mixing from multiple packs to blend colours.
- Compact the surface and fill joints with sand.
- Consider professional help for slopes or complex shapes.
Read our full DIY paving guide
Sealing Your Pavers: Is It Necessary?
Sealing concrete pavers is highly recommended to enhance colour, protect from UV damage, and resist stains. While sealing is optional for clay pavers, use a sealer suitable for clay if you choose to seal them.
Paver Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty
Keep your pavers looking new by:
- Ensuring professional installation.
- Sealing when recommended.
- Sweeping and washing regularly.
- Refilling joints with sand to prevent weeds.
How to Prevent Stains on Pavers
Driveways are prone to oil and tyre stains. Sealing your pavers forms a protective barrier to reduce stain absorption and makes cleaning easier.
Best Paver Pattern for Driveways: Herringbone
The herringbone pattern offers superior strength by interlocking pavers at right angles, making it ideal for driveways that support heavy vehicles.
