Clay Pavers in Norfolk

When you decide on a project, whether it is large-scale or small, you will need the supplies to follow through from start to finish. Knowing what supplies you need and gathering them before you start a project can help reduce the time it takes to complete. Are you looking to change the look of your Virginia home with a gorgeous walkway to complement your magnificent landscaping or fire pits? Clay brick pavers might just be the key.
Are you looking to improve the curb appeal of your home? Give your outdoor living space or back porch a new look with patio pavers. With clay pavers, you can spruce up your parking area with driveway pavers, refresh the look of your pool deck or stone veneer, or add some décor around your retaining walls. Batchelder & Collins has the necessary supplies for your paver installation project.

What is a Clay Paver?

Solid clay pavers are hard-fired at high temperatures in digitally-controlled kilns. This hard-firing creates strong bricks with rich, natural colors that are stain-resistant and impervious to ultraviolet radiation, which often causes artificially colored concrete pavers to fade.
When clay pavers are installed in a flexible paving system, their individual strength is further enhanced by a phenomenon known as interlock. Interlock can be achieved using simple tools, inexpensive bedding materials, readily available equipment, and normal high standards of workmanship. Professional labor and mortar are not required.

Reasons to Use Pavers in Norfolk

When you are redoing your Hampton Roads backyard, you might want a more unique layout than simple concrete. Many homeowners and landscape architects decide to use hardscaping to fix problems, add additional curb appeal, or personalize their home improvement renovations. Some of the most popular design ideas that use pavers include creating pathways, leveling the yard, or extending usability.

Creating Pathways

Pathways and walkways are perhaps the most common use of pavers. Whether you are running a walk from your driveway to your front door or you want to create a garden path maze to wander and just reconnect with nature in peace and beauty, a pathway can vastly improve the look and feel of your landscaping.

Leveling Your Yard

A retaining wall can prevent erosion issues in an uneven yard and help you create terraces and beds for gardening. You can add a pathway or stairs to ease access to the top and bottom of a steep slope or to each level of a terraced yard or masonry construction feature. You can even use a patio to level out a bumpy or uneven lawn area, turning unusable space into an elegant outdoor living area. Brick pavers make a beautiful and long-lasting retaining wall that provides function and style to your yard.

Extending the Usability

From patios to fire pits, outdoor lighting to serene garden pathways, a quality paver installation can make your yard more accessible and usable at all hours. Adding a patio space or walkway around a fire pit also lets you keep outdoor entertaining even in the colder months of the year.

What Types of Pavers Are Available in Norfolk?

At Batchelder & Collins, we supply many different types of pavers for many different needs. Some of the most common types of pavers that homeowners and contractors tend to use include clay pavers, natural stone pavers, and concrete pavers. All involve a high degree of craftsmanship and are ideal for different types of home renovation and landscaping projects.

Clay Pavers

Clay pavers are kiln-fired and dyed to look like natural brick. Clay pavers, like brick pavers, come in a wide range of colors and textures and are quite strong. They are resistant to stains, and when properly sealed, they can maintain their color well. Laying them with small gaps between allows a permeable surface that allows water to drain through and avoid slippery surfaces.

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers come in many varieties, with flagstone and fieldstone being the most popular. They are a bit more expensive than clay brick pavers or concrete pavers but are strong. Many people use limestone for edging, while travertine retains its color well and seldom needs cleaning. Stone is water-absorbent, so it is ideal for pool decks and other areas that take on water. Natural stone can, however, break under pressure, so it may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are made from molded concrete and are available in various colors and styles. Because the color is mixed into the concrete, they tend to maintain their vibrance under a wide range of conditions without fading, though sealing them is highly recommended. They offer exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for heavy traffic areas. They can also be laid with small gaps for permeability to allow for water drainage.

Most Common Laying Pattern For Clay Pavers in Norfolk

There are several different patterns for laying pavers. The most common of these is the herringbone pattern. A herringbone pattern is created by laying the pavers at 45° or 90° angles. This is the strongest paver layout because of its high level of interlock, which makes it a good choice for driveways and road surfacing. Other popular pattern types include stretcher bond and basketweave. Basketweave has a weaker interlock, making it better suited to paved areas that only receive light foot traffic.

Installing Your Hardscape in Norfolk

Installing a patio can be daunting work. Here are a few steps to start you off. Choose the bedding, clear the area, and then lay the pavers.

Choose the Bedding

Every type of paver requires the right bedding to ensure it is solid and stable. There are different types of materials on which you can lay your pavers. The most common types of bases are gravel and sand. These allow you to settle your pavers and offer superior water drainage and a high degree of stability.

Clear the Area

Before laying your bedding, you need to clear the area where you will spread the pavers. Dig up any grass or plants, as root systems can create issues with leveling when the plants grow back. Grade the area as best as possible before putting the bedding down. Then lay your several inches of bedding and get everything level.

Lay the Pavers

Finally, place your pavers. You may want to plan out your pattern before you secure everything. It is much better to have a plan to follow. You can fix mistakes more easily when you mock things up in advance than you can after everything is in place.

How Should You Maintain Your Clay Pavers?

If you have pavers, some level of maintenance is always required. Clay pavers usually do not require sealing unless they are likely to come into contact with oil or grease, such as around a grill or a car, depending on the location. These types of pavers are durable and tend to hold their color well. They clean easily with soapy water and a stiff, bristled brush.

Beautiful Hardscapes Outside the Home

Batchelder & Collins is a family-owned business with years of experience serving the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, and Norfolk regions. Check out our website for further information, then reach out for design ideas, advice, and supplies for your hardscape home improvement project. Contact us today by calling 757-625-2506 or using our easy online form.