GRANITE PAVERS + TILES

Granite is a light-coloured igneous rock with grains large enough to be visible with the unaided eye. It forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface.

Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of amphiboles, mica and other minerals. This mineral composition usually gives granite a red, pink, gray, or white color with dark mineral grains visible throughout the rock. The most popular granite paving colours are black and grey.

Cost of Granite Pavers

Granite Pavers cost depends on the type of finish, colour, type and size. Average price varies from approximately $59 to $85 per m2.

Characteristics of Granite Pavers

1. The best quality of granite is its durability.
2. It is one of the hardest natural stones that can stand heavy traffic, environmental damage, weather fluctuations, and stains.
3. Granite paving is scratch and moisture resistance.
4. Each paver is unique in design and texture because of earth's natural composition.

You can lay your granite pavers in 4 Simple steps:

1. Measure the Required Depth
First things first, you are going to need to excavate the ground to lay the mortar or gravel base. It is important to create a strong foundation for granite pavers. One of the main factors that affect the quality of your paved floors and patio is the base. The stronger the base you install, the longer the granite pavers will last.

There is no one-size-fits-all depth when it comes to the stone pavers. Some people dig up to 10 inches deep, while others keep the depth 6 inches. Before excavating the ground, you must measure the paver thickness. Like other natural stones, granite slabs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. These pavers can have different levels of thickness.

2. Mark the Area
You can use spray paint to mark the total space you would like to pave with granite slabs. It makes it easier for the homeowner to outline the surface that needs to be covered. However, before you spray paint the area, remove the furniture, plants, turf, and other accessories. You need to clean the space before excavation. A garden hose can be used for cleaning. You can also use a detergent if there is a lot of debris and dust.

3. Excavate
This is the most challenging part of the granite paver installation. Assemble the tools required for excavation and dig the ground up to 6-10 inches (depending on the size and thickness of the granite pavers). If you are installing the tiles on a driveway, then you are going to need to build a 6-12 inches gravel bed. That’s because the driveways need a strong base that can hold up to the vehicular and foot traffic seamlessly. If you are laying these tiles on the patio, then keep the depth 6-8 inches, i.e. 4 inches for the bed of gravel and 1-inch for sand. The thicker the base is, the better your patio or driveway will look. Besides, a thicker base offers a stable installation. A thick base is especially important for clay soils.

Once you are done excavating, place the layer of gravel and compress it. If you are using dry gravel, then wet it with the garden hose. You can, then, lay the sand layer and compact it. Your strong base for granite pavers is ready. Note that you can fill the excavated area with gravel, sand, crushed stone, and mortar. It is easy to create and pour mortar. However, a gravel bed is highly recommended for high traffic areas. The base must be level. You can also use the leveling tools to achieve a flat and smooth surface for granite pavers.

4. Lay the Granite Pavers Granite pavers are to be laid directly on the sand bed. You can lay them in any pattern you want. For instance, geometry design is quite common around the pool area. You could also choose crazy pavers or French-pattern granite tiles to create a strong patio. Make sure that you space the pavers properly to avoid shifting.

You can use a spacer to lay the tiles in the right pattern. You may also need to cut the pavers so that they interlock with the adjoining slabs. Granite is one of the dense and thick materials, which makes it a little difficult to cut. It is best to order customized pavers that have solid edges. Once you are done laying the pavers on the base, pour the sand on the paved surface and sweep it to fill it into the small gaps.

Granite is often the primary choice of homeowners when it comes to interior and exterior paving projects because of the following benefits:

Versatile

Granite can blend well with just about any surroundings and looks lawless with all types of decor elements. In addition, granite is sold in a wide variety of shapes and colors, giving you a plethora of options to choose from. From tan brown to the shades of pink and grey, you name the color and the stone supplier will give you granite in that shade.

Beautiful natural texture

The natural and rugged feel of the granite makes it the best choice for all types of hardscapes. No matter where you use these pavers, rest assured that granite has the potential to add a touch of elegance and versatility to any surroundings. Whether you need a formal space for your corporate building or something sleek and classy, granite pavers are a perfect choice.

High non-slip rating

One quality that sets granite pavers apart from other pavers is their high non-slip surface. There is no denying that granite pavers are designed to withstand extreme rainfall and just about any weather seamlessly. Granite is preferable for the pool paving that receives water splashes that wet the floor quickly.

Extremely durable

Granite pavers can resist scratches, stains, moisture, and damages from the weather and temperature beautifully. As a result, granite is one of the most durable materials among natural stones. You must have seen the centuries-old structures and monuments built with granite. Most of these buildings have stood the test of time and are still standing intact today after several years of use. Durability is the major benefit of granite.

Easy maintenance

Another great quality of granite is its ease of maintenance. Just give your pavers a good wash every few days with soap and warm water, and the pavers look as fresh as new. Every homeowner wants to keep their granite in pristine condition so that it looks the same even after several years of use.

Click here to read more about granite pavers in this PDF

Pros:

1. Granite look wonderful in nearly all types of landscaping and paving projects.
2. They are durable and require low-maintenance that can resist chipping, scratched, stains and other damages semlessly.
3. They are naturally tough to handle extreme weather conditions and an exposure to heat.
4. Granite pavers are easy to clean by using mild soap and detergent.
5. They are safe for pool paving and wet areas.

Cons:

1. Granite paving can be expensive. However, buying from a trusted wholesale suppliers like Slate Discounts can help you save some cost, plus they can offer you free laying advice.
2. Granite slabs are heavier to install. However, you can follow DIY steps to pave smaller areas yourself.
3. Granite pavers require sealing overtime. But, it can last forever if installed and maintained properly.