GRANITE PAVERS + TILES

Granite is a light-coloured igneous rock with grains large enough to be visible with the unaided eye. Granite forms from the slow crystallization of magma below the 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. The mica in the granite will give it a sparkle in the sun which is a desirable look.

Cost of Granite Pavers

The cost of granite pavers 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. Granite's best quality is its durability.
2. It is one of the hardest natural stones that can withstand heavy traffic, environmental damage, weather fluctuations and stains.
3. Granite paving is scratch, moisture and slip resistant.
4. Each paver is unique in design and texture because of the Earth's natural composition. 5. Granite has great integral strength and density, as its surface is hard-wearing and perfect for outdoor use and creating bespoke designs.

You can lay your granite pavers in 4 simple steps:

1. Measure the Required Depth

Before beginning the tiling process, 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 natural stone pavers. Some installers 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 pavers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The thickness of your granite pavers will affect the installation process, as thicker pavers need a stronger foundation. Pavers above a 30mm thickness should be laid as both above or onto a compacted road base into a dry sand bed.

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 any furniture, plants, turf, and other accessories that could stain. 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. Once that's done, your base for granite pavers is now ready. Note that you can fill the excavated area with gravel, sand, crushed stone and mortar. However, a gravel bed is highly recommended for high traffic areas such as pathways and driveways. 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, a geometric design is quite common around areas such as pools. 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 densest and thickest materials available, 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 both residential and commercial projects because of the following benefits:

Versatile

Granite can integrate well with just about any surrounding and looks flawless with all types of decor elements. In addition, granite is supplied in a wide variety of shapes and colors, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. From tan brown to the shades of pink and grey, as Melbourne's leading granite supplier, we stock granite tiles in your desired shade. Granite can be used indoor, but is commonly used in outdoor settings such as pathways, kerbs and pool areas.

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 sleek, classy finish for your corporate or residential space, granite tiles are the perfect choice.

High non-slip rating

One quality that sets granite pavers apart from other pavers is their high quality, non-slip surface. There is no denying that granite pavers are slip-resistant and they can also withstand torrential rainfall and extreme heat. Granite stone is preferred for pool paving and pool coping, as poolside areas are heavily susceptible to moisture and require a practical solution to ensure the highest level of safety.

Extremely durable

Granite is extremely durable, permeable and requires little ongoing maintenance. Granite pavers can endure scratches, stains, moisture and damage from temperamental and hot weather with ease. As a result, granite is one of the most durable and resistant pavement materials on the market. The Mohs scale (which is used to understand the scratch resistance of minerals, through the capability of harder material to scratch or abrase softer material) ranks as a 7, making it one of the hardest stones available for building purposes. Before the invention of steam-powered cutting and dressing tools, granite could only be carved by hand tools. Most buildings that utilise granite have stood the test of time and are still standing intact today. Durability is the major benefit of using granite stone.

Easy maintenance

Another great quality of granite is its ease of maintenance and cleaning process. Just give your pavers a good wash every few days with soap and warm water and the pavers look as fresh as new. In order to get the most out of your granite, it's recommended to avoid using chemical agents. Natural stone such as granite responds well to pressure washing from a distance.

Click here to read more about granite pavers in this PDF

Pros:

1. Granite look stunning in nearly all types of landscaping and paving projects.
2. They are hard-wearing and requires low-maintenance that can resist chipping, scratched, stains and other damages seamlessly.
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 supplier such as Slate Discounts can help you save on cost and we also provide 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. Proper sealing ensures that your stone maintains it's natural beauty over time.