8 Types of Paving Slabs

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Pavers are slabs, tiles, and blocks that can be made from various materials, such as rubber, brick (clay), concrete, flagstone, marble, travertine, porcelain, and even plastic.

Concrete pavers are manufactured in a factory by pouring a combination of concrete and a coloring agent into a mold with a certain form and allowing it to cure. The paving slab is placed on layers of crushed sand and stone to create a strong base. 

After the pavers are arranged in a proper design, polymeric sand is used to fill the spaces between them. Pavers look finer than ordinary concrete slabs, except for certain stamped concrete. They are used to make driveways, patios, pool decks, and other structures. 

Types of Paving Slabs

The different types of paving slabs are as follows:

1. Indian Sandstone Paving

Indian sandstone paving slabs are one of the most accessible kinds of paving slabs in the market because of their variety of colors and durability. The silicon molecules are densely packed together, which accounts for its longevity, making it the paving slab of choice for most clients.

Given that several sandstone quarries are scattered around the nation, India is recognized as one of the world's top producers of sandstone. In paving projects, Indian sandstone is considered the material of choice around the globe, including in the USA and the UK.

Advantages of Indian Sandstone Paving

1. It is available in many colors
2. Easily washable
3. Long-lasting and very sturdy
4. Simple to cut

Disadvantages of Indian Sandstone Paving

1. Blotches appear occasionally
2. These may eventually fade if the weather is not ideal
3. The surface might get harsh at times.

2. Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain is manufactured by combining clay and other materials and then heating them at high temperatures in a furnace. 

These are mostly used in regions with temperature swings. It is durable, available in many designs, and is favored over regular ceramic tiles. 

However, compared to other porous materials, porcelain pavers absorb less water. They may be utilized both indoors and outdoors. They are mostly used on pool decks and other moist surfaces.

Since porcelain pavers are made of natural stones like granite, slate, and marble, they are less costly than other types of pavers. It requires little maintenance, and cleaning is extremely simple. Porcelain is not recommended for driveways in locations where the weather is harsh, like regions with snowfall.

Advantages of Porcelain Pavers

1. In regions where the temperatures are relatively high, they are very long-lasting.
2. Due to their durability, they are simple to maintain.
3. These have excellent wear and tear resistance.
4. Their wide variety and attractive styles are visually appealing.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Pavers

1. Installation is tricky.
2. They are bulky.
3. These cost more than standard slate paving slabs.

3. Limestone/Marble Paving Slabs

Limestone paving slabs meet all the criteria for being the finest kind of paving slabs available in the market: they are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and come in a broad variety.

These are quite similar to Indian sandstone paving slabs, though the composition of limestone paving slabs consists of silicon and lime. 

Marbles are among the most expensive and eye-catching pavers available; they also come in various designs and may be used in both commercial and residential settings.

Marble pavers are less slippery, have an exquisite appearance, and are ideal for outdoor usage due to their tumbled texture. Being a natural stone, marble stays cool to the touch even on a hot day.

Advantages of Limestone Paving Slabs

• A paving slab with finer surface roughness and a soft-appearing finish.
• Simple to cut and work with
• Durable and tolerant to a wide range of climatic conditions
• Produces gorgeous textures
• Results in vibrant, unique, and astonishing colors

Disadvantages of Limestone Paving Slabs

1. Vulnerable to color fading
2. Although it has a wide diversity, it nevertheless has less worth than stone paving slabs from India.
3. Calcium's presence causes acid exposure damage.

4. Slate Paving Slabs

When compared to sandstone and limestone, slate is a distinct natural stone. While sandstone and limestone are sedimentary rocks composed of grains, slate is a metamorphic rock with a layered structure.

The variation described above affects the application and properties of slate stone pavement. When the pressure of the movement of the earth's crust compresses the minerals into equivalent layers, slate is created in uniform sheets.

Advantages of Slate Paving Slabs

1. The color does not fade as it does with limestone.
2. Amazing texture and color tone.
3. Very sturdy
4. It resists water damage because of its low absorption rate.

Disadvantages of Slate Paving Slabs

1. The layers may come off if the weather is bad.
2. Installation is challenging.
3. The wetness is unavoidable if it is not periodically handled.

5. Granite Paving Slabs

Granite, the second hardest natural stone after diamond, is a versatile stone used for several architectural purposes worldwide.

If you're looking for paving slabs that can handle a lot of foot traffic, granite paving slabs should be your first choice. It is one of the few natural pavers available in the market. This quality makes granite durable and prevents water from penetrating into it.

The exceptional hardness of this material makes it ideal for precise cutting. It is available in many colors, making it simple to match any interior or exterior house décor.

The ability of granite paving slabs to withstand acids and chemicals is its best feature. Granite is often employed in projects requiring excellent aesthetics and incredible durability.

Advantages of Granite Paving Slabs

1. Due to the dust resistance characteristic, cleaning is simple.
2. More color and design options
3. Can withstand high foot traffic
4. Due to the non-porous nature of granite paving slabs, water cannot harm the surface.
5. Incredible weather resistance, implying exceptional durability

Disadvantages of Granite Paving Slabs

1. Because of its hardness, it is difficult to cut.
2. These need a lot of work to install.
3. Due to their weight, laying requires a lot of work.

6. Black Paving Slabs

Black paving slabs are a subtype of limestone paving slabs and not a unique category of slabs. People who like the color black and wish to keep things simple often choose black paving slabs for their outdoor surfaces.

Advantages of Black Paving Slabs

1. Eye-catching
2. Durable
3. Wide range of textures

Disadvantages of Black Paving Slabs

1. If not handled correctly, the color might fade quickly.
2. Similar to limestone pavers, acid damage is very common.

7. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are made from aggregates, sand, cement, pigments, and dyes. Though its production process varies, the mixture is normally pressed into a paver mold with minimal water. The mold is then pushed and vibrated to set the cement and bond the aggregate.

Advantages of Concrete Pavers

1. The finished product is often strong and appropriate for both on- and off-road use.
2. Concrete floors are colored using dyes and pigments.

Disadvantages of Concrete Pavers

1. The color fades away more quickly than brick and stone pavers.

8. Cobblestone Pavers

Cobblestone pavers are mostly granite, although they may also be basalt, limestone, or sandstone. The strength and durability of cobblestone pavers have been proven through many years of usage. Cobblestone pavers are both functionally durable and visually beautiful.

Advantages of Cobblestone Pavers

1. It is a product that lasts a very long time and only has to be cleaned twice or thrice a year on average.
2. It's available in several colors.

Disadvantages of Cobblestone Pavers

1.  The installation of cobblestone pavers is a time-consuming and labor-intensive operation.
2. These pavers are overpriced.

FAQs

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