A backyard patio is a gathering place for friends, a family dining area next to the grill or pool, or a quiet hangout for morning coffee or a glass of wine after work. There is a lot of fun Patio Surfacing Trends From concrete and stone to artificial turf or gravel to consider when considering an attractive hardscape for your backyard. But if you’re interested in an eco-friendly material that looks good, is easy to install, and is just as fun outdoors, consider composite pavers.
Composite paver is an engineered landscaping brick made primarily from recycled products such as rubber tires. These pavers weigh about one-third as much as concrete, making them a lightweight choice that is easy to work with. Most manufacturers’ composite pavers meet the US Green Building Council’s standards for LEED certification, meaning they are considered a sustainable building material. They also look great with a variety of patterns and colors to choose from for a unique patio design. These pavers are a great choice around pools and hot tubs because they excel at providing a safe and slip-free surface while being easy on bare feet. They are also durable and can withstand wear and tear, a consideration Eco-friendly materials for your driveway. For patio spaces, composite pavers resist stains better than concrete, a great feature where eating and drinking may be the main activity. Once in place, composite pavers are durable and maintenance-free, unlike other patio materials that may require resealing or repair over time.
Some pros and cons of composite pavers
Besides being one An eco-friendly patio option That keeps rubber and plastic out of landfills, composite pavers can be a budget-friendly choice if you DIY your installation. A patio can cost thousands of dollars to put in, and the cost of materials is only part of the equation. Composite pavers are not necessarily cheaper than other pavers such as concrete or brick, but the savings can come in installation. YouTuber Mr. Build It Shows how installing these pavers can be a straightforward DIY project, much less labor-intensive than working with heavy stone or concrete. Composite pavers often come with an underlying grid system, which makes laying out your pattern a relatively simple process (Mr. Build likens it to building with Legos).
Despite these advantages, there are places where composite pavers may not be ideal. Although the use of recycled tires in landscaping is generally considered safe, the “crumb” form of this material is under government review for potential health effects. If you have a stream or waterway near your yard, or you grow vegetables nearby, you don’t want to choose a recycled rubber product, which can leach toxins that can harm water quality and be carried by your garden. Heat is also a problem. If you envision a fire pit for your patio, composite pavers may not be your best choice, as flying embers can melt the rubber material (although it is less flammable than wood decking). Composite pavers can also heat up in direct sunlight, so choose a lighter color if your patio doesn’t have shade.
