Sandblasted Marble Pavers with Synthetic Turf | East Quogue NY

sandblasted-marble-pavers-with-synthetic-turfSandblasted Marble Pavers with Synthetic Turf in East Quogue NY.  Marble’s unrivaled beauty and elegance may be its most significant benefit as a paver.  Gappsi installed synthetic turf strips to border the sandblasted marble tiles installed around this gunite pool in East Quogue NY.  The sandblasted finish is highly slip-resistant and perfect for wet slippery areas like the pool deck and surrounding areas.  Sandblasted marble pavers are extremely durable and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor use in any climate. These pavers are also easy to clean and maintain and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit any design. Gappsi’s natural stone collection of marble pavers will give your outdoor space a timeless and elegant look that you and your guests will enjoy for years to come.

Synthetic Turf and Silica Sand Infill

In our recent application using sandblasted marble pavers with synthetic turf, Gappsi used a recycled concrete base between the marble paver tiles, and synthetic turf nailed to the base.  We used green infill on the synthetic turf.  Green silica sand infill elevates your synthetic turf performance with premium material for enhanced durability. 

Turf infill is those tiny bits of material sprinkling between the artificial grass blades. For example, if the edges are similar to blades of grass, then infill is the dirt for the turf.  Adding silica sand infill helps your faux grass blades stand up and keep their real look in high-traffic areas. The silica sand infill also gives you the feel of walking on real grass by emulating the impact absorption qualities of soil. It helps weigh down the imitation turf and helps keep the artificial grass from getting wrinkles or ripples caused by movement. Microban is an antimicrobial product that helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. It’s non-toxic, so it’s also safe for kids and pets.

Synthetic Turf Low Maintenance Design

Artificial turf can save money, requires minimal repairs, and requires no watering, mowing, fertilizing, or weed prevention. Synthetic turf strips between pavers are a growing trend that can enhance your outdoor living area immediately.  Turf strips between pavers or slabs add a more inviting feel to landscaping by adding design elements that are easy to maintain and care for. It’s an aesthetically pleasing natural lawn alternative and looks great year-round without the need for watering or maintenance.

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Elevate Your Yard with Synthetic Turf

Synthetic turf can accentuate your patio, deck, or pool with other design elements. However, it is not just for gardens or backyards. With different textures and colors, synthetic grass can be used to enhance nearly any space. It can be cut into strips or given curved edges to fit your existing landscape design.

To make a patio space with pavers, the artificial grass needs to be cut around the spacing of the concrete pavers or slabs. Alternatively, artificial grass can be cut into strips and installed between the spaces. Depending on the homeowner’s preference, the strips or sections can be completely flush with the slab tops or raised to provide a fluffy overspill.

It’s also a great choice because it is environmentally friendly, safe for the whole family, easy to care for, and non-slip. Because of its great aesthetics and functional capabilities, there’s also a lot of versatility in how and where you can lay it.

Why are Marble Pavers the Preferred Paver Choice Around Pools?

Marble pavers are the preferred choice because they have a high resistance to weather elements, including UV rays and temperature variations. Marble pavers have excellent strength and durability, capable of handling heavy foot traffic and vehicular loads. Additionally, they have a long lifespan when properly installed and maintained.

Durability: Being a natural stone, marble has a strong and durable structure. It is resistant to scratches, wear, and high temperatures. With proper maintenance and care, marble can retain its beauty for many years.

Workability: Marble is a malleable material that can be easily shaped.

sandblasted-marble-pavers-with-synthetic-turf2Is Marble Good for Outdoor Paving?

Marble can create an exquisite paved area in your garden and pool deck surrounding area.  Its unique design patterns and stunning colors make it stand out. Don’t be fooled by its elegant and beautiful appearance.  Marble is also a very durable base, which can withstand heavy objects, constant movement, and the elements of NY weather

Why Do People Want Marble?

Unlike some other flooring types, marble is timeless and will still look as beautiful 15 years down the road as it does today. It’s a natural material that offers a multitude of textures, colors, and patterns. Because of marble’s luxurious appearance, it can add significant value to a home.

Selecting Natural Stones For Around Your Pool

The correct stone can create a natural, beautiful, lifelong finish around any swimming pool. However, not all stone should be used around a swimming pool and it is almost impossible to tell suitability just by looking at a piece on display.

At Gappsi we have focused our selection process for all outdoor stones around a combination of critical characteristics:

  • Salt Resistance
  • Slip Resistance
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Wear resistance
  • Compressive strength
  • Porosity
  • Geological structure
  • Chemical makeup

Building a luxury swimming pool is a lifetime investment for your family and home in general. It is wise to choose the best natural stone paver that can provide the much-needed aesthetic, longevity, and durability that fits your lifestyle. Your selection of stone pavers should give you value for your money both on a short-term and long-term basis. For more inquiries about premium natural stone pavers for luxury pools, contact Gappsi today at 631-543-1177. This is the latest backyard project done by Gappsi in East Quogue NY. 

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Gunite Pool Renovation and Redesign in East Islip NY

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-nygunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny1gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny2gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny3

This backyard and pool renovation was done by Gappsi in East Islip NY. This job was originally done by Gappsi 30 Yrs ago in 1993, it is now 2023. The new renovation project consists of rebuilding the outside wall with all-natural stones.  The patio pavers we used were full-color NY Bluestone flagstone random sizes. The original pool was a 20×40 with an extended swing lane on this side. For the renovation that we did, we made the pool square kept one side of the swim lane, and built a sundeck within the pool.

Your swimming pool is a key part of your home. It’s where you spend quality time with your loved ones, wind down after work, and exercise, so it pays to ensure it perfectly meets your needs and preferences.

The basis of any poolscape is the existing location. It can mean disguising between an exciting party spot or a relaxing spa scene. We consider the architecture of the home and the living spaces, as well as the existing landform and landscape.

Why Gunite Pools Have the Most Longevity?

Choosing between gunite and vinyl pools can be difficult, but there are some differences in the longevity of each pool. The longevity of your pool depends on the maintenance, cleaning, and chemicals you use.

Gunite is a specific type of concrete, a blend of cement, sand, and water, sprayed through a hose. The dry mix of cement and sand is mixed with water as it’s being applied. Typically, the gunite is sprayed onto a framework of steel reinforcing bars that comprise the pool structure.

Unlike vinyl liner pools, concrete pools are not premade. You can customize your concrete pool right down to the color of the water.  Not only are concrete pools the most popular and highly customizable, but they have the longest lifespan compared to a vinyl liner pool. Concrete pools require a little more maintenance than the vinyl options, but these pools will last much longer with proper care.

In the latest Gappsi pool renovation in East Islip NY, we designed and built this pool over 30 years ago.  We reshaped the gunite pool and changed the pool decking.  The original pool was built in 1993 over 30 years ago by Gappsi showing the timelessness and longevity of choosing a Gappsi Gunite pool.

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Can You Redesign an Existing Pool by Changing the Shape or Size of the Pool?

Yes, you can redesign the pool and add to it, that is the beauty of a concrete pool.  Our gunite pool renovation included reshaping the pool and adding a sundeck.  Whether you’re unhappy with the size, the shape, the depth, or maybe just the overall look of the pool, you might be interested in a swimming pool remodel. Whether you inherited this pool upon buying a home or you had it installed many years ago, and it’s become dated there are options for you.

During this latest pool restoration, our team acid-washed the pool and removed all the old pavers.  Acid washing a pool removes stains, mineral deposits, algae, and other buildup from the pool’s surface. It can also remove chlorine and dirt stains.

The porous nature of concrete allows for algae to grow quickly, so it is important to clean the pool walls and floor regularly. Acid washing is one form of maintenance for concrete pools.  This is typically only done every 3-5 years to prevent algae and bacteria buildup on the surface of the pool.

Natural Stone Wall

The project consisted of rebuilding the outside wall with all-natural stones. The clients love the natural stone look. It’s a dry stacked natural stone wall built all around the pool. The pool was raised out of the ground originally because it is on a bay and the water table is high. The patio pavers we used were full-color NY Bluestone Flagstone in random sizes.

The original pool was a 20×40 with an extended swim lane on one side. For the pool renovation, we made the pool square but kept one side of the pool with a swim lane.

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny4Sun Deck, Sun Shelf, Tanning Ledge, or Baja Shelf They are All the Same

We built a sun deck, with curb steps in the upgraded pool design.  A tanning shelf or tanning ledge is the perfect feature to add to an existing swimming pool while under renovation.  A tanning shelf is an area inside the pool perimeter that sits just about 6-8″ below water. The area is larger than your entry steps, usually running about 5-6′ in length and width, commonly featuring a bubbler or umbrella.  Being one of the most prevalent add-ons to a pool design, the function of a tanning shelf stretches from child’s play to adult relaxation. The family dog even appreciates a cool place to escape the New York heat.

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-7Porcelain Tile Accents For Your Pools Waterline

The clients chose to add porcelain tiles to the waterline of the pool.  Choosing the right tile can enhance the visual appeal of your pool while providing durability and ease of maintenance.  Porcelain tile is known for its strength, resistance to fading, and low maintenance requirements. With a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, porcelain tile offers versatility and durability for waterline applications. It’s an excellent choice for achieving a timeless and sophisticated look for your pool.

We installed 2×2 tiles to accent the edges of the steps and sundeck.

Gulfstream Hydrazzo Finish

This polished pool surface creates a finish unlike any other pool plaster available on the market.  Hydrazzo was the first polished pool finish in the industry. For over 20 years the company has produced the product in the USA. A silky smooth polished texture combined with the proven durability of exposed aggregates are prime features of this state-of-the-art pool plaster finish.

With 15+ unique color options and a natural variegated appearance, Hydrazzo compliments all poolscape designs. The polished pool surface creates a finish unlike any other pool plaster available on the market today. It is naturally resistant to spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale & algae adhesion.

Some of the most beautiful pools in the world are surfaced with the hand-polished magic of Hydrazzo. It is the smoothest, richest, and most luxurious surface available. Hydrazzo combines naturally beautiful coarse-graded crystalline and colored marble, along with white Portland cement and a host of other performance-enhancing ingredients. The results are like no other.

Automatic Saftey Covers for Pools Saves Time and Money

During the renovation, we added an automatic pool safety cover.  Our under-track automatic pool cover is the top choice for new pool and spa installations and pool remodeling projects. The cover’s tracks are installed under the pool’s coping during the construction process, giving you the most seamless and aesthetically pleasing installation possible. The under-track model is compatible with any rectangular pool and can also be designed to work with some custom pool shapes and features.

4 Reasons to Add an Automatic Safety Cover

  • Keep your pool clean: Your automatic pool cover will keep dirt and debris out of your pool, greatly reducing the amount of time you’ll spend skimming and vacuuming. When you’re ready to use your pool, your retractable cover will roll open with just the touch of a button to reveal sparkling clean water!
  • Conserve water. Pools that aren’t covered can lose as much as 2” of water per week. As water rates continue to rise, your automatic pool cover can save you hundreds of dollars every year by preventing evaporation and helping you conserve every precious drop of water in your pool.
  • Maintain your ideal water temperature. A few chilly nights can bring your pool water’s temperature down. Your automatic pool cover will help maintain your pool water at the ideal temperature, so it’s swim-ready, whenever you are. Not only does it retain heat but it can also be used to add heat to your pool water.
  • Conserve chemicals. When water evaporates from your swimming pool, those expensive chemicals added to the water evaporate with it. Your automatic pool cover will help you keep those chemicals in your pool water, where they belong, allowing you to spend less time and money on your pool and more time in your pool!

Bringing you from the past to the present this is the latest backyard pool renovation in East Islip NY showcasing the timelessness of a Gunite Pool by Gappsi.

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Backyard Renovations Complete With A Pergola In East Northport NY

Backyard Renovations Complete With A Pergola East Northport NY (2)The most favorable time to begin your backyard renovations runs from late spring to early fall, in most areas.

Your backyard is not just an outdoor space; it’s a canvas for creativity. With the right inspiration and planning, you can transform your backyard into a haven that reflects your personality and lifestyle.  Outdoor furniture, lighting, plants, and water features can all be incorporated to enhance the beauty of your home while adding value. The possibilities for designing your backyard are endless, and with the right ideas and inspiration, you can create a functional and beautiful space that meets your needs and desires.

Gappsi’s latest backyard renovation design was located in East Northport, NY.  Our team started by installing a new limestone patio.  It was paved with the Limestone G044 selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection.  The stone pavers are a combination of grays, whites, and beige colors with a marbleized look.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen should be seriously considered for your backyard.  An outdoor kitchen can be combined with a bar to create a complete dining area. The backyard bar design ideas are limitless!  Just grab some stools, and you’re good to go.  Plus, if you want your outdoor living room to be the place where loved ones gather.   An outdoor kitchen will ensure you’re always the host, no matter the occasion! It is the most functional feature you could add to your backyard.  You’ll use it to grill delicious food.  An outdoor grill station is something you can use and enjoy right away.  Regardless of whether the rest of your backyard is complete or not everyone will have a memorable time and it will be in your backyard!

Backyard Renovations Complete With A Pergola East Northport NY (3)We installed an L-shaped outdoor kitchen with travertine silver color four-inch high random length stone veneers. On the countertop, we used polished granite including a raised bar area for additional seating. To complete the outdoor kitchen we installed a Twin Eagles bar sink, a Summit refrigerator, all Twin Eagles stainless steel cabinets, and a Delta Grill including a side burner.

Fire Pits | Fireplace

There’s nothing quite like cozying up to a warm fire especially when it’s in your own backyard!  We installed a fireplace in the back and a vinyl pergola.  We installed a wood-burning fireplace and veneered it with the same silver travertine in a random pattern.  Added to the design is a combination of boxes on both sides of the fire chamber to store the wood. The fireplace was custom-designed. Gappsi’s team used bluestone treads for each mantel on the fireplace and over the wood box.

Backyard Renovations Complete With A Pergola East Northport NY (1)Water Features | Fountains

If you’re going for a high-end aesthetic with your backyard design.  A water feature is going to be a must-have!  Just about any option you choose is going to increase the serenity of your space.  If you already have a swimming pool.  One of the more popular options is installing a stone waterfall to pour directly into the pool. The possibilities are endless! There are water walls, streams that can run through your entire yard, courtyard fountains, staircase waterfalls, and others! Regardless of what you choose, it is important to ensure you work with your backyard, not against it.

Country Lane Vinyl Pergola With EZShade

Next Gappsi added a pergola near the fireplace area to add a seating area to enjoy the crackling of the fire.  Country Lane makes this pergola along with the EZShade System that rolls on tracks.

You can use it to protect yourself from the sun during the hot summer days.  It is like an umbrella and also protects from dampness coming over the sitting area.

A Pergola Compared To A Gazebo – What Is the Difference?

Pergolas shade owners from the sun’s rays and enclosed styles can keep you dry during periods of rain showers. Pergola is an Italian word with ancient origins deriving from the Latin term “pergola” which means latticework or trellis structure that supports climbing plants. They are distinguishable from gazebos because of their differing dimensions. A gazebo is a freestanding structure with open sides, and a roof, and typically constructed in hexagonal or octagonal shapes. Pergola structures consist of parallel columns that hold up an open roof or grid of beams, rafters, or latticework.

Pergolas can be customized to include retractable grommet curtains for privacy, incandescent lighting for nighttime lounging, picturesque box planters or hanging planters filled with fragrant herbs or flowers, and ornate trellises for fast-growing vines to climb.

Backyard Renovations Complete With A Pergola East Northport NY (4)How Do I Choose The Right Pergola Design For My Backyard?

The main thing to keep in mind is that you want your pergola to match your home and yard aesthetic. If you’re living in a traditional home, for example, you probably don’t want to select a sleek, contemporary, steel pergola. You also want to be mindful of size.

Do Pergolas Add Value to Your Home?

Before investing in one, many homeowners wonder if a pergola will add value to their home. While there are many caveats, in short, the answer is yes. A pergola has the potential to add value to your home, with many estimates putting the return on investment at somewhere around 50% to 80%.

How Do You Make A Pergola Look Nice?

Gappsi is an authorized dealer for Country Lane, Included in their product line are pavilions and gazebos. Visit our showroom to see our Country Lane display.  This is the latest pergola installation with a fireplace, patio, and outdoor kitchen all completed with limestone selected from the Gappsi natural stone collection.

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Freeform Gunite Swimming Pool

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-Pool1Making the decision to build a custom freeform gunite swimming pool in your own backyard is exciting! Imagine a beautiful oasis with custom water features for relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

Gappsi specializes in gunite pool construction in Smithtown NY and surrounding areas. From initial consultation and coming up with your backyard design to completing the project in a timely manner, we promise excellent service and quality work every step of the way.

What Pool Shapes Are Available? Geometric and Freeform

A lot of thought should go into your pool shape and style. There are several factors that will play a part in determining that shape. Function is a big factor. It’s important to know what you want to be able to use the pool for and to consider all the users. Will it be a family-oriented pool that will incorporate a diving board, slide, grotto or other features your kids may enjoy? Or, maybe the pool’s primary function is to provide an oasis from the New York heat, someplace to unwind from a busy week where every feature revolves around escape and relaxation.

If that’s the case you may want to incorporate features like a shallow tanning reef, swim-up bar, or a relaxing water feature. It is easy to extend the use of your pool into the cooler months by adding a spa, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen area and incorporating it into the design.

Yard space is an important consideration when adding a pool to your property.  You may need a strategic pool design to make the most of a small or oddly shaped yard, or perhaps you have more space than you literally know what to do with. Both are scenarios that our experienced designers and pool builders at Gappsi know how to deal with.

Freeform Pools Gunitre Pool

Freeform custom pools are those taking on any shape and form. There’s no certain geometric shape such as a square or rectangle. Instead, freeform design (sometimes also referred to as a radius pool), has no set rules or shapes.  It can take on any curvilinear form.

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-PoolWhen you start to plan out your swimming pool installation with Gappsi, you will have the option of creating a freeform design for your pool area. Unlike traditional swimming pools, which contain rigid, geometric shapes, freeform pools have an organic look and feel. Gappsi has plenty of experience with pool installation and will be able to help you plan out a freeform pool that matches beautifully with your backyard.

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There are a few terrific benefits to the freeform swimming pool. When you create a freeform pool, you will be able to create a one-of-a-kind design for your backyard. Small pools are particularly suited to a freeform design because they can be crafted to look like natural water elements. You may also find that your swimming pool maintenance requirements are lower when you create a freeform design. Overall, planning a freeform pool will allow you to express your personality and sense of style.

Freeform pools are made up of soft curves. These gunite pools can be built in an infinite amount of pool shapes. Contemporary freeform pools often have natural rock or waterfall features that are designed to resemble a natural lake, lagoon, or oasis. They are usually surrounded by lush landscaping and blend seamlessly with the rest of the yard.

Gunite freeform pools can be built into almost any yard including those oddly shaped, limited space, or homes that have a sloping landscape. Our gunite pools can be built with a wide range of features that can include:

  • Beach entry or built-in steps
  • Deeper areas for diving pools
  • Built-in seating
  • Built-in tables or bar areas
  • Tanning reefs
  • Waterfalls, fountains and bubblers
  • Spas & Grottos

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-Pool2Freeform Gunite Swimming Pool Built in East Northport NY

Gappsi designed this freeform gunite swimming pool in East Northport NY. This is a very large swimming pool with a 9-foot deep end. In the shallow area, we built a sundeck with steps across in twelve-inch deep water. We used porcelain tiles, a very close combination of colors. Our team built a natural-looking waterfall at the deep end of the pool using moss rocks.  We made the moss rocks to also double as the diving rock. In addition, the shelf to the waterfall can be used as a diving board to jump into the pool. Around the pool area, we installed Blue Limestone on the patio in a French pattern and finished the pool is white quartz.

The pool coping is 12-inch by 2-inch thick limestone selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. The customer has a very large patio which includes a Breeo Fire Pit on one side of the yard. The Breeo Fire Pit is perfect for summer night fires while enjoying the view of the pool. This is the latest Gappsi backyard project in East Northport NY.


review-from-a-customer-whiteI highly recommend Gappsi! Giuseppe designed our entire backyard and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I love the automatic cover for our pool and our synthetic turf grass. Anytime we have anyone come over, they always compliment our marble stone patio and retaining wall. Giuseppe was great to work with and would answer all of our questions so quickly – there was always an open line of communication throughout our backyard renovation. Looking forward to creating many memories in our new backyard thanks to Gappsi!


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Choosing The Right Paver And Base Material

Choosing-The-Right-Paver-And-Base-Material2Choosing the right paver and base material is important when considering your outdoor project.  Key factors are water drainage, durability, and how thick you need the subgrade material to be.  Sand is one of the most common materials used as a paver base. It’s very accessible and can be spread out to fit most projects.

Discover The Difference With Nicolock® Paving Stones

Pavers with paver-shield™ have a tight, smooth surface texture and will not expose heavy aggregate as they wear. The ultra-dense surface has more color and more protection. Nicolock has color from top to bottom throughout the paver ensuring a lifetime of beauty. Iron oxide pigments are guaranteed not to fade!

Brilliant color can always be found in Nicolock pavers with paver-shield™. Rich vibrant colors are the hallmark of everything they make. With Nicolock’s paver-shield technology, colors stay rich and vibrant. When choosing Nicolock, you are getting pavers with color from top to bottom. The pavers will not expose heavy aggregate as they wear. The ultra-dense surface has more color and more protection, ensuring a lifetime of beauty.

Cherry Valley Country Club Nicolock Pavers With Twin Eagle Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Gappsi updated the outside areas at Cherry Valley Country Club located in Garden City NY.  We installed Nicolock Graphite Pearl Stone Ridge XL and Stone Ridge Regular.  Both pavers were used to pave the walkways, entranceway, and patio at the country club.  Gappsii’s team removed the old Hanover Paving Stone patio and added a new base of recycled concrete.  New Nicolock pavers were installed over one inch of fine sand. New pavilions and outdoor Twin Eagles kitchens with all new appliances were installed in the outdoor kitchen.

Choosing-The-Right-Paver-And-Base-Material3TYPES OF PAVER BASE MATERIALS

Your base will determine whether your pavers remain smooth and level or grow uneven over time. Qualities of a suitable base material include:

  • Proper water drainage allowance
  • Durability to support weight and endure time
  • Appropriate thickness for your subgrade material

Here are some things to know about the most common paver bases and their properties.

SAND BASE: Sand paver bases are one of the most popular options due to sand’s spreadability. However, sand is not an ideal base on its own. Over time, sand shifts and can create an uneven foundation. If your foundation is anything but level, your pavers will show it.  Sand is often used in conjunction with crushed stone for increased durability. Because sand comes in different fineness and coarseness, all types may not be suited for a paver base. Concrete sand, also known as bedding sand, is coarse and doesn’t trap excess moisture beneath the paver surface. This allows pavers to drain after heavy rain in addition they maintain their structural integrity.

STONE DUST:  Stone dust is a powdery mixture of finely ground stones that has a sand-like texture. Though it can be a helpful base ingredient when mixed with other materials, most professionals recommend that you never use stone dust on its own as a base.  Stone dust and finely ground stone or “screening” fall into a material category that has excessive amounts of dust particles.  This traps large quantities of water that prevent the base layer from adequately draining.   Did you know that water storage compromises a base’s ability to bear and distribute loads? To keep your pavers safe and prevent them from shifting, opt for a base material with a little more durability.

Choosing-The-Right-Paver-And-Base-Material

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RECYCLED CONCRETE AGGREGATE:  Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is a crushed stone alternative with environmental benefits. Crushed stone is broken into pieces and sold. RCA is made by breaking down existing concrete into gravel. Though RCA functions similarly to crushed stone in a paver base, it is impossible to know the different rock mixtures it contains. This unpredictability may make RCA a less reliable base choice when compared to crushed stone.

CRUSHED STONE:  A crushed stone paver base is made of small stone pieces that have been broken and screened for uniformity. The most common rock types of crushed stone are – limestone, dolomite, and granite. Stone aggregate comes in a variety of sizes, but most experts recommend 3/4-inch gravel for paver bases.  Crushed stone makes a solid paver base because it allows water drainage and is easy to work with. Like sand, crushed stone comes in several varieties. The best aggregate for paver bases is a dense grade aggregate.

COMPACTED SOIL: Soil base compacted soil typically serves as the subgrade level underneath pavers. While you could technically lay your pavers directly into compacted dirt, this can cause issues, such as:

  • Poor drainage
  • Initial unevenness
  • Weather warping

Many of our clients ask us what is the difference between pavers and natural stone.  Unlike concrete, the colors of natural stones are not pigmented, which only adds to their beauty. They’re also not made from mixtures of composite aggregate like concrete pavers, so they can preserve their beauty as they age, mature, and fade.

Top 4 Benefits Of Natural Stone Pavers Vs Concrete Pavers

1. Timeless Elegance – Natural stone pavers come in varying types, from light beige sandstone if you want to get that tropical vibe to dark ebony granite for achieving a majestic feel to your patio.

2. Low Maintenance – Natural Stone pavers don’t usually develop cracks. If for some reason they do, they are easy to repair and replace. Simply remove the paver with cracks and replace it. That’s it! Plus, they also have smaller joints. That means their sand joints are less likely to encounter seed germination. And the best thing about natural stones? They’re effortless to clean!

3. Ages Beautifully – There is no doubt that stones look even better as they age and have a very long lifespan. Unlike concrete, the colors of natural stones are not pigmented, which only adds to their beauty.  And they will look as beautiful as the day of their installation even after hundreds of years.

4. Investment – Utilizing natural stones on your landscape will add more value to your home. It’s an investment that will pay for itself in the long run. They are also regarded as materials with high value and quality. Traits like prominence, elegance, and sophistication are connected to them as well.

Choosing-The-Right-Paver-And-Base-Material1

Concrete Pavers And Natural Stone Pavers Installation

Concrete pavers and natural stone pavers both require a fair amount of preparation and skilled labor.  When properly installed and maintained, natural stone pavers will stand the test of time and look great. It’s one of the reasons why people are so attracted to natural stone. However, if natural stone isn’t installed properly, the paving stones can shift over time and even crack prematurely under extreme circumstances. This is especially common if natural stone is set into concrete; poured concrete slabs are notoriously susceptible to cracking caused by fluctuations in the ground underneath. This kind of damage can be extremely expensive to fix.

Concrete pavers also offer outstanding longevity; they can last for many decades even with heavy traffic and wear. One benefit of concrete pavers over natural stone pavers is that it is much more affordable to repair a cracked concrete paver and it’s also very easy to re-level a dislodged concrete paver that isn’t grouted.

Whatever your dreaming of natural paving stones or concrete pavers for your next hardscaping project but wishing there was a more affordable option? Gappsi can meet your paver patio needs.

So, if you’re looking for elegant handcrafted pavers and excellent service, contact us to request a quote today.

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