Choosing The Right Paver And Base Material

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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

CONTACT GAPPSI TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR OUTDOOR PROJECT

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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View Gappsi’s YouTube channel for videos of Choosing The Right Paver And Base Material

 

Nicolock Pavers For Patios And Pools

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Nicolock Pavers For Patios And PoolsHomeowners on Long Island, New York are constantly looking for ways to boost both home value and curb appeal with Nicolock pavers for patios and pools.  Increasing curb appeal can boost home value. It’s a self-perpetuating circle of home value.

Nicolock Pavers Add Value & Curb Appeal to Suffolk & Nassau County Long Island Homes

Did you know that Nicolock pavers are manufactured in 1,000 different combinations of colors and textures? You can create a custom look to fit your style and your vision; by simply adding hardscaping elements to your backyard.  Some hardscape ideas to add are patios, walkways, and retaining walls to your backyard you add a touch of class to your living space.  Your outdoor space increases the home’s curb appeal too. Nicolock paving stones have great slip resistance with a “smooth as silk” appearance. They are ideal for patios, walkways, pool decks, and driveways. All Nicolock pavers use Nicolock’s patented Paver-Shield technology. The paver blocks have color throughout the entire block, giving them a richer more vibrant color that will not fade over time, and they provide superior protection against all outdoor elements.   Superior quality and protection make these paving blocks great for patios, driveways, poolside areas, and walkways.

Benefits vs Disadvantages of Pavers?

Nicolock is a 100% U.S.-owned and operated company specializing in the production of patio pavers and other hardscaping products. Nicolock manufactures a complete line of interlocking concrete paving stones, architectural paving slabs, precast concrete products, and segmental retaining wall systems.

Benefits of Paving Stones

  • Affordable: Nicolock paving slabs are beautiful and very cost-effective options. They are an affordable way to increase the aesthetic value and functionality of your home.
  • Curb Appeal: Nicolock paver patios are incredibly attractive and Nicolock’s patented manufacturing technology – Paver-Shield™ – ensures that your pavers will look great for a long, long time
  • Home Value: With an average return on investment (ROI) over 80%, according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report, a new patio is an excellent way to boost your home value.
  • Durability: Because the rich, vibrant color is throughout the full thickness of the paver, it will not fade over time.
    Green: Nicolock manufactures several variations of eco-friendly permeable paving products.
  • Warranty: All Nicolock products come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Nicolock-Pavers-For-Patios-And-Pools2Disadvantages of Paving Stones

  • Moss will grow in between pavers: Just like weeds, moss growth in between pavers is a common problem. Moss likes to grow in wet, shady areas. If moss gets out of hand it can be a big pain.  It is important to note that it is not only unsightly, but it can be very slippery when wet.
  • Weeds will grow in between pavers: In between each of the pavers is a layer of sand that acts as a grout line. Over time, sand washes out and requires to be refilled periodically to maintain proper spacing. Homeowners can either do this on their own or hire a contractor to do it for them.  It is important to note that if restoring the sand is neglected, chances increase that weeds will grow in between each paver.
  • Pavers will wobble: Pavers always need a strong base, and many contractors who do not specialize in installing pavers fail to provide the strong base pavers need. Some contractors lay a scarce amount of sand under the pavers which can cause the pavers to sink.

Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones1Long Island NY Stone Patios Driveways Cleaning Sealing Experts!

We are often asked, “Do I need to seal my pavers?” The short answer is YES!!! Cleaning and Sealing is an important maintenance tools to keep paver patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.

However, “too much of a good thing” can come into play.  You should be wary of over-applying paver sealer by reapplying too often, which could create a haze. Below are a few of the most popular questions we have received.  To read the entire list of questions check out the Cleaning and Sealing page:

Is it necessary to Seal Pavers?

Gappsi recommends sealing concrete pavers and cleaning regularly. Although paving stones use the highest quality cement, cement is a corrosive material.  Cement wears under natural elements such as rain and snow. The sun, rain, and cold can easily wear the surface of pavers, and a good sealing job with the right sealing product, applied by a professional technician of sealing, will create a layer of protection over the paving stones making them water-repellent and weatherproof. This will protect the concrete surface from corrosion. A good sealer penetrates the paver surface and stays there for many years, even when the look of the sealer goes away the color and texture of the pavers will stay new.

Do you need to pressure wash pavers before sealing them?

Gappsi recommends pressure washing pavers before sealing the surface and the surface should be free of debris. It is very important the surface is cleaned first.  Once the sealant is on the pavers any stains or materials that get trapped under the sealer will not be able to be cleaned after it’s sealed.

 

Pressure washing pavers is just as important as sealing them. Using the wrong pressure washing tools could also hurt the pavers. A pressure washer with the wrong nozzle could mark or wear the pavers. The best-recommended tool is a high-volume, low-pressure, hot water-pressure washer. The hot water cleans the pavers and prepares the surface for the best result sealing job.

Read more questions on our Cleaning and Sealing Paving Stones page

Gappsi completed a backyard renovation in Smithtown NY. We installed Nicolock Pavers around a Vinyl Pool. Gappsi reinstalled a new liner and new equipment for the swimming pool.  In addition, we designed and built new stairs across the l shape shallow area of the swimming pool. Charcoal Nicolock 12×8 bullnose was chosen for around the pool.  The patio was paved with Granite City Stone Ridge. Several raised patio areas were created near the backyard sliding doors to add dimensional depth to the backyard scape.

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VIEW OUR VIDEO OF A FREE-FORM VINYL POOL WITH SUNDECK

Nicolock Paving Stones Installation

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Nicolock Paving Stones InstallationThis residential project was designed and installed by Gappsi in Lindenhurst NY. From the driveway apron to the backyard patio, a combination of many colors and patterns were used to create inlays and designs. Granite City Stone Ridge Pavers were installed on the driveway apron, the concrete sidewalk was replaced, and the inlay with pewter colored plank paver and charcoal border outlines the driveway, walkway, and circle inlay. Granite City Mini Colonial wall was installed on the front stoop with bluestone copings. A combination of Granite City and Westchester blend was used to pave the driveway up to the backyard entrance.

The backyard incorporates two levels of patio, both paved with Travertina Alpine Ridge pavers. A raised patio and firepit were built with the Travertina Mini Colonial wall and the fire pit was built with the Verona wall system. The outdoor kitchen on the raised patio was also built with a Mini Colonial wall and the columns are capped with 3 inch manufactured precast caps. A Gappsi bocce court was also installed next to the patio with a step down into the court from the patio level. It was built with pressure treated lumber and Gappsi bocce grass for the floor.

We also provide these services in the following areas of Eastern Long-Island – Western long-Island – North-Shore long-Island – South-Shore long-Island, Suffolk County, Nassau County, Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Coldspring Harbor, East Norwich, and both Nassau and Suffolk County.

 

Nicolock supplier on Long-Island |  Pavers, Copings, Walls

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Nicolock supplier on Long-Island |  Pavers, Copings, WallsNicolock supplier on Long-Island NY, from pavers, retaining walls, bullnose, and any Nicolock concrete products. Gappsi displays them all at the Smithtown showroom. Gappsi history with Nicolock goes back to the very beginning of the Nicolock brand. As a matter of fact, Gappsi is the very first Nicolock customer, dealer, and installer. Gappsi personnel are very knowledgeable of the Nicolock products. Over the years, we have installed many retaining walls, patios, and bullnose swimming pool copings. If you are looking for a Nicolock supplier on Long-Island, the Gappsi showroom is conveniently located in Smithtown NY approximately in the center of Long Island. It is a very convenient location and we have Nicolock material displayed for you to view and select. We offer free delivery for all Nicolock products and assist with your Nicolock products selection. Gappsi is a premier Nicolock supplier on Long-Island NY. We display dry and wet cast Pavers, Copings, and Walls. Gappsi has won numerous national awards and we are recognized from ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavers Institute) as a top designer and installer of large graphics in paving-stone installation projects. Nicolock products are used for many applications, such as walkways, driveways, patios, pool copings, retaining walls, steps, and wall veneers. We also have other amenities, such as fire pits and fireplaces. Nicolock products are of the highest quality. The color is through and through and are manufactured with patented paver shield technology. You can find Nicolock suppliers on Long-Island NY, but Nicolock also has manufacturing facilities in New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut, and they also have Dealerships thought out the northeast of the USA. Gappsi provides Design services for any hardscape project that includes Nicolock products. We can supply and also offer installation services all over Long Island. For your next project, visit the Nicolock supplier on Long-Island NY at the Gappsi showroom in Smithtown, you will be educated on Nicolock products but also guided in your product selections.

Backyard stone pavers supplier | Long Island NY, Showroom,

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Backyard stone pavers supplier | Long Island NY, Showroom,Backyard stone pavers supplier serving both Nassau and Suffolk County on Long Island NY. Gappsi stone yard is conveniently located in Smithtown on the north-shore, approximately in the center of Long Island. Whether you live out East or further West it is convenient for you to come and visit our stone showroom and Backyard stone pavers supplier for all your pavers, copings, veneers and retaining wall design, installation, and purchase needs. At Gappsi stone center you will find the most unique pool pavers and copings, we carry and install manufactured concrete pavers such as: Nicolock, Cambridge, Unilock, techo-bloc, Belgard, and many more. We also carry a large selection of front yard pavers such as lava stones that can be used for driveway aprons and also as Belgium block borders. At Gappsi masonry supply yard you will find everything for your home outdoor products needs. As a Backyard stone pavers supplier we offer all types of natural stone pavers, including limestone, travertine, marble, granite, sandstone and porcelain pavers, coping and veneers. Gappsi natural stone pavers veneers and copings are manufactured with many different finishes, from tumbled to honed, sandblasted, rock-face, brushed, and chiseled edges. Gappsi Natural stones are  imported from all over the world as well but we also carry domestic New York and Pennsylvanian bluestone and Indiana limestone which you can view at the Gappsi design center. Gappsi porcelain outdoor paver tiles are of the best quality and we have some made in Italy and some manufactured in the USA. Porcelain is a very beautiful paving material, it is made to resemble natural stones and in many cases, it looks identical to natural stones. Gappsi also offers custom-cut sizes for all your Backyard stone pavers supplier of any pool copings. We offer free delivery all over long island and we also offer discounts on leftover discontinued small quantities. We also offer free samples and qualified contractor referrals for installation of any of the Gappsi paver products. The best source for any Backyard stone pavers supplier needs you might have. 

Pool And Patio Contractor | East Northport NY

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Pool And Patio Contractor | East Northport NYPool And Patio Contractor  in East Northport NY,  project designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by the Gappsi Group professionals. 

Starting with the removal of the existing and old oval swimming pool, it was built originally too high in one of the backyard corners and surrounded by overgrown landscape. The pool area was neither attractive or practical. The new pool and patio design process took a few months before the customer was completely happy and convinced that the old pool had to go. Once that was finalized, a total transformation of the backyard layout and landscape took place. 
Due to the grade changes, the pool had to be lowered and a Nicolock Mini Colonial wall was built to retain the flowerbed soil. New rectangular concrete walls and a liner swimming pool was built along one side of the property, which allowed the grass area to be extended towards the pool. The swimming pool is equipped with many options including a safety auto cover that can be opened in one minute and also works as a solar cover. The auto cover also allows the customers to use the pool much longer during the year, starting from April 15 to October 15. This also saves in heating costs by preventing most of the heat evaporating in colder nights, and also in chemical consumption, maintenance of the water, and cleaning of the pool. A gas heater was also installed, along with a salt chlorine generator, LED lights, a fiberglass spa built next to the pool with a spillover, 2 sheer descent water features installed on the opposite to the spa, and an automation system that allows the homeowner to totally control pool, spa, lights, and heater from his or her smart phone. The swimming pool is 3 to 6 feet deep and it has full steps across the shallow area. The swimming pool coping, patio, and backyard sliding door steps were all built using Fiorito travertine pavers selected from the Gappsi showroom. if in need of a Pool And Patio Contractor contact Gappsi at 631-543-1177   

Landscape & Masonry Contractor | Lloyd Harbor, NY

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Landscape & Masonry Contractor | Lloyd Harbor, NY

Lanscape & Masonry Contractor in Lloyd Harbor, NY. This backyard was designed by Giuseppe Abbrancati and built by Gappsi in Lloyd Harbor NY 11743. The design incorporates many amenities, modern clean lines, and a functional layout. This is an 18×36 vinyl-lined swimming pool 3-6 ft deep with two corner stairs in the deep end. It is easy to walk the entire length of the pool, which makes it ideal to play sports or just hang out, and it is also perfect for swimming full laps by having a flat wall area between the two corner stars in shallow area. 
Gappsi is Landscape & Masonry Contractor that knows how to deal  grading, due to the sloped grade of the property, a Nicolock firma wall was installed to level off one side allowing the patio to be equally installed on both side of the swimming pool. Unique limestone pavers, copings, and wall veneers were used in the patio walls, planters, raised patio, fire pit, and spa walls. This limestone is an exclusive Gappsi product as a Landscape & Masonry Contractor we search many new products we imported this one from Europe with a very beautiful mix of gray, beige and green colors, along with seashell fossils showing on the surface of every stone. The finished texture of the stones is very comfortable and slip resistant, accomplished by flaming the surface and then tumbling it during the manufacturing process. if you in need of Gappsi is Landscape & Masonry Contractor please contact Gappsi. 
A 9×6 custom-built spa was constructed with a bench, a liner, and 2 lights. It was raised 18 inches above the patio height to create a spillover into the pool. Across from it, a raised sun deck made for a lounge chair area was set up 18 inches above the pool patio. In the wall facing the pool, two 3 foot wide sheer descents were installed as water features in combination with the two Pentair laminars set in the patio floor. All the water features and pool  have LED color lights built into them, making this pool a great feature in the dark as it is in the day time. The deep end ladder and the handrail installed by the steps are stainless steel. The pool was built with a salt chlorine generator, a gas heater, variable speed pumps, and an automation system to control the spa and pool through a smartphone app. And lastly, a stone-veneered wood burning fire pit was built on one side of the patio, and stone planters were built on both sides of the Timbertech steps from the raised deck next to the house. contact the Lloyd Harbor, NY Landscape & Masonry Contractor for your next backyard project at 631-543-1177 

 

Asphalt Basketball Court Built in Woodbury NY 11797

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Asphalt Basketball Court Built in Woodbury NY 11797Starting with removal of old decks and railroad tie walls, the construction of this new asphalt basketball court replaced the lower level of this client’s backyard that was originally hard to access. New walls were built and new pewter nicolock border was installed as a reinforcement for the asphalt edge. 8 inches of state approved RCA was installed and compacted and 2 inches of new asphalt was then installed and rolled over. One basketball hoop, one court light, a regulation key was striped on the asphalt floor, and a black chain link fence was installed around court, along with a row of arborvitaes and skip laurels complete the landscaping around the court.

Outdoor Kitchen Designer Installer Contractor Long Island NY

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Outdoor Kitchen Designer Installer Contractor Long Island NYOutdoor kitchens and cooking islands have become a focal point in outdoor living construction. Many outdoor kitchen designers and masonry contractors suggest to build them as part of their clients’ outdoor living areas. A good amount are built with Nicolock wall systems with a variety of appliances. These include grills, gas burners, sinks, refrigerators, bar sinks, hoods, ovens, ice makers, or just cabinets spaces.

Wolf outdoor cabinets are getting very popular among outdoor cooking islands builders. They are high quality and provide a real, clean look of the appliances and the cooking island. They can also be veneered and custom shaped to accommodate any layouts. Gappsi incorporates many Wolf outdoor cabinets into backyard and cooking area designs. For more information, please see one of our recent blogs here.