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Choosing paving slabs, wall blocks and pavers for a successful landscaping project

There was a time when sitting outside on a sunny day meant simply putting a couple of garden chairs out on the grass! Today, outdoor living is about creating true living spaces. When choosing patio stones, pavers and wall blocks, it's important to consider not only your own preferences but also the style of neighbouring homes and the surrounding area. An overview of concrete products available on the market.

Six main groups

There are five main groups of landscaping products for the garden, deck or patio: paving slabs, pavers, wall blocks and outdoor fireplace blocks, steps, curbs.

Each year, manufacturers launch new concrete paving products that mimic stone, brick, wood, slate and are more resistant and easier to install.

To help you make the right choice, here is a description of the various products available on the market as well as installation guidelines.

Steps

Although some manufacturers offer products specifically designed to be used as steps in an outdoor landscape, you can build them by using cap blocks or slabs and blocks designed for this purpose. This allows you to opt for a step base (riser) or a tread that is longer than a cap block (36" wide instead of 16").

It is not essential to use these products, but they do give you more leeway to create custom designs.

Slabs

The white concrete square is the most common regular-shaped slab, which could be found pretty much everywhere at one time.

Regular-shaped slab

Regular shaped paving slabs are best known as the classic white 12" square concrete slabs once used practically everywhere.

Slabs can also mimic natural stone or be textured with a paver pattern.

Sizes and colours

Come in a variety of sizes and colours, with or without surface patterns.

Installation

Ideal for covering a relatively large surface area.
Some are made specifically for creating circles.
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Irregular-shaped slab

These slabs are moulded into irregular, asymmetrical shapes and can be laid randomly or in a set pattern.

Two categories exist:
  • Stepping stones, arranged randomly with spaces in between
  • Interlocking slabs

Sizes and colours

Come in irregular shapes and sizes; coloured to resemble natural stone.

Installation

Stepping stone slabs cannot be interlocked.
However, some irregular-shaped slabs are designed to be fitted together in a specific layout.
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Pavers

Pavers, which resemble bricks or stones, come in two main forms: regular and irregular, asymmetrical slabs

Uniform pavers are all the same size and shape:
  • Square
  • Rectangular
  • Special shapes, interlocking with one another

    • Sizes and colours

    Shades of beige, grey and ochre resembling stone or brick

    Installation

    These types of pavers are laid in straight rows, in plain or more elaborate geometric patterns.

    Paver sets are available containing all the blocks needed to make a large 9' 5" circle or two smaller 6' 5" circles. These sets are usually designed to match other pavers in the same range.
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    Wall blocks

    Manufacturers have developed blocks that are easy to stack and anchor to make sturdy low walls. Some blocks are bevelled with two finished sides, one wider than the other. Depending on how the blocks are arranged, walls can be made curved or straight. A versatile type of wall block is now available that can be used to build retaining walls as well as columns, benches, steps and other features.

    Block for walls under 2'

    Blocks for retaining walls under 24" high built essentially for decorative purposes

    Sizes and colours

    Shades of beige and grey resembling natural stone

    Installation

    These walls can be vertical or built with a slight incline (up to 15°).
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    Block for walls under 3'

    Blocks for decorative retaining walls less than 36" high

    Sizes and colours

    Made of high-performance concrete, these blocks come in various sizes and colours for an antiqued or more modern look.
    Various shades of beige and grey resemble natural stone.

    The blocks illustrated are the following size: 9" x 8" x 4"

    Installation

    Excavation, levelling and compacting are all necessary steps involved in building a retaining wall.
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    Block for retaining walls between 4 and 5' high

    Blocks for retaining walls between 4 and 5' high

    Sizes and colours

    Various shades of beige and grey resembling natural stone.

    Installation

    For walls higher than 5', special reinforcements called geogrids must be used. These are grid meshes that are anchored to the wall blocks then laid horizontally over the bank and back-filled with earth. The weight of the earth on top of the grid holds the wall in place.
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    Cap block

    Cap or capping blocks are the stones placed on the top of a wall or column.

    Sizes and colours

    Various shades of beige and grey resembling natural stone.

    Installation

    On a wall with a country-style or weathered look, the cap blocks are usually chosen to match the wall blocks; on a more modern-style wall, the cap blocks can look attractive if they contrast with the wall blocks.
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    Concrete block for barbecue and outdoor fireplace

    Fireplace blocks are manufactured using a high-performance process and are designed to withstand intense heat thanks to their increased durability.

    Sizes and colours

    Blocks come in two shapes: round or straight. Round blocks are most commonly used to build barbecues while straight blocks can give a fireplace a sleek, modern look.

    Installation

    A fireplace made of blocks can be built in less than a day.

    Universal cement edging

    Edging gives a paved area a finished look. Edges can be installed at the same height as the pavers, or raised in order to retain earth in a flower bed next to a path or patio. Some have spikes that are pushed into the ground to hold the edging in place; others are designed specifically for use with a certain style or set of pavers.

    Universal cement edging

    Some curbs are said to be "universal" and can be used alone or with various types of pavers. Universal curbs can be straight, curved or with a 90° corner and are made to fit into one another.

    Sizes and colours

    Straight and curved edges are available in lengths ranging from 36" to 39", while corner pieces are 12" long in total.

    Edging and curbs are often available in the same colours as pavers and slabs.

    Installation

    Edging is designed to stop soil and water from the flower bed spilling over onto the adjoining path or patio. A walkway that is "closed" on both sides by raised curbs should therefore slope slightly to allow water to run off.
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    Edge pavers

    Edging stones installed at the same height as the other pavers.

    Sizes and colours

    Often available in the same colours as pavers and slabs. Shades of natural stone or clay.

    Installation

    Installed as a continuation of the pavers.
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    Characteristics

    With the proper planning, a fencing project can be completed fairly quickly and easily. The function of your fence should be your first and prime consideration. Once that has been established, check if any municipal bylaws or regulations apply, then determine the exact location of your fence.
    • Concrete paving slabs, wall blocks and pavers in their many shapes and forms are designed to withstand stress and support various loads and treatments: weight, scraping, de-icing, freezing and thawing cycles, etc.
    • Some pavers are designed for swimming pool borders; a hybrid of steps, curbs and caps, these pavers have a non-slip surface and rounded edges to reduce the risk of injury. Installing pavers around the pool also makes it easier to access the pool house and plumbing installations.
    • In high-traffic areas install thicker, more robust pavers designed to withstand heavier loads and absorb stress. Edging and wall blocks can be damaged by snow blowers. For these areas, opt for integrally coloured concrete so that any damage caused by knocks or scratches will be less visible.
    • The bigger the paving slab, the heavier it is. Obviously, this is an important aspect to consider when planning your project. In some cases, it may be better to use smaller slabs – easier to carry and to position – than to work with large, cumbersome stones.
    • Remember that dark-coloured slabs will absorb the sun's heat and can therefore become very hot, which makes them unsuitable for use near the pool or in places where people walk barefoot.

    Maintenance

    Some maintenance is required to keep slabs and pavers in good condition.
    Pavers do not need to be protected with sealing products because they are specially made to withstand the tough Canadian climate. Applying sealer will not therefore extend the life of your paved surface, but it will make it easier to clean the stones and prevent stains. Choose acrylic sealer and avoid low-end products.
    Although wet-look sealers bring out the colours of paving stones, they do not suit traditional settings or antiqued looks. These types of sealers are also not resistant to wear, which will begin to show after a few years.
    Clean slabs, blocks and pavers with appropriate products. For example, before attempting to remove an oil or rust stain from a paving slab, research the best ways to remove it and the most suitable cleaners to use. Avoid chemicals like paint thinner or gasoline, which can make the problem worse.

    A few tips

    Ask to borrow paver samples from your retailer. Take home a few stones of different sizes and colours to compare them and see what they look like. Even if you have to pay for them, you can return them afterwards for a refund or exchange.
    Glue cap stones and steps with construction adhesive so that they do not fall or become dislodged. You can also glue wall blocks too, for greater stability in places that might get bumped or knocked.
    Keep some extra pavers or blocks aside to replace broken ones if necessary. Store them outside if possible, so that they are exposed to the same weather conditions. That way, they will age at the same rate as those already installed and the colours will match. This is especially true of inexpensive white concrete slabs.
    Use polymeric sand, which hardens on contact with water while conserving its texture and flexibility. This sand will not be dispersed by wind or rain, does not stick to feet (therefore won't get into the pool) and acts as a barrier to weeds and ants.

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