Techo-Bloc paving stones

The Many Uses of Concrete Paving Stones

 

Updated 3-7-24

Paving stones are extremely flexible and adaptable to a large variety of jobs. Be it a simple stepping stone path, expansive driveway, patio, or spa and pool surround, Deck and Patio often recommends concrete pavers as a cost-effective choice.

3 Main Types of Pavers

There are basically three types of pavers: “interlocking,“ “slab,” and “permeable.” These three can frequently be used interchangeably, except when it comes to (1) driveways, where the durability of interlocking pavers is essential, and (2) where water runoff may be a problem and permeable pavers would be a much better choice.

What makes them so versatile is pavers come in many designs, shapes, and colors and are durable against weather, and traffic, so that they can virtually be used anywhere in a variety of ways.

“Plus they are wonderfully suited to the freeze/thaw conditions of the Northeast where we work,” adds Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “One caveat, however. Finished projects made of interlocking concrete pavers will not look quite as random in shade and shape as natural stone. Paving kits installed by experienced professionals, however, can be laid in attractive random designs even if they will have more similarities than natural stone would.”

 

The following Deck and Patio’s projects highlight these different paving stones.

 

We believe that using pavers will not only provide a beautiful pool deck, but they offer a safer surface that prevents slipping.*

Vinyl Freeform Pool Retreat:

Vinyl Freeform Pool Retreat:

Deck and Patio surrounded the backyard retreat’s new freeform vinyl pool and raised spillover spa with handsome Cambridge Ledgestone patios and bright plantings. 

The raised spa has its own separate overhead waterfall as well as a spillover into the pool. All this adds to an undisturbed backyard experience.

A diving rock and landscaping cutouts add to this pool area’s summer charms. In addition, the Cambridge paving stones are tough when it comes to winter’s cold weather. The pavers seem to withstand abuse better than any poured and stenciled concrete.

 

 

Natural Retaining Walls:

Natural Retaining Walls:

In this design and build project we added a swim up bar in the main pool that features granite countertops, as well as in-pool bar stools, swim out steps, a slide, and pergola.

The durable and resilient interlocking concrete pavers we chose create a handsome pool surround that stands up to lots of foot traffic. The manufacturer in this case produces kits that ensure an attractive random pattern in lieu of straight lines and flat images, or in a running block pattern. The finished look is natural — a good accomplishment for such an expansive area.

 

 

 

Rocka Slab Steps

 

Here we recommended to our clients they use one manufacturer’s “Rocka” (slab) steps, along with moss rock boulders and creeping plant material.

This combination handsomely stabilized a hill area without the need of a retaining wall.

The “Rocka” steps have a wide-walking slip-resistant surface* — key to any project that is part of a water feature.

 

 

 

Interlocking Concrete Pavers

We used interlocking concrete pavers for this pool and spa surround as well. The pavers offer an attractive alternative to asphalt and poured concrete.

These pavers are extremely durable and beautiful and won’t show signs of color loss or fading over time and have blemish-free surfaces.

We used Cambridge Ledgestone pavers (“Toffee Onyx” color, in random pattern) to create the natural rustic appearance seen here.

 

 

 

If you ever pass by Huntington Train Station (Long Island/NY) you will see a great example of the use of permeable pavers. Here Deck and Patio worked in cooperation with the Town of Huntington to beautify the landscape around the train station — all while capturing rainwater for irrigation.

In fact, where once was only a dirt path from the sidewalk to the train parking lot, the landscaped water feature and permeable pavers we added allow easy walking (arrow area pavers) while capturing and filtering rainwater for reuse. The pavers are Techo-Bloc Victorien Permeable Pavers.

Note: Of course, permeable pavers are very useful in private areas such as patios and driveways — wherever controlling or collecting water runoff is a key consideration.

 

If comparing the many different landscaping materials available seems daunting —  indeed, viewing online photos can distort color and texture.

But when visiting our Greenlawn showroom, patio materials can be seen close up so you can get a proper sense of how a finished hardscape will look in natural light. Plus, if desired, our staff can explain the different benefits of each one — be it concrete pavers, permeable pavers, bluestone, brick, Travertine, etc.

 

*Note: Some pavers claim to surpass the slip resistance standards established by the American Disabilities Act. However, these manufacturers also say that some sealers on the market can decrease the friction coefficient of pavers under wet conditions. Deck and Patio’s outdoor living expert therefore recommends speaking with a professional when considering sealing pavers where non-slip resistance is desired.

 

By |2024-03-07T14:26:17-05:00July 20th, 2017|Backyard Refurbishments, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Driveways, paving stones, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Surrounds, Steps, Swim Up Bars|Comments Off on The Many Uses of Concrete Paving Stones

Outdated Pool Transformed into Updated Beauty

This Deck and Patio project is not a newly completed one. But it is a project that continues to be regularly saved by visitors to our social media pages. So much so, that we thought it was time to blog about it again.

Backstory

At the time, the clients’ 22-year-old gunite pool needed a facelift. Along with the pool, they had a very uncomfortable concrete spa, and only grass for a patio.

The terrain had a slope behind the pool and they had a dated wood retaining wall holding it back. In addition, their backyard was set in a natural woodland area, so any new patio material would have to harmonize with this natural setting. In addition, Deck and Patio was commissioned to create a colorful landscape within this mostly shady area and repair an existing old waterfall.

The Upgrade

The first step was to demolish the uncomfortable existing spa, the old waterfall area, the retaining wall and pool’s old boulder coping.

Next, a new comfortable acrylic spa with molded seats was added. It was faced with interlocking Techo-Bloc concrete blocks that echoed the new Techo-Bloc patio and the moss rock boulders used to create a new natural-looking retaining wall.

Three handsome supporting walls made with Techo-Bloc Walls stones were used  directly behind the new spa to help hold back the grade. Plus, the renovated seven-foot-high moss rock waterfall, ending in new boulder pool coping, added peaceful serenity while also serving to retain the woodland behind the pool.

Next, the old grassy area that surrounded the pool was transformed into a beautiful multi-level patio made of Techo-Bloc tumbled paving stones. The patio paver colors were a blend of tan and natural gray to complement the boulders and moss rock. These Techo-Bloc paving stones boast a lifetime of easy-to-care-for surfaces that hold up very well in the freeze/thaw conditions of the Northeast where this project is located. Another bonus: these pavers stay cool in summer heat…perfect for bare feet.

Lastly, lots of seasonal colorful plants, that did not require too much direct sunlight, were added as part of the landscaping.

 

Updated Pool/Spa (Huntington/NY):

Updated Pool/Spa (Huntington/NY):

A 22-year-old pool needed refurbishing. Using handsome Techo-Bloc Walls stones for three wall structures, moss rocks and boulder coping, the natural woodland is beautifully retained behind the pool.

 

Techo-Bloc Wall Concrete Blocks (Huntington/NY):

Techo-Bloc Wall Concrete Blocks (Huntington/NY):

Facing the new acrylic spa with concrete blocks is the perfect choice for a natural setting. The spa was designed with a spillover to offer a second waterfall into the pool.

 

 

Pool/Spa Upgrade (Huntington/NY):

Pool/Spa Upgrade (Huntington/NY):

The refurbished natural free-form gunite swimming pool with a new spillover spa, delightful moss rock waterfall, tumbled stone Techo-Bloc patio and robust landscaping together feel like a natural lagoon created by Mother Nature.

 

New Acrylic Spa (Huntington/NY):

New Acrylic Spa (Huntington/NY):

The new Techo-Bloc wall-stone-spa replaces an old concrete spa; it was constructed with a small patio/lounge area and stone steps. The matching retaining walls can act as seating walls when entertaining.

 

Pool/Spa Landscaping (Huntington/NY):

Pool/Spa Landscaping (Huntington/NY):

When working on this upgrade, Deck and Patio was careful to keep some of the existing landscaping, e.g. the gorgeous Japanese lace-leaf maple that shades the waterfall.

 

Patio Landscaping (Huntington/NY):

Patio Landscaping (Huntington/NY):

Deck and Patio designed the Techo-Bloc patio with cutouts to plant attractive flower beds.

 

 

No Room for a Pool? How About an Award-Winning ‘Spool?’

 

Not everyone has room for, or even wants, a full-sized swimming pool. But what if you still yearn for a water feature that you and your family can enjoy? Well, the answer for these clients was an in-ground “spool” or combination “spa/pool.”

After listening to their needs and preferences, we suggested the idea of spool with a spilling waterfall that keeps the spool cool in the summer, and hot during the evenings or cold winter months. This type of water feature has room for several adults and can be enjoyed year round without having to maintain a full-sized pool.

Because the clients’ 8’x10’ completed custom vinyl-lined spool operates as a spa, it includes massage jets for relaxing hydrotherapy. Above it, a stream of water flows through moss rock boulders and lush plantings into a soothing waterfall that can be enjoyed when soaking anytime of year.

The clients also opted for a handsome patio of Techo-Bloc paving stones (Elena in Sandlewood) which are durable and will withstand a lot of activity and weather changes. The landscaping was also carefully planned to provide color from April through late October: Skip Laurels, Leyland Cypress, and Cedars were used to create an attractive privacy screen. Plus, texture and color were brought into the buffering divider by incorporating flowering deciduous shrubs.

We were very pleased that this custom ‘spool’ not only perfectly suited the clients desires for a backyard refuge that fit well within their yard, but it also won for us two prestigious awards: Gold from the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA) and Silver from the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).

 

Small Backyard Pool/Spa:

Small Backyard Pool/Spa:

Tucked beautifully into a corner of their backyard patio, these clients enjoy year-round their custom in-ground vinyl spa-pool combo — or “spool.”

 

 

Backyard Refuge:

Backyard Refuge:

Deck and Patio also designed/built the clients handsome Techo-Bloc patio (Elena in Sandlewood) in rich earth tones. In cooler months the waterfall runs warm water; a natural gas campfire also helps extend the outdoor season whether the clients are sitting in or out of the spool.

 

 

Spa/Pool Combo:

Spa/Pool Combo:

Rushing stream that flows through large moss rock boulders and lush plantings creates soothing waterfall to be enjoyed while soaking in spa.

 

 

Pool/Spa Combo for Small Backyard:

Pool/Spa Combo for Small Backyard:

These clients wanted a pool or a water feature, and a patio as a fun place to entertain, but their backyard was too small for a pool. Their new spool, which can stay cool during hot summer days and can be heated up on a cool evening or winter’s day, was the perfect solution.

 

 

 

 

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