Granite pavers are used to beautify both indoor and outdoor locations. They can be used on driveways, patios, pathways, and even indoor areas that need robust, long-lasting pavers to withstand heavy usage. Granite paving driveways can withstand heavy foot traffic and last a very long time, provided they are laid over a durable foundation.
Granite paving is exceptionally long-lasting. It is made from granite, a natural rock created by magma crystallization within the earth’s crust. Granite driveways are popular for their strength, hardness, and durability. At the same time, the beauty of granite will make your home more valuable and appealing.
Granite paving can be used anywhere from the internal and outside walkways, patios, courts, and the interiors of homes and businesses. It is guaranteed that they will last a lifetime with little upkeep. That’s why we created this article, to explain how to install your granite paving, ideas, and the proper maintenance to keep your driveway’s aesthetic appeal.
Is granite a good paving stone?
Granite paving is a natural stone that stands out amongst many others because of its composition and color. Granite pavers are natural paving slabs made from natural products. They have straight machine-cut edges and a textured surface that adds to their beauty. Also, it varies in composition and comes in different colors; black, rose, gray, and yellow are some standard colors you will find around.
Granite slabs are among the best paving materials for indoor or outdoor use. They can be polished to achieve a smoother appearance or flamed for a rustic touch. This paving material creates an exciting paving style when used at home or in business areas.
How to lay granite paving
When granite is probably installed, it can withstand heavy weight and traffic for an extended period. Here’s how to lay your granite driveway.
1. Choose The Depth
Before you start working on installing your granite pavers, you need to determine the area you want to pave. Determine the desired height for your pavers and continue by measuring the thickness of your paver and the thickness of the bedding mix. Your measurements will help you decide the excavation depth you need for your pavement. For driveways and walkways, your pavement depth must be thicker to withstand traffic and pressure.
2. Lay The Base For Your Slabs
For your pavement base, there are a few options you can consider. You can use gravel, stone, mortar, or crushed base to lay your slabs. Ensure your base is leveled evenly across the surface; take time to apply it layer by layer until it’s evenly compacted. Outline the areas with a garden hose and then mark the areas with spray paint before digging the ground.
3. Add a Sand Layer
Ensure everything you need is ready before you lay your natural granite slab. Fine sand, such as paver sand or play sand, is suitable for your layer. Add a sand layer and level with a plate compactor to set your base into place and ensure stability. To settle the sand after compacting, you can spray it with water.
4. Place an Edge Restraint on your stone Slab
To prevent your stone slabs from moving or scattering, use polyvinyl or lumbar for the edge restraint. Place your granite slab gently and close to each other: ensure that your granite slab stays within each other. If the sides of your slabs are unequal, you can use a masonry saw to trim off or cut the pavers into your desired size or shape so they can all fit in.
5. Fill The Gaps
You might find wide joints between the pavers when you place slabs. You can fill this joint with mortar or grout. Also, you should allow your new pavement to set in before driving in.
Granite pavers for patio and driveway
- GRAVALOCK PERMEABLE PAVER: 22 in. x 22 in. x 1 in. Black Slim Grid Plastic Pavers (12-Pavers/40.5 sq. ft.).
These granite pavers are durable plastic of the highest caliber, suitable for your driveway. They can support the weight of light residential cars.
- GRAVALOCK PERMEABLE PAVER: 22 in. x 22 in. x 1.5 in. Premium Grid Plastic (12 Pavers/40.50 sq. ft.).
These pavers are durable and can support loads carried by heavy commercial trucks. Granite can be used to fill the grids and ensure you achieve a porous surface.
- Techno Earth: 19.7 in. x 19.7 in. x 1.9 in. Black Permeable Plastic Grass Pavers for Parking Lots, Driveways (4 Pieces/11 sq.ft.).
Techno Earth’s permeable pavers were built for granite parking lots and grassy roads. They help curb flooding and prevent water from getting near your front door.
- VEVOR: Gravel Grid 9 ft. x 17 ft. x 2 in. Geocell Ground Grid 153 sq. ft. Patio Ground Grid Paver for Slope Driveways.
Vevor’s Gravel Grid is made of HDPE – A sustainable material that is easy to cut and attach for DIY. It has enough tensile strength to support your granite driveway for ages.
- VEVOR: Ground Grid 1885 lb. per sq. ft. Load Weed Barrier 2 in. Depth Patio Pavers 27 x 4 ft. Ground Stabilization Grid for DIY.
Vevor’s three-dimensional honeycomb granite pavers are made from high-density polyethylene. It is recyclable and has a structure that boosts carrying capacity.
- Techno Earth: 9 ft. x 17 ft. x 2-inch Geocell Black Honeycomb Ground Grid HDPE Plastic Paver (160 sq. ft.). This black honeycomb granite paver supports strong driving loads, including landscaping, parking lots, and driveways.
How do you maintain granite paving?
Granite paving material is very durable and sustainable. It has many benefits, but it needs maintenance to avoid looking horrible. Cleaning granite pavers will help maintain your driveway or outdoor landscaping.
The cleaning frequency of driveways is affected by traffic volume, weather conditions, and dust. Cleaning of granite pavers in driveways that don’t experience so much traffic should be done once a month. While cleaning your driveway, refrain from using harsh chemicals or acid, and be careful when cleaning around the pavement joints.
Should you seal granite paving?
A penetrating seal gets absorbed into your pavement and protects it from damage, stains, and extreme weather conditions. Sealing also prevents the settling of dirt and other harsh substances. The sealant also helps restore your pavement’s color and protect your black granite. A sealed granite driveway will last longer and enhance the beauty of your driveway.
Further Reading — Stone Sealers – How They Work and Guide to the Best Products
How to clean granite pavers
Granite is a strong material and does not require much maintenance. Keep it on your pavement for a short time when cleaning with a cleaning solution. You can clean your driveway with a pressure washer or a garden hose.
- For your granite, avoid using abrasive solutions because they will scratch the surface and disfigure the look.
- Avoid acids and alkaline solutions not specifically formulated for natural granite pavers.
- Bleach, vinegar, and ammonia are dangerous for your granite. Avoid using these substances and purchase proper cleaning solutions for your driveway.
- For stains, spills, or harsh substances, clean immediately. Your granite pavement can easily absorb these spills if left for too long.
How to remove oil stains from granite paving
Various oils can leave unsightly stains on paved surfaces. A vehicle’s oil leak on a stone driveway is a common cause. However, paver patios near a grill or outdoor kitchen can have oil and grease deposits.
- Garages and outdoor kitchens should have paper towels, rags, and oil-absorbent materials.
- If oil or grease just got there, use a clean rag or paper towel to blot (don’t rub) the area lightly. Most oil stains on pavers can be taken off with dish soap or laundry detergent. Put the soap right on the stain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Then scrub it with a brush with nylon bristles and wash it with hot water. If you need to, do this step again.
- If you want to get rid of oil stains on pavers that have dried and soaked in, soak up as much oil as you can. Gather up the stuff. Granular materials should be left in the area for about 6 hours. Follow the steps above for stains that just happened.
Granite paving ideas
The selection of granite pavers can be exhausting.
- Black Granite Sett Paving Blocks: particularly beautiful for home or business driveways. These traditional stone setts are robust, durable, and withstand high traffic or heavyweight.
- Granite Cobblestone: If you are trying to achieve a classy rustic look for your driveway, you won’t be wrong with this natural granite slab. They are available in various styles and shapes.
- Silver Granite: this slab has a light grey tone and a spot of black around it.
- Dark Grey Granite Paving: these dark grey granite slabs are perfect. They are solid and easy to maintain.
- Beige Granite Pavers: Beige granite pavers are suitable for driveways, patios, walkways, gardens, and other outdoor paving.
Conclusion
Granite pavers add character to your homes and business space. This paving option is safe and stylish. It’s durable and appears vibrant because of different tones and colors. It’s easy to maintain and has proven to be a worthy investment.
