Unleashing the Magic: How Interlocking Stones Change Outdoor Spaces
Interlocking pavers or stones are a great way to upgrade your backyard or outdoor space with new, durable, and modern flooring. When installing interlocking stones in your space, there are a variety of options available such as concrete, natural stone, and brick. Adding interlocking stones to your property can increase its value and maximize your enjoyment.
While installing your interlocking pavers, you can also add other landscaping elements such as stone walls, fountains, gazebos, and decks. Not only do interlocking stones transform and upgrade your outdoor living space, they make it more usable for you, your family, and visitors. Also, these stones can serve an environmental purpose, as they help designate paths and direct water away from your home.
The Benefits of Interlocking Stones
Interlocking stones are not simply beautiful and aesthetically pleasing; they serve a purpose in your back or front yard by providing a pathway and increasing your home value.
They are also relatively easy to maintain and will stay intact over time. The materials in interlocking stones make them non-slip so that they promote safety and provide extra grit, especially in harsh weather conditions. They can help absorb excess water and keep your outdoor space both beautiful and functional.
Versatility and Design Options
Interlocking stones come in a wide array of different materials such as concrete, natural stone, or brick and can be designed according to your preferences. They can also be arranged in intricate patterns and designs, according to the look you desire. Choose from different colours of stone and plan your design beforehand so that you know what space you are transforming and the vision you have in mind.
Durability and Longevity
On average, interlocking stone pathways and driveways are durable and can last over 40 years. This is mainly due to the strong, weather-resistant materials that they are made from.
Keep in mind that if you choose interlocking stones, then have them installed professionally and properly by a reputable company. This will help ensure that they last as they are intended to. Also, maintenance is key, as interlocking pavers will need to be serviced or maintained at least yearly for the first 10 years or so.
Easy Maintenance
Luckily, interlocking pavers are easy to maintain and will only require yearly spring maintenance for the first decade after installation. After about 7-10 years, you may start to notice issues with your interlocking stones such as borders shifting. In this scenario, you simply need to fix the sunken areas by adding more gravel, cleaning, and reinstalling.
You should not need to purchase new pavers and should be able to continue on after fixing the issue for an additional 7-10 years before you have to repeat the process. For regular cleaning of your interlocking stones, simply hose them down to remove dirt and grime, or do a high-pressure washing to keep your driveway or pathways looking great.
Transform Pathways
Interlocking stones or pavers can add unique curb appeal to your property and transform pathways or driveways with a wide variety of colours and materials. You can completely customize the look of your pathways and upgrade your outdoor living spaces.
Remember that pathways and driveways are some of the first aspects that the eye is drawn to when looking at your home. Upgrading your back and front yards with interlocking stones can increase your property value and garner interest in your home.
Create Striking Patios and Outdoor Living Areas
Ultimately, you want to make the most of your outdoor living space just as much as your indoor living areas. Interlocking pavers and some landscaping can do wonders for your home. You can create the perfect patio area for a night out with a gazebo, some water features, and interlocking stones.
Turn spaces that are hardly used into lively areas that guests gravitate towards. Adding hard materials such as interlocking stones to your outdoor living areas helps to transform them and create visual interest. Interlocking stones paired with the right design aspects can make the perfect, unique, and comfortable space for you and your family.
Enhance Driveways and Entrances
Alternatively, interlocking stones can be used to enhance and upgrade your driveways and home entrances. Keep in mind that guests also need a dry, clear area to park their cars or stand while making their way to your home. Interlocking pavers can make that experience easier and provide a clear pathway from outside to your home.
Choosing the Right Interlocking Stones for Your Project
Sandstone and limestone are very popular options for interlocking stones as they are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Sandstone, however, can be very porous so it may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas because the material can stain easily and be temperamental under certain weather conditions.
Slate is another great option, but is often more expensive and can become slippery when wet, making it out of the question for areas with a lot of rainfall. Lastly, granite is a popular choice due to its longevity and durability. However, it can be quite expensive, especially for those on a tighter budget. Granite is also not the best for freezing temperatures, as it can be prone to cracking.
Maintenance Tips for Interlocking Stone Surfaces
Maintaining your interlocking stone surfaces should be an easy yearly task, as they are already sealed professionally against damage, cracks, and stains. In the winter, you may choose to use salt on your interlocking stone surfaces to prevent icing.
Over the years, you may notice chips and cracks in your interlocking stone surfaces. However, these should be easily remedied with a little maintenance without having to replace all your stones. Basic maintenance simply requires you to wash down your stone surfaces, shovel snow, de-ice when needed, and keep an eye on the surfaces for possible repairs in the future.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Space This Summer
In conclusion, interlocking stones can turn your outdoor living areas from drab to fab and do not require heavy or tedious maintenance. Interlocking pavers are strong, durable, and can last many decades when taken care of properly.
Not only are they beautiful, but they can increase your home’s value and provide safety, comfort, and functionality. If you are looking to upgrade your landscaping this summer, look no further than interlocking stones for your driveways, pathways, entrances, or patios.
