October 13, 2008
Interlocking Pavers
Q. I read a copy of your column in Newsday a year ago regarding your selection of Cambridge paving stones for one of your projects. I understand your problems when it comes to choosing a manufacturer and a size and color of pavers; that's where I am right now. So, to follow up on your decision almost a year later, are you satisfied with the Cambridge pavers? I prefer a Cambridge paver and one of the colors offered, but I am concerned with how the pavers will wear. Another paving manufacturer, Nicolock, is a solid color all the way through the brick; at least, that's how it was explained to me. Cambridge, on the other hand, has a veneer coating. Can you please tell me more?
- Linda Hagerman, Melville
A. The best place for you to start is the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, which has a great Web site (www.icpi.org). You'll find a lot of information on the standards of the industry and, to be honest, many of the main manufacturers meet or exceed these standards. Pavers made by Nicolock, Cambridge, Unilock and Grinnell are designed to resist the absorption of water and cracking under freeze-thaw cycles. Each of these manufacturers, in my opinion, makes an excellent product.
As for Cambridge, many of the installers I spoke with liked the way the pavers looked after installation. They said that the smoother surface was especially attractive (and easy on feet) on pool patios, which is what I installed. So far, so good. The patio looks great, and it has lasted one winter without any problems. The main reason I selected Cambridge was the smooth surface (I've noticed no lack of strength because of its veneer coating) and color of its paver. I was equally confident, however, that paving stones by Nicolock, Unilock and Grinnell would stand up to the weather and wear. By the way, all of the stones were close in price, within $200 of each other for about 1,500 square feet.
Remember that all paving stones will wear some; the smooth surface is known to wear slightly, just like a concrete driveway or patio.
Make sure you use a certified installer (you can get a list on the ICPI Web site) and pick a manufacturer that belongs to ICPI.
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