In modern construction, commercial-grade pavers are pivotal in aesthetics and functionality. They are extensively used in various commercial spaces, including parking lots, patios, sidewalks and outdoor plazas. These pavers come in a myriad of styles, such as concrete and natural stone, each with unique benefits to offer various applications.
When it comes to choosing suitable pavers for commercial applications, there are several factors to consider, like the application, design, durability and cost considerations.
Applications for Commercial-Grade Pavers
Commercial-grade pavers enhance the functionality of various spaces by adding safety and visual appeal. These materials are durable while still holding a practical and aesthetic appeal that suits installations like commercial complexes, educational institutions or hospitality settings. Selecting the right pavers depends on the amount of traffic the area sees:
- Pedestrian: Pavers find use in areas with a lot of pedestrian foot traffic, like commercial plazas.
- Pedestal set: Pavers can be set on pedestals in rooftop and plaza applications.
- Light vehicle traffic: For commercial parking lots, some types of commercial pavers can create walkways to keep everyone safe. It is important to note that architectural slab pavers are not designed to accommodate vehicular traffic.
Types of Commercial-Grade Pavers
Available in various shapes, sizes and colorways, each type of commercial-grade paver has its own unique characteristics. Choosing which paver to use in your project comes down to the application or end-use. Popular commercial paving materials include:
- Architectural pavers: These are a durable product that gives patios, pools, walkways and commercial areas an architecturally uniform look. Architectural slab pavers are not suitable for areas with vehicular traffic.
- Interlocking pavers: Practical, cost-effective and versatile, these can create unique patterns in residential or commercial areas.
- Slate pavers: The look of slate with the strength of 8,500 psi concrete in a natural finish can be a great complement to many commercial projects.
- Asphalt pavers: Made from minerals like rock, sand and gravel with bitumen or tar as a binder, this material generates minimal noise and is quick to install.
- Camina paving stones: The Camina paving stone offers more customization, boosting visual appeal to outdoor areas.
- Urban stone pavers: These aesthetically pleasing pavers are durable and perfect for pathways, plazas and streetscapes. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and feature an interlocking design that simplifies installation and repairs.
Design and Aesthetics
Focus on creating a visually appealing and functional outdoor space with your commercial-grade pavers. By considering standard design elements, achieving this creativity can be simple:
- Color palette: Choose colors that complement the environment and architecture of the buildings in the area. Neutral shades often work best for a classic look.
- Pattern and layout: Herringbones, basketweaves or running bond patterns can add more character and interest to outdoor spaces.
- Texture variations: Pavers with varying textures can offer a tactile experience, slip resistance in rainy weather and lend a rustic charm to the area they are used in.
Maintenance and Durability
Ensuring the longevity of commercial-grade pavers is a simple process. Applying a sealer protects pavers from moisture and stains. Additionally, you can set up a pavement management plan as part of the maintenance strategy:
- Clean regularly: Basic maintenance keeps your pavers looking great. Clean pavers by sweeping away debris regularly, using a strong hose spray to remove stains. This will also increase the visibility of potential causes for concern in the material.
- Remove stains: Promptly addressing stains with soap and a pressure washer ensures that pavers look fresh for longer.
- Easy repairs: If there is a need for underground maintenance or the modular pavers crack, they are easy to remove and reinstall.
- Joint maintenance: Keep the joints between pavers filled with mortar or polymeric sand to stabilize the installation.
Cost and Installation
To choose the right commercial paver, you also need to consider the costs. Assess the budget, project requirements and long-term goals to ensure your investment provides lasting value for your commercial project. There are several points to keep in mind for the cost and installation process of commercial-grade pavers:
- Material cost: The type of paver, color and finish determines the price.
- Labor costs: Labor costs depend on the project’s complexity. For example, labor costs increase for more involved or complex projects, while they will decrease for simpler installations.
- Base preparation: When adequately prepared, the pavers’ longevity increases. The base preparation includes excavation, laying the base material and ensuring proper drainage.
- Paver size and thickness: Thicker pavers are often priced higher as they are more durable, making them a good option for heavy-traffic areas.
- Pattern and design: Elaborate or intricate designs require more time and effort to install, adding additional costs.
- Additional features: If you opt for extra features that will enhance the project’s aesthetics, like edging and lighting, your bill will have more charges.
The Benefits of Commercial-Grade Pavers
High-quality commercial-grade pavers are made to handle the effects of harsh weather conditions and withstand heavy loads. When you choose pavers consisting of the best materials on the market, you can reap the benefits for years to come:
- Aesthetics: With pavers, exterior spaces have a uniform look, providing an impressive ambiance to clients, visitors or guests.
- Long life span: These products have a long life span, but they can also extend the longevity of patios, roof decks, parking lots, courtyards and more.
- Efficient space utilization: By using commercial pavers, you make the most of the square footage by giving visitors access to more exterior areas.
- Expanding business opportunities: Commercial properties with pavers have the potential to expand business by offering outdoor seating.
Find a Design That Breaks the Mold
Commercial-grade pavers are robust, versatile and essential to commercial building projects that need spaces with visual and practical appeal. By selecting the correct type of paver for your application and complementing it with the colors and textures available, you can look forward to a beautiful, functional commercial space.
Nitterhouse’s line of commercial pavers offers custom-fit shapes and a range of colors to choose from. With over 100 years of industry experience, our sales professionals are ready to help you find the custom commercial pavers you need to WOW your clients. Contact Nitterhouse Masonry today to find the perfect commercial paver solutions.
