Interlock Versus Natural Stones Versus a Concrete Walkway

When it comes to creating the perfect walkway for your home, you’ll certainly have a lot of choices. Should you be considering a concrete walkway, one made of interlocking stones or a pathway of natural stones? They all come with their own set of pros and cons and the one you choose should be based on your budget, your preference in terms of the aesthetic appeal and the functionality that all of these materials offer.

 

When you’re planning to redo your walkway or driveway, it’s a long-term commitment so you’ll want to compare the different materials to see which one would work best for you. Think carefully about the decision you make and then go for it. Once the decision has been made, get your walkway or driveway done and never look back. You won’t regret your decision once you see an amazing new concrete walkway, natural stones or an interlock driveway in front of your home.

Why Choose Natural Stones for a Walkway or Driveway?

Natural stones may be made out of the following materials:

• Limestone
• Granite
• Bluestone
• Flagstone
• Travertine
• Others

Each one has its own unique characteristics along with different textures and earthy looks. They are available in a variety of irregular shapes, which is harder to find with concrete pavers. You can choose natural stones with different shapes and these look wonderful. 

 

You have probably seen some flagstone walkways in your time, for example, that were absolutely stunning. You won’t be able to do this if you choose interlocking stones for your walkway since they are made in specific shapes and forms. You can, however, decide to create a one-of-a-kind flagstone walkway and pair it with an interlock driveway. This can also create an amazing look and it’s totally okay to mix and match different stones when you’re doing a driveway and a walkway.

 

Pavers for Concrete Walkways

Concrete pavers are man-made and they are also available in just about any colour, texture, shape or size. You can choose to get large rectangular stones or square stones and concrete is also available in brick shapes. New on the market are concrete stones that resemble natural stones and bricks. While they are an incredibly durable material to choose, they are more prone to cracking than interlocking and natural stones.

 

The benefit of using these pavers to make a concrete walkway, however, is the price. They are less expensive and when you are working within the confines of a strict budget they may be your best choice. Generally speaking, a concrete walkway will not last as long as one that is made from interlocking or natural stones so keep that in mind when it’s time to make a final choice.

 

Discover the Pros and Cons of Natural Stones

Natural stones provide a timeless elegance to any walkway or driveway. Every stone that is laid down will have a different colour and texture. This means that you will have a completely unique area that your guests will find captivating. When you want to personalize the exterior of your home to make it your own, natural stones are a great choice.

 

Natural stones also require little maintenance over the years. They seldom crack and they are easy to clean. Over time they age gracefully and beautifully. They will look as good in 50 years as the first day you laid them. You can get the stones with a flat or an irregular surface layer to add even more depth to your walkway. They are also great stones to use for patio areas.

 

These stones can be a lot easier to install than interlocking or concrete stones but you need to be sure to choose the right professional company to work with. They must be laid down properly in order to avoid shifting and this will require examining the earth where they will be placed in order to make a proper plan for the installation. When you are investing in your walkway, make sure that you choose not only the right stones but the best installation professionals for the job.

 

The main drawback of using natural stones is the price. You’ll have to pay more for the stones than you would for the concrete pavers but for many it’s a worthwhile investment. 

Interlock Driveway Stones

Create an interlock driveway using stones that are environmentally sustainable. These are long-lasting stones that can pass the test of time and they look fantastic on any driveway. Interlock stones are also available in many colours and can be arranged to make amazing patterns.

 

One of the biggest benefits of using interlock driveway stones is the maintenance of them is very easy. They simply need to be washed every year and you can do this with your pressure washer or with a regular hose. You’ll also have the option to seal them to keep them looking their best but this is optional.

 

If one of the interlock stones becomes loose it’s easy to fix and should one break it can be replaced. Just make sure that the company that is installing the interlock driveway leaves you with extra stones once the job has been completed. 

 

When you’re dealing with an asphalt driveway, if there is any breakage it ruins the look of the entire driveway. When you have to patch up asphalt the patch job will never completely match the colour of the old asphalt. This is one of the reasons why it’s best to invest in concrete or interlock driveway stones. These types of driveways can look good and last for many years to come. 

 

If it’s time to create a new look for your driveway, walkway or patio, contact the professionals at EGE Interlock to get a professional assessment of what should be done and your available options. We service homeowners in Toronto and the GTA and we would be happy to come out and give you a consultation. Visit our website now at www.egeinterlock.com to see the wide range of services we provide and our commitment to 100% customer satisfaction.