Pavers are durable and come in a variety of options, which make them an easy choice for many hardscaping projects. However, not all pavers are created equal, and things like aesthetic and price can weigh heavily on the decision.
Just because winter is almost here doesn’t mean that the backyard you worked on all summer has to go dormant. There are still plenty of projects you can do throughout the colder months that will make your garden functional and beautiful through the winter while prepping for next summer. Below are a few of our favorite projects to work on in the off season.
The hardscape surrounding a pool is referred to by a variety of different names: pool patio, pool deck, pool decking, and pool surround, just to name a few.
Whatever you call the space around your pool, odds are, you’ll spend more of your time on the pool patio than in the pool! Whether you’re throwing a pool party or just lounging in the sun, your pool deck is likely to see the most action. That’s why making the right decisions when it comes to size and material of your pool surround are critical to your overall enjoyment of the area.
If you’re building an in-ground pool, you’ve probably already dropped a pretty penny on the labor that goes into it and are looking to cut costs elsewhere. If you want to get the most out of your pool, fight the urge to save money by skimping out on the pool surround.
For a lot of pool owners, their number one regret is that they underestimated how much time they would spend poolside (but not actually in the pool) and didn’t make their pool patio big enough.
If you’re wanting to surround your pool with furniture, that takes up space! And if you’re planning on having friends or family over, you need to leave enough room for people to maneuver.
Here are a few good space estimates to keep in mind when planning your pool deck[1]:
Based on those numbers above, a 12’ x 24’ rectangular pool with a seating area, a small dining area, and a couple chaise lounges, you’re looking at needing a patio somewhere between 1,080 square feet and 1,430 square feet. That gives you plenty of space to lounge poolside!
Now if you’ve run the numbers and found that your dream pool deck is just not in the budget, don’t get discouraged. It’s possible to tackle your pool patio in stages if it’s planned for in advance.
Whether you’re building the whole kit and caboodle now, or you’re building it in phases, it’s important to know just how much space you’ll need for your pool deck.
Once you’ve determined how large your pool patio needs to be, you’ll need to decide what material you want to use.
Choosing a material isn’t just pure aesthetics. There are variety of criteria to consider, including:
Below, we’ve broken down the most popular materials according to cost and their pros and cons.
"Oak Tree | 1303 Saint Andrews Edmond OK" by Bill Wilson is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Poured concrete is one of the most popular pool decking materials due to its cost-efficiency. It comes in a variety of neutral colors and can be finished a number of ways (including smooth, brushed, or with aggregate) to match your personal preference. Concrete can also be stamped with designs to give more flair, if you’re wanting something other than a smooth surface.
Cost: Poured concrete is the cheapest option on our list, in terms of materials. It’s also highly cost efficient if you’re pouring a large pool patio. However, bear in mind that unless you’re an expert DIY-er, a concrete pool surround should be poured by a professional, which adds to the final cost.
Pros:
Cons:
Brick (or clay pavers) have been around for centuries, are a beautiful, durable material for a pool deck. They are great for achieving a consistent or patterned look, and have wonderful color retention, so they won’t fade quickly.
Cost: If you’re going with true brick, which is made of clay, expect a higher price tag (clay pavers can cost 15% to 20% more than a similar looking concrete paver). Brick is among the more expensive options on our list.
Pros:
Cons:
Concrete pavers are extremely popular for hardscapes due to their variety of sizes, colors, and patterns to suit your personal preference. They also come in a variety of price points, depending on manufacturing method, making it easy to find a solution that fits your budget.
Cost: Paver costs are largely dependent on whether you purchase a dry cast concrete paver (like the paving stones you can pick up at a big box store like Lowe’s or Home Depot) or a wet cast concrete paver (like FireRock’s concrete pavers). Dry cast concrete pavers tend to be on the lower end of the scale, whereas wet cast concrete pavers tend to be closer to the price point of natural stone.
Pros:
Cons:
"Rose Creek Estate" by Caviness Landscape Design is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Natural stones, such as flagstone, bluestone, and travertine, have long been a popular choice for hardscapes and offer a beautiful, natural look for your pool patio.
Cost: Natural stone tends to be among the pricier of pool patio materials available. Bear in mind that the price of using a natural stone paver will vary based on a few options, including type of stone and whether you a natural or more uniform look.
Pros:
Cons:
Whether you’re building a modest pool for your own enjoyment or want an extravagant pool where you can entertain friends and family, you’ll need to put the time and effort into thinking through the size and materials you want for your pool patio. And if you’ve done your job right, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool in the water and on the deck.
[1] Jason Hughes. “How Much Swimming Pool Patio Do I Need?,” River Pools, June 1, 2009, https://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/blog/how-much-swimming-pool-patio-do-i-need.
Paving stones have long been a popular building material for both landscaping (e.g., patios and pool decks) and industrial needs (e.g., roads). And because they are durable and come in a variety of options, pavers are an excellent choice for a multitude of hardscape projects.
The perfect patio isn’t just a fun space to hang out outdoors – it’s also an extension of your home. Building the perfect patio is just as much a labor of love as designing the interior of your house. From flooring to colors to furniture, paying attention to the little details and making sure they coordinate with each other and the rest of your house is crucial to creating the outdoor living space of your dreams. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our favorite trends for designing the perfect patio.
Over the past few years, industrial interior design has made a resurgence. Exposed beams, hardwoods and concrete floors, and simple decorating schemes are now in vogue – and for good reason! The simple and clean lines of industrial interior design are timeless and are great for making a space feel open and airy. Whether you’re looking to redecorate (or even remodel) your home, or you’re just curious what’s making this new trend so popular, check out some of our favorite industrial design trends below!
Extravagant pools are no longer just things to be featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. With the boom of the luxury building materials industry, homeowners have more access than ever to great materials to build the pool of their dreams. With a little inspiration and creativity, you can create your own luxury pool that is sure to make your neighbors jealous. Here are our favorite pool trends to help get you started.
Featuring FireRock Clay Pavers
Don’t be square when it’s time to start building your pool. Plain rectangular pools, while popular, are boring. The easiest way to create a one-of-a-kind pool is to pick a unique shape. Choose something that fits your yard or something that reflects your own aesthetics.
"Swimming pool bar, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bangkok" by David McKelvey is licensed under CC BY 2.0
If you’re still in the beginning design phases of your pool, consider opting for a swim-up bar. If you plan on having adults over to swim, a poolside bar is a fun and easy way to keep the party going while providing that “wow” factor that is sure to make your friends jealous. And if a permanent bar isn’t in the budget, you can always opt for a moveable cart once your pool is built.
Featuring FireRock Steel Pavers
Blending your patio and poolscape together is a great way to make your backyard feel even bigger and more impressive. Choose a material like pavers with a high solar reflectance index that can incorporate easily into both a patio and a pool deck. Using the same material throughout the entire space helps create a cohesive design that will let the beauty of your pool shine.
Featuring FireRock Outdoor Fireplace
If you’re really looking to up the “wow” factor of your pool, think about playing with fire. More and more pool designers are installing fire pits or even fireplaces along the perimeter pool. It’s a great way to provide warmth and natural light while you swim as well as a striking visual element.
Featuring FireRock Steel Pavers
If fire features aren’t your style, you can get a similar effect with waterfalls and fountains. Adding a water feature to your pool is an easy way to add dimension to your space. Plus, the gentle sound of running water can create a calming space for you to relax and enjoy your pool.
"Pool" by David Mertl is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Another simple upgrade that you can add after your pool is built is colored lights. Whether you incorporate uplighting on the perimeter of your pool or use a colored bulb in your pool’s light fixture, colored lighting adds visual interest to your poolscape.
Featuring FireRock Ore Pavers
What’s a pool without some poolside lounging? Budget now to buy comfortable chairs, benches or even a hammock. Investing in a few good pieces of patio furniture is an easy way to make sure people actually enjoy lounging poolside.
Whether you’re in the design phase of building your own pool, or just looking for a few ways to spruce yours up, these 7 pool trends are a sure fire way to take your pool to the next level
How Much Do Pavers Cost?
Concrete pavers are a beautiful addition to any home renovation or new build project. They are a more affordable way to get the look of natural stone, versatile to be used indoors and out, and most have third-party testing results to back up their performance. But they aren't free. One of the most common questions asked by homeowners looking to install concrete pavers is “how much is it going to cost me?” And you ask it for good reason as there are a lot of pieces you need to keep in mind when pulling your full budget together.
Here are a few tips from the Paver Pros at FireRock to keep in mind when thinking about paver costs:
Perhaps the most obvious cost is the actual material itself, which may vary based on who you purchase from and where in the country you are located. The most cost efficient way to purchase is to choose standard sizes, color and thickness available from the manufacturer. Costs will increase if your project requires custom sizes, custom colors, or rounded or square coping.
In addition to the materials you can see, you also need to consider the materials you can’t see – the foundation. Most paver manufacturers can accommodate a few different foundation options by offering multiple thicknesses. FireRock, for instance, has 3 thicknesses – 1”, 1 ¾” and 2 ¾” – in a number of standard sizes. The thinner 1” paver is best when used on a concrete slab foundation whereas the thicker paver sizes require a polymeric sand base. When pavers are laid on a concrete slab, you will also need to account for grout to run between the paving stones to secure them together.
As you can imagine, a pallet of concrete pavers can be pretty heavy, so shipping costs must be considered as part of your overall budget. Your shipping costs will vary based on overall size of the order as well as the distance they need to travel from the manufacturer, so be sure to ask about this when getting a quote. In addition to the costs to get materials to your jobsite, you’ll also need to consider how to unload them from the truck. For example, a single pallet of FireRock 1” pavers weighs approximately 3,200 lbs. and requires a forklift to move as it is too heavy to raise/lower with a lift gate or moffett.
While it is possible to lay paver stones yourself, we do recommend getting the help of a professional, especially if your project requires any cutting or custom work done on site. Professional installers have ample experience with these types of stones and are skilled at laying a perfectly level space you are sure to love. Installation can cost as much as 2x your material cost, but oftentimes you can lean on your installer for assistance with delivery and for bringing required materials such as grout, sand, sealer, etc.
It is imperative that you seal your finished paver project in order to keep it looking good for years to come. There are a number of sealers on the market you can consider, such as SEK Surebond that protect the surface from everyday wear and tear and damage caused by UV rays, water penetration, stains and mildew among other things. Keep in mind that sealer will wear off over time, so it is recommended you reseal every 2-3 years.
In addition to sealing your paver installation, think about developing a regular cleaning schedule (especially for those outdoor projects) to keep them looking great.
When thinking about budgeting for concrete pavers or any stone project, consider the above to ensure there are no surprises in your budget.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 888-876-1025.