For many years, paving slabs are considered one of the most popular materials. This is not surprising, because in comparison with asphalt pavement it looks much more attractive and reliable. It is also very important that with its help anyone can pave beautiful and durable paths on their own garden plot or on the territory of a country cottage. All that is needed for this is an improvised tool and the pavers itself. The sizes and types of modern tiles can be very diverse, so before you go shopping, you need to decide on the design and correctly calculate the amount of necessary material. How to do this and what parameters paving stones may have, we will consider in our article.
Types of paving slabs
Modern technologies allow manufacturers to produce paving stones of various shapes, sizes and colors. It can be made of natural stones or artificial materials, while in both versions the product looks very aesthetically pleasing.
Today on the market you can find the following types of paving slabs:
- paving stones from natural materials;
- tile from artificial raw materials;
- concrete products;
- vibrocast stone slabs;
- vibropressed stone paving;
- a cover called "Brick";
- tile "Turtle";
- hexagonal pavers "Honeycombs";
- clay tile.
The scope and dimensions of the tile (pavers) in each case are different, so let's look at all the options individually.
Tiles made from natural and artificial materials
The main for the manufacture of natural pavers is granite or sandstone. Products made of granite are extremely durable and spectacular appearance. The manufacturing process of this variety is quite time-consuming, because of which the final cost of production is slightly higher compared to peers.
Natural paving stones (the dimensions of which are strictly determined by GOST) are either in the form of a square (minimum dimensions of which are 50 x 50 x 50) or a rectangle (with maximum parameters of 200 x 100 x 80). The width, height and thickness of the products can vary between the minimum and maximum parameters, with each indicator always being a multiple of 10 mm.
Sandstone is characterized by lower strength than granite, which does not allow its use in intensive use. However, it is this quality that makes it possible to produce tiles not only square, but also rounded. Such paving stones are produced in gray, green, red, brown, yellow and pink colors.
Artificial analogues of natural pavers are made of clay or concrete. The thickness of such plates ranges from 20 to 80 mm. Thin elements pave the pavement in places where vehicles do not drive, and thick products go to the laying of roads.
Vibrocast and vibropressed pavers
Artificial paving stones are made of concrete, which is poured into special forms. This coating is obtained in two ways:
- using vibrocasting;
- vibropressing.
Vibrocast paving stones consist of the main concrete layer and decorative coating with the addition of natural stone chips and dye. This tile is characterized by an extensive range of colors and smoothness. Most often, it is used to equip local areas (in places of medium load).
In the second embodiment, paving stones are made by pressing and simultaneous vibration. The finished product is rougher, which ensures the safety of pedestrians in icy conditions. In car parks, park alleys and sidewalks, such paving stones are used. The sizes of both types are 200 x 100 x 40 and 200 x 100 x 60 mm.
To lay 1 square meter of such coverage, you will need about 50 bricks, the total weight of which will be from 85 to 100 kg.
Paving stones "Brick" and "Turtle"
The tile called "Brick" is particularly popular, as it is considered more universal. It can be used for paving both small and large areas. The coating is very resistant to wear and does not lose its original appearance for many years.
GOST has established a clear size of “Brick” paving stones - 210 x 105 x 60 mm, however, some manufacturers produce tiles of non-standard parameters.
Tile “Turtle” is characterized by the presence of patterns and unlimited color gamut, however, it is suitable for laying only on a solid and even concrete base. Its size is 30 x 30 x 3cm. To lay 1 m² of cladding you will need 11 elements, the total weight of which will be 70 kg.
Paving stones "Honeycombs" and clay products
The "Honeycomb" tile is produced by vibrocasting or vibrocompression. It is presented in the form of a hexagon, which is stacked in rows. This material is suitable for any surfaces, very durable and beautiful. Multi-colored hexagonal paving stones (the dimensions of which are 260 x 140 x 60) are often used in landscape design.
Clay tiles in other words are called clinker bricks. It is available in more than 60 colors, which are obtained by mixing different varieties of clay. The texture of the product can be smooth, rough and structured. In shape, square, rectangular, oval and wedge-shaped tiles are most often found.
Today at construction sites you can find the following sizes of pavers (rectangular):
• 24 x 11.8 x 5.2 cm;
• 20 x 10 x 5.2 cm;
• 20 x 15 x 5.2 cm.
The cost of pavers
In conclusion, I want to pay attention to the cost of different types of paving stones.
Concrete vibropressed gray tiles (3 cm thick) will cost the buyer from 300 rubles per m². Products of maximum thickness will cost from 600 rubles for the same volume.
The cost of clinker pavers also depends on its thickness. The thinnest tiles cost about 1,500 rubles per m². The price tag for thick clay pavers is twice as high.
Products from granite will cost the consumer from 1,600 per m².
When choosing a tile, it should be noted that painted paving stones are twice as expensive as natural-colored products.
In this article, we examined what types of paving stones are. The sizes, price and scope of application in each case are different, therefore, before purchasing this or that option, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with its operational characteristics. Good luck with your purchases and accurate calculations!