Cobblestones
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: August 24, 2010
More and more homeowners these days are looking for an alternative to plain old concrete driveways, and many of them are discovering something old that’s making a comeback in a new and improved version. If you like the Old World look of cobblestone, but you know how expensive it can be, we may have just the thing you you’ve been looking for.
With cobblestone, each stone has to be cut and fitted by hand, just the way a stone mason builds a wall, which is time-consuming and also very expensive. Cobblestones also tend to have wide joints between the stones where weeds and grass can take root and grow and really become a hassle.
Belgard cobblestone pavers eliminate a lot of those expensive problems here on this driveway with these.
Before you hire a contractor, it’s a good idea to visit a home with a driveway where he’s had these cobblestone pavers in place for at least four years. The most important thing to look for is settling. These great-looking pavers are only as good as the base of compacted sand and crushed stone they're resting on.
Best of Both: Look of old stone cobblestones with the advantages of today’s concrete pavers. Made of sand, crushed stone & cement.
Appearance: Look of old stone. Smooth textures. Range of colors and shapes to enhance your home's architectural style.
Base Preparation Requirements
1. Prepare a crushed stone aggregate base at least a 6" deep.
2. Add a 1" sand bed. Screed (level) the sand bed by dragging a 2x4 board over 1” diameter pipes.
3. Compact the layers down.
4. Install plastic edge restraints on the tamped base using 10" spikes.
5. Laying Cobblestones: Start with longest, straightest edge first.
6. Sizes, Patterns: Come in square & rectangular. Part of the Old World look is achieved through the way you lay these pavers together.
7. What About the Edges? Cut these pavers to work with curves and around corners with a standard masonry cutter.
8. Tamp the Pavers: Use a flat-plate vibrator/compactor after all the pavers have been installed. Start at the entire outside edge first, then circle inward.
9. Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free. Remove dirt and stains with just ordinary soap and water. Pavers can also be individually removed and reinstalled very easily – great for installing or repairing sprinkler lines, gas lines, etc.
10. Sand the Joints: Sweep coarse, dry sand into the joints between the units to lock them together. Do not use mason sand. Repeat until joints are filled. Sweep more sand into the joints in a few days if any settling of sand occurs.
11. Durability: These cobblestone pavers are dense and resist cracking caused by freeze/thaw cycles and salts.
12. Snow Removal: They also create a smooth, uniform surface that makes it easy to clear off snow.
With cobblestone, each stone has to be cut and fitted by hand, just the way a stone mason builds a wall, which is time-consuming and also very expensive. Cobblestones also tend to have wide joints between the stones where weeds and grass can take root and grow and really become a hassle.
Belgard cobblestone pavers eliminate a lot of those expensive problems here on this driveway with these.
Before you hire a contractor, it’s a good idea to visit a home with a driveway where he’s had these cobblestone pavers in place for at least four years. The most important thing to look for is settling. These great-looking pavers are only as good as the base of compacted sand and crushed stone they're resting on.
Best of Both: Look of old stone cobblestones with the advantages of today’s concrete pavers. Made of sand, crushed stone & cement.
Appearance: Look of old stone. Smooth textures. Range of colors and shapes to enhance your home's architectural style.
Base Preparation Requirements
1. Prepare a crushed stone aggregate base at least a 6" deep.
2. Add a 1" sand bed. Screed (level) the sand bed by dragging a 2x4 board over 1” diameter pipes.
3. Compact the layers down.
4. Install plastic edge restraints on the tamped base using 10" spikes.
5. Laying Cobblestones: Start with longest, straightest edge first.
6. Sizes, Patterns: Come in square & rectangular. Part of the Old World look is achieved through the way you lay these pavers together.
7. What About the Edges? Cut these pavers to work with curves and around corners with a standard masonry cutter.
8. Tamp the Pavers: Use a flat-plate vibrator/compactor after all the pavers have been installed. Start at the entire outside edge first, then circle inward.
9. Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free. Remove dirt and stains with just ordinary soap and water. Pavers can also be individually removed and reinstalled very easily – great for installing or repairing sprinkler lines, gas lines, etc.
10. Sand the Joints: Sweep coarse, dry sand into the joints between the units to lock them together. Do not use mason sand. Repeat until joints are filled. Sweep more sand into the joints in a few days if any settling of sand occurs.
11. Durability: These cobblestone pavers are dense and resist cracking caused by freeze/thaw cycles and salts.
12. Snow Removal: They also create a smooth, uniform surface that makes it easy to clear off snow.
