Tired of the eye-sore dilapidated pavement you call a driveway? You most likely are, and we totally get you! But there are so many choices! Which one’s the right one for you? What if what you want is something that is budget-friendly but durable at the same time?
Well, have you heard of concrete pavers? They just might be the right one for you. With them, you can create a functional and delightful outdoor living area that reflects your personality while exuding Tampa’s style. It’s the material that gives the best bang for your buck! Choose Paver Company Tampa for durable, beautiful hardscape solutions!
Tampa's Twist: Concrete Pavers with a Local Flair
Tampa boasts a rich architectural heritage. It is reflected in the iconic minarets of the University of Tampa and the colorful murals of Ybor City. Want a coastal vibe or a “Mediterranean Mansion” style? How about “Old Florida estate? These are just a couple of architectural styles you can do with pavers. With various designs, available designs, and colors, pavers let your inner architect shine through! Here are some popular Tampa styles to consider:
- Mediterranean: Capture the essence of historic Tampa with warm, earthy tones like terracotta and ochre. Opt for tumbled or textured pavers for an aged, rustic charm.
- Modern Coastal: Embrace the clean lines and breezy feel of modern coastal living with sleek, rectangular pavers in cool grays, whites, or even a touch of blue.
- Old Florida: Channel the timeless elegance of Old Florida with classic brick pavers in warm tans or reds. Lay them in a traditional herringbone pattern for a touch of history.
Just by taking a stroll through Bayshore Boulevard, you’ll get local inspiration. You didn’t feel any spark after your leisurely stroll? How about visiting the historic neighborhoods of Hyde Park or SoHo? By observing the architectural styles and color palettes around Tampa, you’ll find one that speaks to you the most. Let these local references guide your concrete paver selection. Let it help you create an outdoor space that shouts YOU yet seamlessly blends with the city's unique character.
Worried about that sandy Tampa soil? Fret no more! Unlike brick, concrete pavers are often easier to install on sandy subgrades, making them a perfect choice for many Tampa neighborhoods.
Unveiling the Secrets of Concrete Paver
Now that you have a general idea of what you can do with pavers, let’s talk a bit more about the actual material.
- Paver Making: There are different types of pavers, and each type is manufactured differently. Concrete pavers are made from mixed cement, sand, water, and aggregates. The mixture is poured into molds of varying sizes and shapes. To make it compact and durable, air is extracted via vibration or pressure. It is then left alone to cure for a few days to harden. Once done, the units are taken out of the molds. Meanwhile, brick pavers are made from clay shaped into molds. They let the clay dry and then fired in a kiln. As for natural stone pavers, they are mined from quarries and cut into different shapes and sizes.
- A Paver for Every Undertaking: Depending on the outcome you want, you can choose from classic rectangles and squares. For a more contemporary look, you can use interlocking shapes. Whatever it is, there’s one that’s perfect for your vision. You can also use small, big, and different sizes in between, allowing you to construct intricate patterns or a minimalist space.
- Standing Out from the Crowd: Tampa isn't afraid to be bold, and so do you! With concrete pavers, you can create a unique look that’s entirely you. Play with interlocking patterns like basketweave or herringbone, or add a touch of elegance with decorative borders. If you are feeling adventurous, you can explore custom colors or even have a local artist create a personalized design. With this material, there are endless possibilities, so there’s no need to settle for cookie-cutter!
Tampa Tough: Concrete Paving Built for Our Terrain
Our sandy soil, flat topography, and climate pose some challenges to outdoor structures. But worry not, paver is up to the task! It is a standard outdoor flooring solution often used to pave home driveways besides poured concrete.
- Drainage Done Right: Weird as it may sound to outsiders, but Tampa sees the most rain in summer. These heavy downpours, with our relatively flat terrain, are a real challenge to drainage systems. In here, permeable pavers can help. Its porous feature allows rainwater to drain underground, which helps prevent water pooling and runoffs.
- Freeze and Thaw Fear Not: Unlike the states up north, we seldom get below-freezing temperatures in Tampa. However, occasional cold snap do occur. The good news is that concrete pavers are freeze-thaw resistant. This means pavers won't crack or crumble when the temperature dips.
- Beating the Heat: Out with the chill, in with the scorcher. With 246 sunny days, we all know Tampa is a hot, humid place. This can be problematic when your walkway or deck is made from materials that easily absorb heat. But with pavers, you can use lighter-colored ones that are better at reflecting heat. Not only does this feature keep your property cooler, but it also lessens the urban heat island effect. So you see, they are not only pretty, they are also environmentally friendly.
- Seawall Synergy: Living near mesmerizing waterways comes with a unique perk - the opportunity to link your outdoor space and the waterfront. Concrete pavers complement seawalls beautifully. With them, you can create a cohesive look that can improve your home’s curb appeal. Imagine sipping on a cool glass of sweet tea on your custom-designed patio, the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore the perfect soundtrack to your Tampa dream.
For any outdoor living spaces, be it driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks, concrete pavers are a wonderful option. Here are some specific applications where they truly shine:
Paver Installation
But as with any paving services, budget is a big factor. Admittedly, although concrete pavers are a long-term investment that comes with great benefits, their upfront cost can be a reason for some to have second thoughts. Below is the estimated price of different types of pavers in Tampa. Actual costs may vary depending on factors like material quality, color, size, and location.
But here are some things to keep in mind to keep the construction within budget.
- Paver Selection: The type, size, color, and complexity of the paver can either lower or increase the total price. Generally, larger and more intricate pavers cost more.
- Project Complexity: The size and complexity of your project is another factor. A simple and small walkway will use less material and time to finish. On the other hand, a sprawling deck or patio with elaborate patterns will not only need more materials, and longer work hours but an entirely different type of skill set.
- Subgrade and Preparation: Especially in Tampa's sandy soil, proper subgrade preparation is crucial for a long-lasting paver installation. The cost of this will vary depending on the specific conditions of your property. The type of subgrade (recycled crushed concrete slab, concrete sand, gravel, and crushed stone) also adds to the price.
- Installation Expertise: Hiring a professional landscaping contractor is highly recommended. Experienced contractors will ensure proper drainage, leveling, and base construction, leading to a beautiful and functional surface.
