Concrete stones are paving stones made mechanically from – just that – concrete. It is by far the most common alternative as a material for garden paths, driveways and outdoor patios. The popularity lies both in the relatively easy price and in the fact that concrete blocks are easy to lay.
But on the market today there are also a lot of different looks and variants of concrete stone, which means that there is always a nice concrete stone to choose from as an alternative to natural stone.
Concrete
Concrete is a product that is based on natural materials and that is mixed together and shaped according to needs and wishes. 80% of the content consists of gravel, sand and stone and in addition a dose of cement.
A small part of the concrete also consists of water. It happens that different agents are added to increase the durability of the concrete. Some substances make the concrete easier to shape, others make it more refractory.
Even those substances are in principle completely natural. When concrete is mixed, it starts to burn and over time becomes solid and hard. Concrete stones are stones that are shaped like blocks in different sizes. These can be used as building materials in the most varied contexts.
Appearance of concrete blocks
Concrete pavers can look in a variety of ways. The most common stones are tumbled, which gives them an uneven and vivid impression. Through the tumbling, the sharp edges that would otherwise be on the stone are removed.
The colors vary between the basic gray color and natural colors such as cayenne, vanilla, curry and chili and slightly tougher colors such as black and completely in white.
The color is often very even, which gives a different impression than the varying colors of natural stone. However, there are concrete stones that are also structured and colored like natural stone, and then the concrete stone is confusingly similar to the original.
Properties of the concrete block
Concrete is basically very durable and durable. However, it has its weaknesses. Concrete paving stones are more sensitive to salt. Salts and products that contain salt can cause burns and make the stone porous and sensitive.
Otherwise, the concrete is easy to care for and maintenance-free. It is easy to work with and shape into different blocks or discs. Unlike natural stone, all concrete stones are the same size and thickness, ie completely symmetrical.
Use
Concrete stone is popular as a paving stone, not least because the stones are easy to lay and affordable. They cost on average about half of the cost that can be spent on natural stone.
It makes them popular for everything between heaven and earth in the garden. Aisles, garden edges, balconies, driveways, and much more can be created through concrete blocks.
The same applies to retaining walls and stairs. All ground surfaces become even and stable with concrete paving stones.
Durable
In addition, paving stones made of concrete last a very long time, even if the durability is not quite as high as for natural stone. There are a variety of tiles and stones to choose from as materials for the ground covering to be made, including patterned concrete. Patterned concrete are large slabs that appear to be a large amount of individual stones.
If the concrete does not get salt on it, it is basically maintenance-free, with the exception of weeds. With a good foundation and non-woven fabric or with patterned concrete, weeds will not be a problem either.
If you are thinking about outdoor pavers, travertine pavers are the best option. They are affordable, durable & Non-slip.