Pavers, which are usually made of pre-cast brick or concrete, are an attractive, durable alternative to poured concrete for driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls, and many other outdoor purposes. A person trying to save money can use discount or second-hand pavers, which are generally available through local retailers and distributors. Choose the best discount pavers by researching local companies so you know who you’re dealing with, and then ask specific questions so you can make an educated decision about the discount pavers and whether they’ll work for your project.
First and foremost, you should find out why the pavers are being discounted. Depending on where and how you’re installing the pavers, the reason or potential defect may not matter. In other instances, discount pavers could make your project more difficult to achieve or less durable in the long run. For example, if the pavers are discounted because there was an issue in manufacturing and they’re not of uniform thickness, that could make installation of a large, flat patio of interlocking pavers time-consuming and difficult.
When you check with local companies to ask about their discount paver inventory, make sure you know which type of paver you need. There are two main types: clay pavers, which are impermeable; and concrete pavers, which are permeable. The installation process differs between the two, because impermeable clay pavers need additional drainage, so it’s important to know which type you need.
There are a number of reasons a retailer may discount pavers. They may have an irregular thickness or shape — especially interlocking concrete pavers — inconsistent coloring, or they may have been used previously in a showroom display. Retailers may also discount pavers that have been returned by customers or those in product lines that are being discontinued.
Prior to purchasing discount pavers, ask if the pavers are still compliant with the industry standard of withstanding minimum pressure of 7,000 psi. Also make certain you purchase from 10 percent to 20 percent more than you need, in case of miscalculations or breakage during installation. Saving some pavers after a project is also a good idea, in case you need to replace any. It can be especially hard to find matching pavers at a later date, because they can vary from batch to batch, especially if you’ve purchased discount pavers with irregular color or a discontinued pattern.
A retailer offering second-hand pavers frequently makes them available only by the pallet — non-discounted pavers generally are available in much smaller quantities — so make sure your project is large enough to warrant purchasing that quantity. It’s also important to verify whether there will be additional charges, such as shipping or delivery fees, beyond the price of the pavers. Ask about their return policy, too; discount pavers are usually nonrefundable.
Discount pavers in your area can be found by contacting local retailers of pavers and concrete products. You can also purchase second-hand pavers through private parties that may have over-purchased for their own projects; look for advertisements online and in the local newspaper. If the pavers were previously installed, make sure you conduct a thorough inspection of their condition before agreeing to the purchase.