Granite paving can be used for various hardscaping projects, including patios, walkways, driveways, and garden edging. This material may be purchased directly from granite quarries or through a distributor. It is typically higher in price than clay bricks, but is more affordable than concrete paving. Some home improvement stores carry it for use in home projects, however, greater variety can be found through Internet distributors, which generally offer a selection of stone from anywhere in the world.
Unlike brick pavers, which are cast into a mold and sometimes made by hand, granite is chiseled from large quarry deposits. The stone is removed in large sections and refined in factories to the precise finish, shape, and size specified by the distributor or purchaser. Granite has a distinct, speckled appearance that may be found in a limited selection of colors. These typically range between light and dark grays, but may also include certain variations of reds and golds, depending on the quarry source.
Granite paving stones may be used in any type of project that requires masonry. These stones are hard and durable, making them heat and frost-tolerant and able to withstand large weight loads. Their weight-bearing capabilities make them a popular choice for use in driveway and road settings. The different finishes available for these stones also make them visually striking and adaptable for any need.
The most popular home projects in which granite paving is used are stone patios and driveways. Though these blocks are large and very heavy, they are installed using similar methods to brick pavers and may be held in place with compacted sand. Their rough surface makes them naturally slip-resistant, causing them to be a popular choice for surrounding pools.
This material may also be used in indoor projects. In such circumstances, however, the granite is typically refined into tiles or custom-fit slabs that may be fit directly into kitchen and bathroom counter tops. Such custom granite must typically be installed by certified professionals.
Granite paving is often very large, and is most frequently sold in a tumbled or cut shape. Tumbled blocks have irregular corners and edges, and create a natural, cobbled finish. Cut pavers have sharp, even edges and corners, and fit easily into a precise, overall pattern. Tumbled granite is generally sold in a square or rectangular shape, while cut granite may be found in other geometric shapes, like trapezoids and pentagons.