FAQ's for General Questions


How long do concrete pavers last?
How do concrete pavers compare to clay pavers?
Why do interlock concrete pavers make the ideal pavement?
Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?
What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
Will freezing and thawing damage pavers?
If pavers need to be removed for below grade repairs, can I replace them afterwards?
Will pavers be slippery?
Is snow removal possible on concrete pavers?
Do I need to seal the pavers?
Can interlock concrete pavers be used for my driveway?
How soon after the installation can I use my driveway or patio?
How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?
My new pavers seem to have a film on them. What do I do to get rid of it?
How do I prevent weeds from growing between the joints?
If I haven’t used Polymeric sand in my driveway or patio, how do I eliminate weeds?
Are concrete paving stones better than other deck materials?
Can I use paving stones around a swimming pool?
How do I determine how much base material and sand I'll need?

How long do concrete pavers last?
30 Years, which is much longer than other pavements under normal residential use.


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How do concrete pavers compare to clay pavers?
Clay pavers are available in a limited number of shapes and mostly in shades of red and red-brown. Initial cost and installation is higher with clay pavers than with concrete pavers. Clay pavers often require a concrete base and their inconsistent dimensions make them slow to install. Irregularities in the surface of clay pavers make them prone to damage, especially edge chipping. Oaks concrete pavers come in a multitude of shapes and colours, each manufactured under the highest standards for quality assurance. High-density concrete pavers resist cracking as well as damage from freeze-thaw and salts.


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Why do interlock concrete pavers make the ideal pavement?
Our pavers are ideal products for any freeze/thaw environment. Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is firm, yet flexible. The joints between pavers allow the walkway, driveway, patio, etc. to move without cracking. In addition, they can be easily removed to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, concrete pavers are basically maintenance-free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced.


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Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?
It is the system that makes them interlocking concrete pavers, not necessarily the shape. When installed properly, the combination of the pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand causes them to bind, allowing them to work as a unified, flexible pavement.


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What can I do if my pavers are stained or damaged?
Many different contaminates exist that cause staining on pavers. Some are easily removed by using household cleaning products, while others are more difficult requiring the use of industrial chemicals. Special care must be used when applying these chemicals. It is recommended that you consult a qualified contractor before taking on any cleaning operation. One of the advantages of pavers is that individual units can be removed and replaced when stained or damaged. Remove the sand around the paver and then use a Paver Puller or flat head screwdriver. Rocking the paver gently in a back and forth motion will loosen it, and eventually it will be loose enough to lift out. Insert the new paver, replace the joint sand, compacting the paver into place with a rubber mallet.


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Will freezing and thawing damage pavers?
No, damage from ice is virtually non-existent. The joints allow pavers to move without cracking in freeze and thaw cycles.


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If pavers need to be removed for below grade repairs, can I replace them afterwards?
Yes, unlike other pavements, concrete pavers can be easily removed and reinstated without any visual or functional changes.


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Will pavers be slippery?
No, their surface texture is ideal for obtaining safe traction in pedestrian, vehicular, and pool applications, even when wet.


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Is snow removal possible on concrete pavers?
Pavers can be plowed or shoveled just like concrete or asphalt flooring. Do not chop or use sharp objects to break away any ice on the surface of your paved surface. Although salt will not damage your pavers, non-corrosive de-icing products are recommended.


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Do I need to seal the pavers?
No, pavers are extremely durable. Sealing, however, may enhance the colors and may prevent staining. Allow a minimum of 60-90 days after completion of the installation before sealing. Consult your supplier for recommendation on cleaning and sealing.


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Can interlock concrete pavers be used for my driveway?
Absolutely! 12"-18" (300mm-450mm) of compacted base material is recommended for residential driveways. A standard 2-3/8” (60mm) thick paver can be used for light vehicular (cars and pickup trucks) applications.


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How soon after the installation can I use my driveway or patio?
Once all the aspects of proper installation are completed your project will be ready for immediate use.


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How do pavers compare with patterned or stamped concrete?
Concrete pavers are stronger than ordinary or stamped concrete. Patterned concrete pavements are merely slabs of concrete that are embossed with a pattern. This type of pavement is prone to cracking when freezing and thawing occurs. Stamped concrete requires an expansion joint every 10 feet, which may be distracting in the pattern you are creating. As well, repairs to individual units or underground utility problems, can be difficult, costly and result in an unattractive patch.


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My new pavers seem to have a film on them. What do I do to get rid of it?
The film (efflorescence) on your pavers is caused by moisture and natural salts settling on the surface of your pavers. The best thing to do is nothing, letting it naturally weather on its own. Efflorescence can be removed more rapidly by using one or more of the following methods: · Dry brushing · Water rinsing · Light water blasting · Premixed chemical detergents, followed by flushing with clean water.


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How do I prevent weeds from growing between the joints?
Polymeric sand has been introduced into the market recently. Unlike regular jointing sand, it stays in place and remains stable. This is why is effectively resists erosion caused by rain, frost, wind and suction. In addition it prevents insect infestation and weed growth. Polymeric sand remains flexible and obeys the movements of pavers or slabs without cracking.


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If I haven’t used Polymeric sand in my driveway or patio, how do I eliminate weeds?
Vegetation killer, applied as directed, will help to combat the growth of weeds.


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Are concrete paving stones better than other deck materials?
Concrete paving stones will maintain their durability and appearance for a longer life cycle than other deck materials.


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Can I use paving stones around a swimming pool?
Concrete pavers not only enhance the area around the pool, they also provide a slip resistant surface to walk on. Pavers can be easily lifted and re-laid should any service be required under the pool deck. Polymeric sand may be considered in place of regular jointing sand to prevent wash out of the sand into the pool or adjacent areas


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How do I determine how much base material and sand I'll need?
As a rule of thumb, use a minimum of 6”-8" (150mm-200mm) of base material for walkways and 12”-18" (300mm-450mm) for patios and driveways. The sand setting bed should be 1”-1½” (25mm-40mm) thick. One ton of base material or sand will cover 100 square feet (9.3 m²) at 2" (50mm) thick. Using a 100 sq.ft. (9.3m²) patio as an example, you would need ½ ton of sand for the setting bed 1" (25mm) thick and 3 tons of modified stone for the base 6" (150mm) thick. You'll also need some additional sand (about 5%) for the joints between the pavers.


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