This might get some lively discussion…
I’m planning on installing a new walkway for the front of my house. It’s a small area, but has a 36″ rise over 20′, so I will probably contract it out (’cause I would screw it up). I have already decided against concrete products, and am currently waffling between granite pavers and brick. I’m in upstate New York, so snow removal and freeze/thaw cycles are a way of life. It appears that granite would be harder to shovel without damaging, but might not show damage as much as brick would.
Also, because I will need steps in the walkway (I figure at least 4, maybe 5) I am looking for ideas. A brick and mortar walk with steps is pretty formal looking, but I don’t know of many other options for brick steps. I was thinking about using solid stone for steps, (what’s a 200# rock between friends?) but are there other options?
Any suggestions would be really, really appreciated.
Rick
Replies
How about spacing a few granite treads over the length of the walk to get the rise you need, and filling in with bricks ... they'll look great together.
I did a dry-laid brick walk (didn't have the rise you have to deal with) about 6 years ago and it still looks perfect. I used Boston City Hall pavers .. a solid, durable brick.
Bill.
Granite will still be there looking classic when your grandchildren have babies.. Bricks unless they are twice fired clay bricks will not last much over 20 years.. twice fired clay bricks laid on edge will last for a few centuries though based on the bricks in my driveway.. They were used downtown for about 90 years then picked up and moved out here for the last 15.
new homes in my area with cement "bricks" are already looking tough after less than 5 seasons.
The granite tread idea is a good one, particularly aesthetically. If you have a stoneyard nearby, take a trip on down and see what they have. In my town the monument place also carries stone, and will cut and shape to what you're looking for, in addition to carrying quite a few pieces pre-cut in various thicknesses, lengths, etc.
Brick and granite do go well together so don't be afraid to mix 'em up.
frenchy - I've seen you post a couple of times about these "twice-fired" bricks. I've never heard the term before and was wondering if they're typically just pavers or what? I've used what we called "waterstruck" brick as pavers, and last winter stopped by a patio I did about 25 years ago and still looked good. There are 2 versions, one's softer and the other is pretty hard - used the harder ones upside down for pavers.
Rick
I've laid a few (hundred?) thousand square feet of pavers in New York. In the Syracuse area and all over the empire state. You had mentioned that you wouldn't consider concrete products... including concrete pavers?
I just visited a concrete paver job I did almost 10 years ago - still looks good as new. Concrete pavers are extremely durable.
At any rate, we often used the same paving stones for the steps that we use for the walk way. Your installer should be able to show you some photos of this approach. Basically the front or the "bullnose" pavers would be thinset to the risers. Many times we would use retaining wall stones to line the steps on either side.
Blue stone was also hugely popular back when I was laying pavers. Properly done, the two mix very well.
I personally love the look of clay pavers. We called them "Kershwaws" back in the day (named after a manufacturer).
They definitely degrade faster than the concrete pavers, but you don't have to worry about efflorescence and after a year, they look like they've been there forever.
Good luck with your project.
Brick pavers without mortar joints is a nice, informal look. I've used Pine Hall brick and really love it. Their bricks meet the ASTM specifications for pavers in frosty climates. They tell me a lot of their bricks go to Canada. The technical section of their website, http://www.pinehallbrick.com, has good discussion about this.
Paragon Supply in Syracuse is a distributor for Pine Hall, and they have a large outdoor display. There are other distributors in New York as well.
Granite is slippery when wet, so wouldn't be my first choice for steps. A rougher stone, like sandstone, may be better. Or you could pour colored concrete for the steps. It won't fool people into looking like stone, but you can make something that compliments the look well.
To get the look you want, fuss over the layout. If you don't want it too formal, don't make it too geometrical. Put some gentle curves in it, as well as some gentle rises and flats. Careful installation is critical to the bricks staying in place winter after winter, so you must pick a contractor who knows what he's doing.
Here's a source you might find interesting.
http://www.pavingexpert.com/setts01.htm