Category Archives: Landscaping

If you want to add character and a sense of antiquity to your front or backyard, cobblestones can really help achieve this aesthetic.

Now, before we jump into how to lay cobblestones on mesh, let’s first start at the beginning.

And find out …

What are Cobblestones?

Cobblestones are based on the century old roads and walkways that are prominent in Europe.

Given their historical value, they bring a tremendous amount of character, timelessness and beauty to any space.

Cobblestones are typically made from dense stone materials such as granite, bluestone, quartzite and porphyry.

They typically have excellent grip strength.

As a result of their superb genetic makeup, they serve as a long-lasting paving solution.

With a wide selection of designs and materials, cobblestones can easily be used to create stunning outdoor spaces.

What Patterns do Cobblestones Come in?

Cobblestones are available in a wide range of styles.

These include the Chicago Pattern, Herringbone Pattern, Brick Pattern and Straight Pattern.

They are also available as loose individual pieces which gives you the chance to create your own unique design.

Below are some examples of how you can arrange cobblestones to turn your outdoor space into a stunning feature for your home.

How to Lay Cobblestones on Mesh?

Generally speaking, all cobblestones that are on mesh backing of 20-30mm thickness, are to be laid on a cement base.

Depending on where and why you are installing the cobblestones, installation methods may vary.

As such, we strongly recommend consulting your professional contractor to confirm the exact thickness required for the concrete slab.

For example, when laying cobblestones for driveways, it is recommended to install them on a reinforced concrete slab that is 120 mm thick.

Cobblestones can vary by 3 – 4 mm in size and/or thickness.

All meshed back cobblestones must have a tolerable thickness and size variation of +/- 2mm.

Cobblestone pavers with a split finish have more flexibility in size and thickness because of the split factor.

It is important to consider these size tolerances during the installation process.

Sometimes the tradesman will need to manually adjust some individual cobblestones in order to maintain the correct heights.

During installation, it is also typical to remove the odd cobblestone that has been broken during transportation.

Graphene Granite Cobblestones – Installed by Branch Out Landscape Design

If you want to create that traditional look with your cobblestones, you must use the appropriate installation procedure.

This includes using the proper adhesives, grout, additives, sealers and pre-sealers.

Installing cobblestones the right way will give your paving that “bulletproof” feel.

In this regard, meshed back cobblestones are easier and quicker to install.

However you must use the appropriate adhesives (glue) and grout.

Otherwise your cobblestones will fall apart and that will be costly and time consuming to fix.

When you get cobblestones with a mesh backing, they are held together on the mesh with an Epoxy Glue.

The mesh backing is made of plastic.

It has holes throughout it so that when you apply the glue to the paving.

This helps it adhere to the back of the cobble stone as well.

Together, the plastic mesh and epoxy glue cover about 50% of the cobblestone’s back.

This leaves another 50% of the space free for the paving glue to stick to the cobblestone.

To avoid the stone from de-bonding over time, it’s very important to use the right adhesive. H

ere we recommend a strong bonding and fibre reinforced ‘Non-Slump Adhesive.’

If you want your cobblestones to stand the test of time and stay glued to the cement.

Using only a stronger bonding glue is simply not enough for mesh backed cobblestones.

Let’s say that your car is parked in the driveway and you turn the steering wheel while it’s stationary.

The rubber tyres will grip onto the cobble.

And just as you are rotating the wheel, the tyres will physically rotate the stone.

If you repeat this overtime, it will cause your cobblestones to debond.

In order to avoid de-bonding and increase the strength of adhesion.

We suggest you apply a thicker amount of glue in comparison to installing other ordinary stone pavers.

Use a notch trowel that’s 15mm in width and apply it all over the concrete slab prior to installing the meshed cobblestones.

When you place the cobblestones on top of the glue, keep 10mm space free for the grout.

This means that you will have 5mm of glue under the cobblestones.

And 10mm of glue around the edges of the cobblestones.

This will ensure that all 5 sides of the cobble are somehow glued and joined to another material.

The above method of adhesion is recommended for heavy-traffic areas.

These include driveways that are exposed to more weight and vibrations.

If, on the other hand, you are installing cobblestones for an entertainment area that will only be exposed to foot traffic.

You can get away with a more ‘light’ installation method.

Now that we’ve reviewed the correct way to adhere to meshed cobblestones.

Let’s check out the best products for the installation process.

Lorax Cobblestone on mesh

If you are installing cobblestones for an entertainment area that will only be exposed to foot traffic.

You can get away with a more ‘light’ installation method.

However, if you are planning for a driveway.

You will need what we like to call ‘heavy-duty’ installation products.

This is because this area will take a lot more weight and vibrations than an area only exposed to foot traffic.

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

Adhesive:

Depending on the area, we recommend different adhesives.

• For installation on the footpath area, we recommend a Fibre Reinforced Non-Slump Adhesive like Ardex X18.
• For driveways, we recommend the adhesive Ardex X18 mixed with the Ardex E90 Here the mixing ratio must be: 1 x 20kg bag of Ardex X18 + 2L of E90 + 4.5L of water.

Grout

The recommended grout for cobblestones is Ardex WJ50 Sanded Grout mixed with an Ardex Grout Booster.

Ardex’ WJ50 is a water-based, synthetic polymer grout additive, designed for gaps that are bigger than 3mm.

It improves the strength of adhesion, flexibility and resistance to abrasion.

Grout Booster is added to assist with the grout’s flexibility and also helps reduce efflorescence.

The best mixing ratio is 1 x Ardex WJ50 grout to be mixed with 2L Ardex Grout Booster + 2L water.

Sealers

Pre-sealing and top-sealing your cobblestones is crucial to increasing their longevity and ensuring a cleaner installation process.

Pre-sealing cobblestones helps clean off any excess grout or ‘grout haze’.

Without using stronger acidic cleaners that can damage the stone.

You may use a pre-sealer like the Aqua Mix – Pro Block.

This is an economical, natural-look, breathable, water-based penetrating sealer.

It is designed to resist staining caused by water-soluble minerals.

It also helps resist efflorescence migration.

However, ProBlock is not an adhesive bond breaker.

Once you have glued, pre-sealed and grouted the cobblestones, the top sealer provides the ‘final touch’ to the overall aesthetic.

A sealer like Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold is a premium grade, high performance penetrating/impregnating stone, tile and grout sealer and will help protect your stone.

It has built-in Microban® – Cured Sealant and is Mould & Mildew Resistant and will last up to 15 years.

What is the Cost of Installation Materials for Cobblestones?

The answer to this really depends on your project and its unique specifications.

So what we will do is give a quote sample and then show the cost of materials per square meter.

Quote sample for 40m2 of the 100x100x20mm meshed cobblestones:

Like all materials, if not maintained properly, stone pavers can age and lose their elegant aesthetic and appeal.

Foot traffic, weight stress, dirt, debris and exposure to the elements, are all factors that can contribute to this deterioration.

Like all materials, if not maintained properly, stone pavers can age and lose their elegant aesthetic and appeal.

Foot traffic, weight stress, dirt, debris and exposure to the elements, are all factors that can contribute to this deterioration.

However, regular cleaning and high-quality sealing will give your natural stone pavers the best chance at retaining their original aesthetic and longevity.

In this article, we share simple strategies and steps you can take to maintain your pavers from the challenges of everyday wear and tear to keep them looking lush and new.

1. Use the Right Cleaning and Sealing Products

You have probably found that there are numerous cleaning and sealing products available on the market. These products include stain-removal, polishing creams, pre-sealers, deep cleaners, concentrated cleaners, and many others.

However, choosing the product on price point is not the best strategy for finding the best sealer or cleaning product for your particular paver. Choosing the best product depends on the type of stone you’ll be sealing, the stone’s grouting, density, porosity and many other factors. For example, your natural stone pavers might need a heavy-duty cleaner and grout removal.

In order to achieve that quality clean you want, it’s important to find the right product for your paver. If you need some assistance or advice, we suggest contacting a professional, or calling us at 1300 560 560.

2. Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Not all cleaners are created equal. More specifically, not all cleaners are designed for natural stones. We strongly suggest against using acid-based cleaners, vinegar or other harsh soap-based products on natural stones. If you use these, they will leave dull, hazy or milky stains on the stone. The best cleaning products for natural stones are pH-neutral cleaners, that are specifically designed for natural stone pavers. Another important detail is creating the solution by mixing the product and water in the right ratio, which is dependent on the soil buildup.

3. Wipe Spills Immediately

You may have heard that prevention is far more effective than cure. In the case of natural stone pavers, in the odd occasion where prevention is not possible and spills accidentally occur, wiping them immediately can save you a lot of time and money in the long term. Acidic drinks and food items, cooking oil and demineralised water can damage the natural stone’s finish and stain the stone with etch marks. To avoid long term damage, we recommend cleaning the spill as quickly as possible. Once you’ve wiped the spill, use an appropriate cleaner or stain-removal product to reduce the risk of staining.

4. Sweep Regularly

When it comes to maintaining stone paving, as overwashing can result in soiling the grout and other parts of the stone, regular sweeping is more recommended than regular wet cleaning. Dirt, grime, and grit are the key culprits to damaging your stone pavers. Regular sweeping will remove these from the floor and thus reduce the stone’s surface wear and tear.

5. Clean the Grout

Dirt, grime, grit and dust loves gathering in small spaces. This is why it’s super important to clean the grout area (the space between your pavers). To do this most effectively, mop the floor’s surface with a non-acid based detergent cleaner.Once complete, use a soft, non-scratch brush to scrub both the pavers and the grout.

6. Seal Correctly

Sealing helps protect your natural stone pavers from staining and odours. Like painting a house, sealing your pavers not only protects the underlying material but also keeps the pavers looking beautiful. While it is common for natural stone pavers to be pre-sealed prior to installation, ongoing sealing is a recommended necessity to prolong your pavers longevity, protect them from deterioration and staining and keep them as close to new as possible.

When applying the sealant, make sure you accurately follow the sealant manufacturer’s instructions. Poor application can leave residues and stains, leading to dirt accumulation and difficulties in cleaning in the long term. Avoid unnecessary peeling and scuffing by selecting a sealant that is designed for natural stone. Remember that depending on the stone and the sealant, you may need to apply several layers for maximum effect.

General Product Instructions

To make it easier for you, we wanted to share some general product instructions for applying sealant:

1. Sweep, vacuum or dust the surface thoroughly.
2. Test the sealant on a small area prior to application.
3. Apply the sealing solution using a paint pad applicator, pump sprayer, sponge or brush and allow approx 3 minutes of penetration before wiping the area dry.
4. Leave the sealant for a minimum of 30 minutes to dry before applying the second coat.
5. Ensure that no sealer is left on the surface by wiping it completely dry using clean, dry cotton, paper or microfibre towel after each application.
6. Check that the surface is completely sealed after 2 hours by applying droplets of water onto the paver. If the water penetrates, an additional application is required. If it doesn’t, your paver is now successfully sealed!

Sealing Wet Areas

If you’re sealing a paver that is exposed to a wet area, such as the space around a pool or pond, you might need a special sealant that is specifically designed to withstand such exposure. Alternatively, ensure that your natural stone pavers have been dip sealed prior to installation.

7. Maintaining Sealed Pavements or Re-sealing

After you’ve successfully applied your sealant, check the manufacturer’s instructions and note when you’ll need to reapply it. Sealants can last for as long as 15 years, however because some areas that are prone to heavier traffic than others, the sealant may wear out faster. As such, we recommend checking once every three to five years to see if resealing is required.

To check this, simply drop some water onto the surface of the paver. If the water beads and doesn’t absorb, you can probably leave it for a while.

Routine cleaning of your paver should include regular sweeping, as mentioned before, as well as mopping or lightly scrubbing the pavers with the appropriate pH-neutral detergent.

8. Allow Drying

After applying the sealant, let the paver’s dry for a minimum of 12 hours. It’s preferable to let the sealant dry for up to 24 hours, however this would depend on each manufacturer. So remember to read their instructions first and foremost.

More on Natural Stones

Choosing the right cleaning and sealing products, along with regular cleaning, not only protects the appearance of your natural stone pavers but also prolongs their beauty and life.

If you are interested in laying natural stone pavers in your home read this for tips and best practice.

Armstone is Sydney’s leading provider of pavers, tiles, stones, and cladding. We work with the world’s best manufacturersto supply you with the highest quality products.

We hope you found this article helpful! If you need any other assistance, contact us here for help from one of our natural stone experts.

Thinking of installing a new patio?

Or perhaps you’re looking to lay some pavers to create the perfect garden path, pool or entertainment area?

In this article, we explore the top trends when choosing stone pavers and porcelain pavers and dive into which may be most suitable for you.

And first…

What’s the difference between stone pavers and porcelain tiles?

Before choosing between natural stone pavers and porcelain pavers for your outdoor space, it’s essential you know the difference.

1. Stone pavers are unique and individualistic because natural stone is quarried from the ground and no two pavers will ever be the same. As such, no material can rival against that luxury appeal of natural stone pavers. In saying that, they have their own downfalls, especially when it comes to maintenance.
2. Porcelain pavers look very similar to natural stone pavers, however, they are manufactured. As such, they are easier to maintain and more functional for everyday purposes. They are also on average 35% cheaper than natural stone pavers. So if you’re building on a budget and love the natural look, porcelain pavers will help you achieve this aesthetic without breaking the bank.

Now let’s have a look at…

When to use Natural Stone Pavers?

Marble pavers and limestone pavers are quite distinguished in appearance and being available in a wide assortment of colours. These natural stones are often selected for indoor and outdoor settings because of their elegance and unrefined look, so it’s easy to see why they are a popular choice in contemporary designed homes and landscapes.

If you want to create a clean, minimalist and eye-catching path or indoor environment, install either marble and limestone pavers. Representing both strength and elegance, they will add a lot of character to any modern home.

Limestone is also quite unobtrusive in appearance. As such it can give a lovely organic touch even in a large backyard. Alternatively, it can be used as a trim around wooden decks or stepping stones along a garden path.

Striking and robust, granite pavers create a clean look for modern properties. As a strong and dense stone, granite is very suitable for high traffic areas and makes it an equally attractive (and practical) choice for pathways, patios or even driveways!

Bluestone pavers are another natural stone that is robust and suitable for outdoor areas with heavy foot or tyre traffic. These versatile pavers can be laid in a variety of designs like herringbone or fan shapes. Alternatively, you can use them as stepping stones.

If you love sandstone, we can relate! As a timeless stone it oozes character and makes your garden look majestic and regal. However, since it is a softer stone, it doesn’t bode well with lots of pressure and foot traffic. As such, we suggest using sandstone in areas with light or minimal traffic or simply adding it as a defining trim along your garden.

Now that we’ve reviewed natural stones, let’s have a look at…

When to use Structural Porcelain Pavers?

All porcelain pavers have a high break-load and most are designed to reduce glare from the harsh summer sun. So, not only will they stand the test of time but they will be easy to maintain, giving you all the time in the world (ish) to enjoy your space.

Let’s review which ones to use and when and where to install them!

If you love the granite look but want to install a paver that’s easier to maintain, Porcelain Granite Pavers are your answer!

With a 1200kg break load, these pavers can be installed on pretty much anything: sand, screen, pedestals. Porcelain pavers also absorb 35% less heat than their natural stone counterparts. Given Australia’s harsh desert summers, this makes them an ideal choice for outdoor (and indoor) locations.

Similar in appearance to classic travertine pavers, ivory porcelain pavers have a lighter tone. This makes them inviting, pleasant and extremely dense. Also, the staining issues that can affect natural travertine stone are completely nonexistent with porcelain pavers because they never permanently stain. Ivory porcelain pavers are popular for entertainment around the pool and are perfect as stepping stones for  pathways.

If you want a sandstone paver that is hard wearing and suitable for pool areas, you may wish to consider sandstone look porcelain pavers. These offer an elegant, yet functional, solution to outdoor entertainment. They feel like a natural sandstone underfoot and have a similar colour tone and appearance but are much easier to maintain. This is important, especially around the pool where water and acidity from plants or spilled drinks, can damage and stain natural sandstone!

If you are looking for something more earthly in tone, we suggest tuscany porcelain pavers instead of ivory porcelain pavers. They are also ideal for high traffic areas.

Limestone porcelain pavers have a similar look and feel to limestone pavers and are predominantly neutral in colour (available in both grey and beige). Beyond the advantages that porcelain pavers have over stone, Jura is more uniform in colour, thus embodying a cleaner, more minimalistic aesthetic to any patio or entertainment area.

Robust and hard to stain, porcelain pavers are useful in large outdoor entertainment areas. Typically grey in colour with copper tones, quartz porcelain pavers are almost identical to naturally occurring split-face quartz stones. Their other advantages are that they’re slip resistant, show no fracture points, and absorb less heat than natural stone quartz.

Now that you know the difference between stone pavers and porcelain pavers, it’s time to…

Choose a tile or paver that is right for you!

Finding not only the best, but the right paving solution can be quite a cumbersome and challenging experience.

If you need some help, advice or professional consultation, please reach out! We would love to help you find the best option for you and your family.

Simply give us a call and one of our experts will steer you in the right direction.

Thanks for reading this article!

If you found it helpful, please share it with a friend.

So you’ve nearly finished updating your outdoor space?

This is extremely exciting!

All that is left to do is complete the edging for your garden beds.

Sounds simple enough – right?

Pick the material, install and wipe your hands clean off the decision!

Done!

Well… it’s not quite as clear-cut as that.

You see, when your garden edges look good, they work with the outdoor space flawlessly – whether they blend with the garden or contrast against it. However, when the edging is wrong, it can be very wrong. And we’re not just talking aesthetically. Things that can go wrong include the edging not being able to hold the soil in place for your garden bed and this can spill over onto your pathway and create a mess.

So whether you’re creating a garden or updating your outdoor space, in this article we will review some of the things to consider when choosing the material for your garden edges.

But first let’s start with …

Why use garden edging?

Garden edging is designed to define and divide spaces. Most commonly, borders are used between garden beds and lawns for easier garden maintenance. However garden edging can also be used within a garden bed to separate planting styles or to contain certain species.

Garden edging can also be used to define straight or curved pathways and can even function as a retaining wall to hold back soil where there is a change of elevation in your garden.

Things to consider

Now that you have a better idea of what garden edging is used for, there are a few things to consider before starting your project. These include choosing a style and material and reviewing its durability and cost. If you’re not confident in your own ability to make this decision, you can always consult a professional. If you would like any help with this, reach out to our team of experts at Armstone’s headquarters in Sydney at 1300 560 560. We would be happy to help or point you in the right direction.

Style

While garden edges are mainly about maintenance, its still best to choose a style that matches your home and garden’s general decor as well as something that reflects your personal style. It is recommended to choose materials and colours that complement your current garden themes and match your furniture and general outdoor ambience. As with all style choices, remember that you can either choose your garden edges to be statement pieces or you can design them to blend inconspicuously with the rest of the home.

Durability

It goes without saying that anything you choose to install in your garden needs to have some sort of longevity. This might mean that you need to invest more in a particular material just so that it withstands the test of time, especially since it is for your garden – a space exposed not just to the elements like the weather but also lawnmowers, moisture, line trimmers and all other gardening products. As such, choosing a durable material and spending a little extra on it not only secures your space for the foreseeable future but it also gives you a peace of mind.

Price

A mistake we see many people make when renovating, upgrading or building their home is opting for the cheaper option only to end up with a broken product in a year’s time. Why is this problematic? Well, eventually, you’ll spend so much money on replacing the edging that you would have spent less if you had decided to invest a little extra to begin with. In saying that, we don’t recommend just choosing a material because it costs more. What we recommend is finding a material that is durable and matches your style and gives you the most value for your money. If you are working on a budget and are unable to invest in the type of edging you want across your entire garden, mix it up by getting the higher investment one for your key areas such as the entry to your home and entertainment areas and a cost effective option for the rest.

Choosing the material

With so many materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for your project. Below we will review a few options and their best application.

Simple Borders – Metal

When it comes to choosing a garden edging that is simple and subtle, metal is definitely your go to material. This is because metal (steel or aluminium) and plastic are easier to bend and as a result, they can be curved around garden beds or pathways with ease. These materials also tend to blend into the background and disappear against the grass and garden bed so it looks like there is nothing separating the areas. Finally, metal and plastic is easy to install and long-lasting.

Bamboo

Ah, bamboo! You might remember the scene from Rush Hour with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker where Chan says that bamboo is very strong? Well … it is. So this material definitely passes the durability test. It also works fabulously in tropical gardens or as an accent against traditional spaces. When it comes to garden edging, you can dye bamboo in different colours and cut it to different sizes to suit your needs. Not only is it durable, it’s also flexible and can be adapted to most spaces. Bamboo adds a neat finish to the edge of your garden or flower bed. It’s definitely an excellent choice!

Stone

If you are looking for investing in a material that will 100% stand the test of time, stone and concrete are definitely ideal for you. These materials also suit almost all gardens and outdoor aesthetics: from more traditional spaces to contemporary and modern ones. There are also so many options within the stone category, from sandstone pavers to limestone or slate and stone cladding. If you desire versatility for your garden edging, then choosing to invest in either stone, concrete or brick, allows you the chance to play around with the edging design and bring a unique and custom look to your outdoor area. With regards to durability, these materials will hold up to almost anything that comes at them: from weather to garden tools. Finally, if you have a particular design that you want to stick to throughout your garden, installing stone, concrete or brick as your garden edging adds a level of consistency throughout because they can be used anywhere and still be as effective as ever.

Call us to find out the cost of the above Stone Garden edging on 1300 560 560

Timber

When it comes to blending into the natural environment seamlessly, timber is definitely the most suitable choice. However, choosing natural wooden garden edging finishes has a few downfalls. Namely, when it comes to longevity, wood can fall short, particularly in wetter climates where humidity and moisture can damage the material’s composition causing it to deteriorate and require replacement. On the other hand, it’s cheap and easy to install, which is a big advantage. It’s also available in a wide range of styles, colours and varieties. If you’re set on creating a cohesive look across all areas of the garden without necessarily using the same material throughout, timber is a good choice. For example, you can use timber for the deck, the pathway and the edging but for variety, you can install different styles. Additionally, you can use timber to create a sense of drama and distinction, simply by using a larger piece of wood.

Wire

It’s simple and elegant and it looks great in cottage-style gardens: what is it? It’s wire garden edging! And it works best when it’s not actually being used to hold foliage in but rather for the purposes of stunning visual effect. The wonderful thing about wire is that it is extremely versatile and flexible which means that it can be shaped in a variety of ways like hooped or crisscross style, so even if your next door neighbour uses wire to edges their garden, yours will look completely different. In case you needed more advantages to use wire, it’s available in a wide range of colours and is exceptionally easy to install.

Strength and simplicity

Now that you are fully equipped with the information for your garden edging project, remember this one thing: no matter the material or materials you use, strong and simple is always the best choice. Carefully consider the options before investing, determine how much wear and tear your edging will be subjected to, how will the environment affect the material, how much budget you want to allocate to this part of the project and off you go!

A few rules of thumb before we finish this article: if you use the whipper snipper or lawnmower often, then stone edging will be more suitable than wire and if you live in a tropical area, you may want to use bamboo rather than timber.

Finally, remember that not every material will suit every home and garden aesthetic and reflect your particular style. If you’re unsure with your research and what to invest in, reach out to our team of experts at Armstone.

We would love to help you out!