Paver stones can add a specific look or feel to your client's construction project. Many customers want special stones for their sidewalks, patios and courtyards, or for walls and landscaping. To customize a job, your construction company can find paver stones in a number of colors, shapes and sizes. They can be made from a variety of materials, some better than others for certain applications. For example, driveway paver stones are made from concrete, brick or stone to withstand wear and tear. Paver stones with unique surface designs are also available.

Work with your client and the project architect to determine the types of paver stones that they want for each application. Then, as you gather information to order the paver stones, keep the following ideas in mind:

1. Specific types of paver stones are recommended for specific uses.

2. Some paver stones applications might require special installation and materials.

3. Antique paver stones are available for restoration projects.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate paver stones online

Paver stones are a hot item in the construction business these days. You can find many brick and stone companies that carry paver stones. Check their online catalogs and, if available, photographs of their inventory. Some will send paver stones samples.

I recommend: Start you search for paver stones at Stoneyard.com. The company sells many varieties of stone pavers. Valders Stone carries limestone pavers in a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes.

Use the right installation method and materials for your paver stones job

Because paver stones are a design element and are often made from special materials, they require special installation and care. To avoid loose stones, cracking and other problems, gather information on installation techniques from suppliers. Be sure to pass the care recommendations on to your customers.

I recommend: Find a wealth of paver stones information at the Paver Search website, including instructions on installing and maintaining paver stones. In addition to a huge paver stones list at Interstate Brick, you can find installation, cleaning and other technical recommendations.

Find a paver stones provider for your customers' restoration work

One of the keys to successful restoration is authenticity. For your company to restore walls, walkways and other stone areas in old buildings, you'll need paver stones from the era - or ones manufactured to look that way. Look for suppliers of reclaimed paver stones or companies that make 'antique' styles.

I recommend: Purchase antique paver stones from Gavin Historical Bricks to give your client's project the right look. It is a leading supplier of reclaimed paver stones. Consider Olympic Stone & Marble for marble and travertine pavers that have an old-fashioned look.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As with all paving, the key to paver stones installation is preparing the bedding materials, usually sand. Especially with mortarless installation, a preparation job well done will keep stones even and unbroken.
• •  It is important to seal and reseal paver stones to protect them from the elements. The sealant will enhance the color, strengthen the stones, and help prevent cracks, chipping and fading.