What makes Grinnell Paving Stones the best choice for patios, driveways and walkways?
Grinnell pavers are ideal for freeze/thaw environments. Proper installation of the product results in a pavement that is rigid yet flexible. Joints between pavers allow your hardscape to move without cracking. Specific pavers can be easily removed to allow for repairs or access to utilities. Unlike asphalt, our pavers are virtually maintenance-free and do not need to be regularly sealed or replaced. Grinnell pavers are about 3 times stronger than regular poured concrete and have a maximum water absorption rate of 5%. You can use a patio, walkway or driveway immediately after compaction and the sweeping in of the jointing sand.

Will de-icing salts damage my pavers?
No. Our high-density concrete pavers resist deterioration from de-icing salts that are applied at the proper application rates.

Will snow plows damage or dislodge my pavers?
No. Properly installed paving stones fit tightly together and form a uniform surface that presents no problem for plows, snowblowers, and shovels.

Do pavers lose color after awhile?
For long lasting, durable colors, Grinnell concrete masonry stones are saturated with color throughout - not just on the surface. To achieve this, we blend pure pigment into our special concrete mixture, using only the finest iron oxides. Pigments used to color concrete paving stones and wall blocks are very stable. Dirt, normal wear, and weathering may appear to change color over time. Cleaning and sealing can restore and enhance color.

Why are they called interlocking concrete pavers?
It is the system that makes them interlocking, not some special shape or design. When installed properly, the combination of pavers, bedding sand, Accu-Edge edge restraint and joint sand creates the interlocking that provides a unified, flexible pavement.

If a paver gets chipped or damaged, can it be replaced?
Yes, very easily. We recommend that you save a few pavers from your initial installation, just in case you need to replace one or two. Pavers normally can be pried out with two flathead screw drivers.

What is the white deposit that sometimes appears on pavers and wall blocks?
The white deposit is probably efflorescence which appears naturally on any concrete or masonry product. Surface moisture acts as a wick drawing out these naturally occurring salts. Efflorescence is not indicative of a flawed product and will dissipate over time. The best course of action is to allow weathering to remove the efflorescence. It can also be removed with specifically designed chemicals that treat the surface salts. However, these do not stop the process and the efflorescence can reappear. If using chemicals, please carefully follow the instructions because they are caustic and can ruin the stones.

Should I seal my pavers?
A sealer offers some advantages. It helps resist stains. It can enhance the colors. And it can bind the sand to the joints making it difficult for weeds to germinate. Sealers are not permanent and must be reapplied every three to five years. Only water-based sealers can be used in New Jersey and New York.

Can I use paving stones on my pool deck?
Yes. Grinnell Paving Stones make extremely attractive pool decks and pool coping while providing a slip resistant surface to walk on. Pavers actually are better than poured concrete because the joints will take on moisture and leave the pavement cooler to walk on. Naturally, the lighter a stone color the cooler it will be because of sun reflection. For the best results, make sure the soil around the pool is well compacted before installing pavers.

Do I need a concrete footing to support a retaining wall?
No. Unless the soil is extremely weak, a firmly compacted base is sufficient to support the wall and possesses the ability to accommodate

How high can I build a wall without reinforcement?
It depends on the type of stone you are selecting. Windsor Stone® has a maximum wall height of 24" and Border StoneTM is 16". Diamond® Wall Systems, which can be special ordered, can be built up to 8 feet, and can be even higher with proper engineering and construction. These height measurements include burying ½ to all of the first course (for specific details, see the height chart on the Grinnell Retaining Wall System literature and refer to the back for a guide to building a wall). Be sure to check local ordinances when building a wall above 2 feet.

Should I start my retaining wall below the frost line?
No. Unlike rigid retaining walls, Grinnell wall systems are flexible structures and can accommodate movement caused by changing temperatures and even settlement without cracking or other types of distress.

Why do Grinnell wall blocks have a molded lip on the bottom?
The design eliminates the need for pins and mortar. It allows you to easily add the next course to your wall, knowing exactly how far the stone needs to be setback from the one below it.

Is there a way to prevent weeds from growing between paving stones? Will landscape fabric or plastic sheeting help?
Weeds grow from wind blown seeds that fall onto pavers and germinate down into joints. They do not grow up from below, so using landscape fabric or plastic sheeting is unnecessary. Weeds can be removed by hand or with a biodegradable herbicide. Sealers or sand binders can be useful in helping prevent weed growth and ants.

Can wall systems be used to create raised patio areas?
Yes. They are an excellent for adding a new dimension and more usable space to outdoor living areas. Wall systems can encase and support the gravel required to bring the raised area to the desired height. These wall systems also allow you to easily incorporate stairs and steps into raised patios.

Can I park cars in an area above a retaining wall?
Yes. These walls are frequently used to support parking areas. However, the wall should be engineered and typically requires the use of a geogrid. Vehicles should not park closer than three feet from the back of the wall.

Does a low spot on a paver driveway indicate defective pavers?
No. This is usually a result of settlement caused by inadequate soil or base compaction or poor drainage due to using the wrong type of gravel base. This can easily be repaired by removing the pavers, correcting the problem and reinstalling the stones.