What Are Granite Pavers?
Granite pavers are made from natural granite, which is an igneous stone, formed by volcanic activity deep in the earth. As molten rock cooled millions of years ago, the minerals slowly crystallised into a solid form. Mineral inclusions are visible in granite. Quartz, feldspar and mica are the most common minerals found in granite. These give structure, colour and shine to the rock. Pyrites are also common inclusions, creating a shimmering look with sparks of gold.
The variations in mineral content and the rate of cooling of the magma contribute to the variations in colour and particle size of granite pavers, factors that make each type and piece unique.
Because it is formed by intense heat and pressure, granite is one of the strongest and most durable rocks. It resists weathering, can withstand great pressure and heavy weight and does not easily abrade. In addition, it can be finished in many ways to create surfaces that are attractive, durable and safe.
Why Buy Granite Pavers?
The appearance of your commercial establishment, home or public facility makes the first impression on visitors, residents and employees. The decorative style and aesthetic approach to a building, entryway, lobby, reception area and hallways set a mood and atmosphere that defines the establishment.
In all applications, walkways and other high-traffic areas should be durable, safe and aesthetically pleasing. The elegance and durability of granite pavers make it a popular choice as a building material. The top contributing factors to its popularity include:
- Wide range of colour selection
- Strength and durability
- Resistance to stains
- Resistance to slippery surfaces
Dark shades provide aesthetic contrast with other colours and textures in landscapes. Meanwhile, lighter shades reflect heat in long Australian summers.
Outdoor & General offers only high-grade granite pavers and is now available in new colours: Sesame Black, also called Ash Black, Midnight Black and Raven Grey. These three varieties exceed the standards of granite pavers and set a new trend.
Characteristics of granite
There are several characteristics used to evaluate granite for outdoor paving purposes. Tests are carried out in accredited testing centres under controlled conditions to evaluate these qualities. Information gathered from these tests can be lengthy and very costly.
In summary, granite pavers generally score a very low absorption rate, making it a superior stone to use in wet areas, and to resist staining as the surface does not soak up much liquid. This also makes granite a very durable stone, able to withstand surface abrasion and salt attacks.
The compressive strength of granite is described by megapascals that specify the ability of the material to bear a load. This is very important when architects, engineers and designers select stones for projects.
Australia has slip-resistant standards for pedestrian surfaces, which include granite pavers, in Australian Standards AS 4586:2013 Amd 1:2017. The rating is a scale ranging from P0, the least slip-resistant, to P5, the most slip-resistant and safest in wet environments. Outdoor & General’s granite pavers are superior, high-grade products with exfoliated and bush-hammered surfaces.
At Outdoor and General, we house many granite stone options that meet and exceed the minimum building standards of 131 MPa and P5 rating. We can help you choose the right stone for your outdoor space and make recommendations on dimensions and stone thickness.
Although granite stone pavers are more costly than man-made pavers such as concrete pavers and brick pavers, their durability, resistance to staining, etching and ability to bear heavy loads give them excellent value for money.
For more information about granite pavers and which is best for your needs, visit our website and explore our wide range of natural stone pavers.