[MrBill]

First I apologize if hope I am violating forum protocol; however, this is a re-post of my earlier thread with a misleading/misspelled subject (Camdrige Armotec).

I would appreciate any comments selecting the right pavers.

I am considering Cambridge w/Armotec pavers for our backyard patios (app. 2,000 S.F.), specifically the Kings Court Collection. Price is $2.56 per S.F. plus nominal delivery charge, $90 per truck load.

My wife uses a wheelchair, and sometimes a walker, so we want smooth surface pavers. The Cambridge literature highlights it's "ArmorTec" -- "Manufactured into the top 3/8 inch of Cambridge Pavingstones is color saturated, extra dense concrete made with super-fine sand granules and devoid of any large aggregate (stones)."

I have seen samples of the pavers and they are smooth compared to other pavers I've seen. You can see the "saturated/darker color" in the top 3/8" inch layer.

ALTERNATIVE: I have been looking at Hanson pavers (Niagara) that I can purchase for $1.89 per S.F. for standard 4 x 8 pavers. Delivery charges $75 per load.

So, my QUESTION is, does anyone have experience pro/con with these pavers? Does the Armotec "treated" paver retain it's color longer than other pavers? Comments?

Thanks in advance for any assitance!

[jshilan]

Hey Mr Bill,

From my experience I have never been a big fan of Cambridge and Armortec. Their spin is that the Armortec keeps the paver color longer. I believe they don't have aggregate in the top let's say 3/8" of the paver so when it does wear, it is not as noticeable as other brands. I have not found this to be true. Older pavers, and certain brands don't weather as well as some newer or better brands.

Everyone has a brand that they like to work with and prefer over other brands. By me,Techo and EP Henry are the premier pavers, even though Cambridge is made right here in northern NJ.

From a walker and safety point of view I would stay away from tumbled pavers and pavers that have a textured or dimpled surface. They will have larger gaps in-between the pavers and could present a risk. Otherwise, you should be fine with most pavers that come from a mason supply yard (not big box stores).

Also, "kudos" on your post about fence installation. Very well written and very informative. I don't think someone who installs fences for a living could have presented a better description.

FYI - spelling is definitely not a pre-requisite to post on this site or to get a response, so don't worry you didn't violate any protocol or upset the Cambridge people (well maybe I did).

I hope this helps and you should hang around, it seems like you have a lot of good info for a "homeowner"

[MrBill]

Jody

I appreciate the reply and comments on the Fence posting.

I tend to go crazy researching these projects unless I get lucky and find a vendor/contractor that I can trust. It's amazing and sad that we get so much conflicting and misleading info. on products of all types.

Techo - Multiple people have recommended the Techo. I checked again and found the "Victorian" in smooth & Granitex finish. Any clue what price I should expect for 2,000 S.F. vs. the Cambridge Armotec (quoted $2.56 S.F.)??

Any experience with Hanson? I have a quote for $1.89 S.F.

I'll checkout E P Henry next.

We have a Landscape Designer coming over Sat. to look at our project. Apparently he has 30 years experience in landscaping/construction and is shifting to design work for his retirement. Fingers crossed that he can give us some help.

Thanks again.

[jshilan]

I've never heard of Hanson, but again these companies seem to have territories. All of the installs we do are with tumbled pavers which costs a little more. I would expect Techo to be a little more expensive than Cambridge but in my opinion it's worth it.

I'm glad to hear you are bringing someone in to help you with the design. I tell all of my clients that a landscape plan is the least expensive and most important part of any landscaping project (and it's not because this is what I do - well, ok, a little bit). An experienced designer should be able to bring a lot to the table and help you design something that you will be happy with. 2000 SF is a damn big patio. My swimming pool patios are less than that and I design good sized patios. Your designer should be able to keep things in scale and help you soften all of the hardscaped areas.

It's funny, I have over thirty years experience in design/build too and I'm just getting warmed up.

Let us know how it goes.

[MrBill]

Actually it is not one big 2,000 SF patio. My design has a 18 x 22 raised (20" above ground) patio replacing a 12 x 18 deck off a Great Room. It is slightly below the sliding patio door threshold to allow for wheel chair access. Ramp & stairs lead to a ground level patio between the raised patio and a 20 x 20 patio with a Pergola. There is also a water feature the comes off one side of the "middle" patio that has a pave walk-way around it. The 2,000 SF also includes replacing a 90 ft stone "path" in the front of the house that gives wheel chair access to raised flower beds along the front of the house.

I've attached a 2D (top down) view of my current design made with Realtime Landscape Pro software.