Cobblestone paving is a form of pavement that has got used for centuries around the world. It’s a classic, old-fashioned style that many people love to see on their streets. However, cobblestone paving can be difficult and expensive to install. If you’re considering cobblestone paving as a way to make your property stand out from the rest, there are things you need to know about it before jumping in headfirst. Keep reading for an overview of cobble paving pros and cons.
What is cobblestone paving, and why was it popular in the past?
Cobblestones get used as street pavement since ancient Rome, where they made up a standard road surface. At that time, cobbles were hand-cut from local rocks in an irregular shape to create a rugged but smooth flat stone surface. This style got later adopted by other countries around Europe for use on their roads and has been popular ever since.
Cobbled streets have remained common in countries like Germany and France even into modern times – making them a lasting symbol of old-fashioned charm.
However, cobblestone pavements don’t just exist in European cities or towns with historical appeal; you can find this cobblestone paving style worldwide. Cobblestones are installed in many US cities originally cobbled – including Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.
How to install cobblestone paving on your property?
If cobblestone paving is so popular, you may wonder if it’s possible to install cobblestones on your property. While cobbled streets are typically installed by professional construction teams that use heavy equipment, there are ways to lay down cobbles yourself. You can even buy pre-made cobblestones and set them in place – just like brick pavers or interlocking concrete tiles.
However, this isn’t always the most desirable choice for homeowners because installing cobbling requires specialized tools and skills. For example:
- It takes time since each stone needs to be hand laid one at a time. Compared to other types of pavement where laying several pieces at once speeds up production times.
- Laying an uneven surface will require a lot of extra sand and gravel fill to create a flat, even surface.
- Using cobblestones for driveways or walkways requires a very sturdy footing underneath the cobbles because this pavement type has a significant weight per square foot.
It means that installing cobbling can be tricky – but it’s not impossible. If you’re ready to settle in some work and effort, cobbled streets are sure to add character and charm to your home. Just make sure you know what you need before getting started.
What are the benefits of installing cobblestone paving?
Cobblestone paving has many benefits that homeowners love. From an antique, rustic style to easy maintenance, cobbles are a unique way to improve your property!
- Enhances curb appeal: Studies have shown Cobbled streets significantly improve the value of homes and neighborhoods because they create a welcoming atmosphere and increase “curb appeal” overall. So if you want to make your home stand out from others on the block for top dollar, cobbling might be right up your alley.
- Durability: Another cobblestone benefit is its durability. Cobbles are powerful – many times stronger than concrete pavers or bricks! Considering that cobblestones were used as street pavement for centuries without fail, their strength should be evident. You can expect cobbled paving to last decades with little maintenance required in-between visits from your local sidewalk repair team.
- Low-maintenance design: Compared to other driveways and walkways, cobbling requires low maintenance as the stone itself doesn’t need a lot of upkeep. In general, cobbles don’t crack easily, which means uneven settling isn’t an issue either. As long as you do routine cleaning around the area, cobbled streets typically require minimal care.
The history and benefits of cobble paving make it an excellent choice for many homeowners. If you’re interested in learning more about the latest trends in architecture, please consult with Real Goods. They are waiting forward to hearing from you soon.
