Paving stones

Did anybody use either Cambridge or Nicolock? Did you seal them? I just had a big patio and pathway built. I got them in Chestnut Salmon. I love how they look wet, and I was told by the mason to seal them -- for protection, and also because they definately look better. But a friend just told me that he thinks they look too "icy" and "fake" when sealed.

If you've sealed them, what is your opinion on sealed vs. non-sealed?

If you've seen anybody elses that are sealed, what was your opinion of them?

Message edited 5/20/2007 2:31:23 PM.

Re: Paving stones

Bump

Re: Paving stones

we have Cambride pavers and we did not seal them. I like the look of the 'rough" stone

Re: Paving stones

we are looking into getting a patio built... can you guys let me know what an average price was to have one built??

Re: Paving stones

My mom sealed hers and they look nice but it def changes the look. They are darker and have a sheen rather than matte and natural. I have Cambridge as well and while I don't love the look of the sealer I am sealing them because I have gotten rust spots in a few places and I want them to stay new looking.

Re: Paving stones

I just did Nicolock and I too love how they look wet. My installer told me that the white look to the stone is the protective coat and that it will fade away in a couple of weeks and look a lot darker. Our cousins had them done also and they told us it is true because their pavers looked like ours for a couple of weeks before the rain washed away the white look.

Re: Paving stones

Does anyone recommend one brand over the other? Nicolock versus Cambridge? 3 different mason guys told me Cambridge is better and less likely to get that white chauky efflorescence. Others said there's no real difference in quality. Opinions appreciated.

Re: Paving stones

I believe we have capitol in the back. I have no idea what's in the front.

I like my front stones better when they are wet also. We will be doing the sealant this year on them.

Since its been 1&1/2 years that they have been in, there are 2 rust spots and I don't want any more stains. Leaves in the fall also stain them.
It will be a PITA because we have to go through a very through cleaning 1st, when we should have done it right away.

On a side note the tumbled pavers I have in the back I like better w/o the sealant. (We have regular ones in the front.)
The color is also different, River Bed (grays, tans & black) it's called where the driveway is granite city (all grays & black).

Re: Paving stones

We have nicolock. We did not seal them,and never was offered that option. They look great a year after being installed. Only a few got a bit of white on them.

My neighbor just put in Cambridge. I thought the texture looked "fake". Maybe they are sealed and that is why?

Re: Paving stones

Sealing them does make them look wet and glossy. I prefer the natural look.

What color did you pick? I'm going for Cobble in Harvest Gold if Nicolock or Salmon if Cambridge. Nicolock does have more color choices.

Re: Paving stones

We did Cambridge pavers...the tumbled ones in toffee/onyx