Overview

 

Recycled rubber paving stones have become a popular alternative to cement paving stones.   Paving stones made of recycled rubber can be used for a variety of projects.  Highly durable, non-slip, and mostly maintenance free, rubber pavers are used in both residential and commercial settings.   The versatility of rubber pavers and the inherent safety due to the non-slip quality makes them a popular choice for playground surfaces, pool decks, garden walks, sidewalks and patios. Made from post-consumer recycled tires and plastic bottles, they reduce pollution from incineration and help keep unnecessary waste out of landfills.  Recycled-content rubber pavers also contribute to LEED credits.

Performance

Rubber paving stones, generally made from recycled rubber tires and plastic bottles, are easy to install. They can be cut to size or purchased with an interlocking system.  Rubber paving stones are low maintenance in both indoor and outdoor settings. The durability of rubber makes the pavers resistant to breakage, chipping, or cracks. Rubber pavers are easy to clean by methods such as damp mopping, or, in the case of exterior installations, pressure washing.  Safety is another unique feature of rubber paving stones, as they provide non-slip surfaces indoors and outdoors in any weather conditions. They also offer shock absorption, a rare quality in flooring. Since they come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors, rubber paving stones can be used in many different settings.

Availability

As individuals around the nation are becoming more environmentally conscious, many municipalities, businesses, and residents are steering away from traditional concrete paving stones and are experimenting with recycled rubber pavers.  Rubber paving stones are widely available throughout the United States.  A contractor can procure and install the pavers for you, or you may opt to purchase the pavers directly from a vendor and install them yourself.

Cost

While the initial cost for rubber pavers is slightly higher than the cost of traditional concrete, installation, maintenance, and repair costs are minimal. The cost of installation is less expensive than standard concrete pavers because they are lighter and thus more efficient to transport and handle.  If maintenance is necessary due to tree roots, rubber pavers can easily be pulled up and reused.  Rubber pavers will not crack or loosen like other pavers so the overall costs to maintain rubber pavers is very low. 

Specifications

Consider incorporating the following specification in your next bid for rubber pavers:

• Pavers must be composed of a minimum of 95% post-consumer recycled content.

Vendors

 

VAST®
Minneapolis, MN
612/234-8958
http://vastpavers.com

VAST Enterprises, headquartered in Minneapolis, manufactures rubber pavers made from 95% recycled materials.

Baden Building Products
Burnsville, MN
952/895-6076
www.badenproducts.com/pavers.html

Baden Building Products, located in Minnesota, supplies composite pavers made from 95% recycled materials.  

Peter Doran Lawn and Landscaping
Brooklyn Park, MN
763/315-0052
www.peterdoranlawn.com

Peter Doran lawn and landscaping offers composite pavers made from up to 95% recycled materials; the pavers are 100% recyclable.

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