Editors notes: I love the look of tumbled pavers. They add an elegance and old world look to a patio or driveway. Read this article to learn more - PCH

Create an 'Old World' Look With Tumbled Pavers

(NUI) - Are you looking to spruce up your outdoor space? If so, you're not alone.

Trends in home improvement indicate that outdoor spaces, such as patios, continue to be just as important to market appeal and value as the gourmet kitchen and luxury bathroom.

Smart Money magazine estimates that landscaping and "hardscaping" can increase home values by as much as 15 percent. According to the National Association of Realtors, outdoor rooms can deliver a 77 percent return on investment at sale time, and they're less expensive per square foot than additions or kitchen or bath remodels.

But there's one idea in particular that's attracting the attention of homeowners.

"A fast-growing trend in landscape design is reproducing the charm of historic 'Main Street USA' - cobbled streets in warm, earthy colors - at home," said Ted Corvey, paver director of Pine Hall Brick, a national supplier of clay pavers.

In the past, consumers wanting an antique look in clay pavers relied on recycled sources - pavers harvested from old buildings. But there are limitations.

"Recycled brick is hard to find, expensive, and inconsistent in size, color and quality," Corvey said.

If you want to create historic, Old World charm in your back yard, you can find an alternative solution to recycled brick in Pine Hall Brick's new line of tumbled pavers called "Rumbled."

Pine Hall Brick has developed an innovative process of putting the pavers through a large tumbler that rounds the edges while maintaining consistency of strength and sizing. These tumbled clay pavers, which are available in five colors, also are a popular choice for pathways and driveways.

"Our Rumbled pavers simply perform better than recycled clay pavers, and they have that natural, historic look people love," Corvey said

Clay pavers also are often easier to install than wood decks or poured concrete, Corvey said.

"Despite popular misconception, brick is easy for do-it-yourselfers to install," he said. "In fact, an average patio can be completed in a weekend if you purchase materials in advance."

Pine Hall Brick also manufactures several lines of clay pavers, such as the popular English Edge, which comes in eight colors and features beveled edges and built-in spacer nibs for consistent spacing and flawless patterns.

For information on do-it-yourself projects, purchasing bricks and finding a local distributor, visit www.pinehallbrick.com or call 1-800-95-BRICK.

Create an Old World Look with Tumbled Pavers!

Create an 'Old World' Look With Tumbled Pavers