Rubber patio pavers are made from recycled tires and formed into a more soft, flexible paver than traditional natural stone pavers, concrete pavers or interlocking concrete pavers. Rubber patio pavers are manufactured to look like stone pavers and are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Recycled rubber patio pavers are very competitive pricewise to natural stone pavers, brick pavers and concrete pavers. Rubber pavers are much softer and therefore easier on you feet and legs. Rubber pavers are also a great patio alternative for children because they don't hurt as bad when there is a fall and they stay cool so no more burnt feet. They have a softer bounce and glasses and plates when dropped won't automatically shatter into million of tiny dangerous shards.

Rubber Patio Paver Advantages

Eco friendly because they are manufactured from old tires

Slip resistant

Very low maintenance

They are probably the easiest of all paver choices to install

They are long lasting

Rubber pavers stay cool even when the blazing sun is beating down on them

They won't chip, crack or break

Not affected by extreme weather conditions

Preparing to Install Rubber Patio Pavers

There is some preparation that needs to be done before installing the rubber pavers, but this can be accomplished by a do it yourselfer rather than hiring a contractor. Rubber pavers are the easiest of all patios to install yourself. Think of it as putting together a large puzzle when using the interlocking type.

Rubber Paver Installation

For a New Patio:

Mark off the size of your patio with wood stakes. Hammer the stakes into the ground with a wood mallet.

Dig the patio out 4 to 6 inches depending on how wet your ground is. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, dig the area down to 6 inches, if you are in a dry area, dig the ground down 4 inches.

After you have excavated the dirt, grade it to level. Use a long straight board to sweep over the dirt, knocking down hills and building up valleys.

Add 2 inches of gravel for dry climates and 4 inches of gravel for wet climates to allow rain water to drain under the pavers. Not providing proper drainage may cause the rubber pavers to shift, buckle or lift, causing a tripping hazard as well severely detracting from the beauty of your new patio.

Measure your site and order your rubber pavers based on the square footage of your patio. The amount of pavers will depend on the size of the pavers you have chosen. The company you are ordering from will figure out the exact number of pavers based on the measurement you provide them with. Order 5% more than what is needed to be used for waste, errors and extras. To determine square footage measure the length and width, then multiply those numbers to determine the area,

Begin at the edge of the patio site – lay a rubber paver in place and then link the pavers together like a giant puzzle.

Make cuts to rubber pavers with a sharp utility knife as needed.

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To Cover an Existing Concrete Patio with Rubber Pavers

Only cover an existing concrete patio with rubber pavers if the patio is in decent condition. As long as the existing patio is not lifting you can install rubber patio pavers over concrete. If there are cracks, flaking or ugly paint – you can cover to the patio and make it beautiful.

Sweep the patio to remove all dust, dirt and debris. Clean the existing patio to remove stains such as mold, grease stains or oil stains.

Use a specialty adhesive made expressly for rubber pavers. The adhesive can be purchased where you buy your rubber pavers, hardware stores and home improvement stores.

Lay the pavers down and glue them to the concrete surface as you go.

Allow the adhesive to dry completely before using your new rubber paver patio.

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Rubber Patio Paver Tips:

After purchasing your rubber pavers store them out of direct sunlight because the heat can cause shrinkage. Do not allow them to get wet before you install them because the moisture will cause them to swell. After they are installed, neither heat nor rain will affect them. It is best to acclimate them to the temperature and humidity.

Rubber pavers are very easy to cut, be artistic and curve your patio to add interest.

Mix 2 colors or more of rubber pavers to create a unique design.

Lay out your design before securing them in place.

Rubber Paver Maintenance:

Wash dirty pavers with plain water to remove dust and dirt. For more difficult to remove stains use a mild dish detergent and a scrub brush although most stains will wash away with water from a garden hose.

Not only are rubber patio pavers easy to install, they are easy to take care of.

Regardless of how hot or mild weather conditions are over hot summers or cold winters, rubber pavers will stand up to the conditions and last a very long time.

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