28 Apr 2023

Cobblestones: From Design and Installation to Laying a Mesh

Cobblestones are a timeless and practical choice for outdoor paving. They add texture, character and elegance to any space. They can be a great addition whether you're looking to create a conventional pathway or an innovative modern-day patio design. In this blog post, we'll explore the design possibilities of Cobblestones, their installation process and how to lay them on a mesh. Let's begin!

What are Cobblestones?

Cobblestones are building materials suited for high-use and high-traffic areas. They are cobble-sized rounded stones with a bumpy surface and uneven texture. They come in rectangular and square shapes with a rustic appearance and are suitable for pathways, walkways, driveways and public streets. Full of character and strength, Cobblestones offer a unique texture and impressive aesthetics to outdoor spaces.

In the past, cobbles were used as streets and paths as an upgrade to dirt roads. But now they are a practical and aesthetical choice for outdoor landscaping.

Earlier, it from made only from concrete. But, the modern version of cobbles is available in many natural stone materials as well, mostly in a small square format with a standard thickness.

Cobblestones come in stunning colours such as grey, earthy brown, black and multi-chromatic shades. They add depth to outdoor areas and pair well with any architectural style.

Why Pick Cobblestone Paving?

When it comes to selecting a heavy-duty building material for outdoor paving and landscaping, Cobblestones pavers are a preferred choice. Due to their long list of benefits, they are popular among architects, builders, designers and homeowners.

1. Cobblestones spark endless design possibilities
   

   Cobblestones are aesthetically appealing and versatile building materials. They are available in an array of rustic colours and are well-suited for numerous project applications. They can effortlessly elevate the look and curb appeal of the space they are installed in. Along with proving a sturdy surface to your outdoors, they also add a distinctive look that makes your space stand out from the rest. Add a Cobblestone walkway to your suburban home or create a pathway for your garden and be sure to grab compliments. What’s more? They will also add value to your property in the long haul.



2. Cobblestones can withstand the test of time
   

   They are naturally dense and heavy-duty building materials. Due to their inherent durability, they can easily endure all weather elements and heavy wear and tear. Widely used across high streets, parks and other public spaces, they are resistant to chipping, scratching and staining. Natural stone Cobblestones are known to be highly durable. They are available in many materials such as Granite, Limestone, Basalt and Sandstone. Durability-wise, nothing can beat Granite Cobblestones, they can easily last a hundred years.



3. Cobblestones are easy to install
   

   Installing Cobblestones is a no-fuss project especially when they come pre-sawn with a mesh backing. A set of 20 Cobblestones come pasted on a silicone mesh. They are well-suited for large areas and reduce the installation time to half. This saves man hours and makes the technique cost-effective as well.



4. Cobblestones can work well with minimum upkeep
   

   A quick wash now and then is all that’s needed to keep them looking good. This comes as a blessing for busy homeowners. As an additional measure, you should reseal them every few years to keep them in the best condition. If you want to go for Granite Cobblestones for your pathway or driveway, consider Raven Black Cobblestone or Sesame Grey Cobblestone. Both will retain their stunning appearance and colour with little work on your part.



5. Cobblestones are slip-resistant
   

   Cobblestone streets prevent water stagnation and rust build-up. Moreover, their uneven and rugged texture gives them a good grip on wet or steep surfaces. This makes the surface safe to walk on even in wet conditions-like after heavy rainfall. Granite Cobblestones are perfectly suitable for driveways and roads as they offer friction to vehicles and prevent accidents.

Types of Cobblestones

Cobblestone pavers are available in two ways-loose and on a mesh. The mesh option with the back sawn is convenient as it allows for easier installation.

Loose Cobblestones

These come as loose pieces and can be used for various project applications such as driveways, walkways, patio paving, exterior walls, and garden borders. Installing loose cobbles is a laborious process, they are suitable when you have a small project space to design. In this technique, individual cobbles are arranged and put together to achieve the desired look. Moreover, considering the man hours that will go into this job, it’s not a viable option if you’re not in favour of splurging.

Cobblestones laid on a mesh

In this method, 20 Cobblestones are attached to a mesh with a strong adhesive backing. The installation process becomes far simpler and more time-efficient with mesh backing. So instead of placing individual stones, 20 stones can be placed in one go. This is a smart and cost-effective option for large outdoor spaces. It ensures the Cobblestones are level and uniform, making them perfect for heavily trafficked driveways and walkways.

Process for Installing Mesh Cobblestones

This method of installation is simple and quick since cobbles come sawn on a mesh instead of laying one at a time. Additionally, they have a relatively smooth surface and provide a uniform finish.

Let’s have a look at the installation steps:

1. The first step is to prepare the surface. For that, dig a base that is at least 6 inches deep, then add 4 inches of gravel or stone dust on top and level it. Normally, stone dust is a dense and preferred choice as it turns hard like concrete when wet. Ensure to maintain half an inch of space between the depth of the bed from the height of the Cobblestones.
2. Spread crushed and levelled sand and use a compactor to even out the surface.
3. Line up rows of Cobblestone mesh side to side. Next, interlock the stones by cutting them as required from the edge of the mesh.
4. To ensure accurate cutting of the stone, sledge or pound the chisel at an angle. For cobbles that don't fit along the edges, make a mark on the paving stone and use a chisel to adjust them.
5. As the next step, use a yard hose to soak the Cobblestone. Move the cobble carpet into the levelling sand by running the leveller over it, subsequently.
6. Evenly spread grout along the entire mesh area and into the joints. Let it dry but before it hardens, use a push broom to remove any extra grout.
7. Finally, allow the grout to dry completely for the next 24 hours. Don’t drive on the surface for at least 72 hours. The path is all set now!

Design Applications for Cobblestones

Patios

Cobblestones can give your patio area a stunning and robust appearance. They add texture and style to your design space and give it long-lasting strength. You can pair them with other natural stone outdoor pavers such as Travertine, Marble, Limestone or Sandstone and create a stunning ambience for your space. Cobblestone patios are long-lasting and aesthetically appealing, with little to no maintenance requirements.

Water Features

Cobblestones around water features offer a striking and refined look to the space around them. Being moisture and water-resistant, they are an ideal paving material for around the water feature.

Garden Edge Paving

Cobblestones not only elevate the appearance of your garden area but are also used to give it a well-defined boundary. They also separate your lawn from the garden bed, allowing you to create a unique look for both areas of your yard. A border made of Cobblestones is sturdy and strong and allows easy mowing of grass without having to worry about the flora and flowerbeds.

Walkways

Thanks to Cobbles, you can give a rustic and robust appearance to the entryway from your front door. They not only give a stunning look to your home but also add to the worth of your property. Cobbles are not just for residential spaces, they also make for a beautiful walkway for parks and other areas. The textured surface of our Porphyry Cobblestone offers a countryside appearance to outdoor space. It comes in a natural split finish with split edges and is ideal for paving sidewalks, pool decks, driveways and parks.

Driveway

The best application for Cobblestones is for driveways. Cobblestones in Granite are sturdy, durable, slip-resistant and weather-resistant, and offer a textured finish, which comes from their exfoliated surface finish that provides great traction for cars. Our Raven Black Cobblestones is a dark and dazzling natural stone that’s popular for paving solid and stable surfaces. Its deep exfoliated finish elevates the style quotient of your outdoor space, especially driveways.

The Final Takeaway!
Whether you're a homeowner looking to spruce up your outdoor landscape or a designer planning your next design project, Cobblestones offer unique and aesthetically pleasing design possibilities for every outdoor space. With so many options available including Granite, Sandstone and Limestone, Cobblestones can be used to create a wide range of designs and patterns. With proper installation and maintenance, Cobblestones can withstand the test of time and continue to be a beautiful addition to your home.

Connect with our expert team today to pave your way with Cobblestones.

*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.