Composite Pavers Boost Installation

These composite pavers are made from recycled rubber and plastics - can you say ''LEED points''? They're about one-third the weight of concrete pavers and can be cut with a wood saw. Photo courtesy of VAST Enterprises.

When it comes to specifying pavers for a project there are many considerations. One criterion that may take a backseat is ease of installation.

According to VAST Enterprises, LLC, a material science research and manufacturing company in Minneapolis, its composite pavers are one-third the weight of concrete pavers and can be cut with standard wood saws. For skilled installers, that translates into easier, faster installation. This paver system uses a grid placed over a prepared base to space and align the pavers, another time saver.

Joe Lemmerman, a landscape and contracting professional with Earthpavers, LLC in St. Bonifacius, Minn. said his experience with the pavers and grid system reduces project installation by 40 percent.

The composite material is almost entirely of post-consumer recycled rubber and plastics materials. It's estimated that for every 5,000-square foot landscape application of recycled materials will keep 2,500 scrap automobile tires and 75,000 gallon-size plastic containers out of U.S. landfills.