Recycled rubber patio pavers, Digi Mart USA News: Pre-cast concrete pavers are generally the most affordable way to create a patio or other solid surface in a yard, and they are available in a wide range of colors and styles. However, concrete is an environmentally damaging material, and recycled rubber is presented as an alternative.
Recycled rubber is mostly made from old car and truck tires, though it can also come from industrial waste and other scrap products. According to the publisher, it is considered sustainable because it keeps some of the millions of scrap tires thrown away each year out of landfills, and making recycled rubber uses less energy than making new natural or synthetic rubber.
Recycled rubber pavers are sold by home improvement stores, online retailers and specialty suppliers. They are easy to install and can be cut and shaped with a utility knife, rather than the angle grinder or tile saw typically needed for concrete pavers.
The material can also be used for walkways and driveways.
Compared with concrete, recycled rubber is softer underfoot and can reduce impacts if children are running around. It is forgiving of uneven loading, will not crack due to frost, and does not become slippery in the rain.
The publisher notes that the sun’s UV rays can eventually cause fading, and that driveway use requires choosing the correct type and properly preparing the sub-base because heavy traffic may cause damage.
The surface can gradually develop indentations from patio furniture, and it is not suitable as a base for a DIY fire pit. Visual options are also more limited: recycled rubber does not currently offer the same range of colors and textures as concrete pavers, although the publisher expects the range to expand as the products become more popular.
Costs may be similar depending on style, and the publisher says installation is generally simple enough that homeowners could save money by doing it themselves. The publisher concludes that recycled rubber pavers are a softer, more eco-friendly option than concrete but may not suit everyone.
The article was not independently verified.
