When it comes to laying 16 inch pavers, it is important to leave a proper amount of space between each paver. The recommended gap between these pavers is 3 mm, which is approximately 1/8 of an inch. This space allows for proper drainage and prevents the pavers from shifting or cracking over time.
Now, you might be wondering why it is necessary to leave a gap between the pavers. Well, the main reason is to accommodate for any expansion or contraction that may occur due to temperature changes. Without this space, the pavers could push against each other and potentially cause them to crack or break.
Additionally, leaving a small gap between the pavers also allows for the proper flow of water. If the pavers are tightly packed together, water may not be able to drain properly, leading to pooling or even damage to the pavers themselves. By leaving a small gap, water can easily flow through the spaces and prevent any potential issues.
You may be tempted to lay the pavers tightly together to create a more seamless and uniform look. However, it is important to resist this urge and follow the recommended spacing. Laying the pavers too tightly can actually cause some issues in the future, such as the ones I mentioned earlier.
In my own experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have come across situations where pavers were laid too tightly together. This resulted in problems such as water pooling, pavers cracking, and even the need for complete reinstallation. It is always better to take the time to space the pavers correctly from the beginning to avoid any future headaches.
To ensure the proper spacing, you can simply set the pavers beside one another without hammering them together. This will create the recommended 3 mm gap between each paver. You don’t need to measure the gap precisely, but just eyeballing it and making sure there is a small space between each paver will suffice.
When laying 16 inch pavers, it is crucial to leave a recommended gap of 3 mm between each paver. This allows for proper drainage, accommodates for expansion and contraction, and prevents potential damage to the pavers. So, resist the temptation to lay them tightly together and take the time to space them correctly. Trust me, it will save you from future troubles and ensure a long-lasting and visually pleasing result in your landscaping project.
