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Techo-Bloc pavers are engineered to handle the freeze/thaw that occurs in changing climates. As long as they are properly installed, the stones will remain adaptable, even, and stable for years to come. The joints between the pavers create flexibility, which avoids cracking, while still allowing subtle movement. Techo-Bloc pavers are nearly 3 times stronger than poured concrete, having a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi and a maximum of 5% water absorption.
Yes, it is possible for grass to grow between pavers. Techo-Bloc recommends using polymeric sand in the joints of your pavers to inhibit the growth of weeds and grass. There is little that can be done in damp, shaded areas to prevent moss from continuously growing. However, you can try using 10 parts water to 1 part chlorine bleach to remove the moss. To resolve the problem permanently, consider professional advice to correct the moisture that encourages the growth of moss.
For concrete walkways, balconies, patios or step landings in good structural condition, Techo-Bloc’s Blu 45mm concrete overlay system is the answer. This concrete slab acts as a thin and lightweight concrete cover that won’t crack or stain like concrete and is de-icing salt resistant. For concrete walkways that are not in good condition, even though we do not recommend it, it is possible to lay pavers over an existing concrete walkway. There are, however, two major things to consider: First, this will raise the project site by about 2″ to 3″. Second, the contraction that can result in the concrete slab in colder weather will, in the same way, affect the pavers. Therefore, you must also take into consideration doorways or other areas that may be affected. Please consult our Techo-Spec guide for more detailed information.
Using Techo-Bloc pavers will not only provide a beautiful pool deck, it will create a safer surface that prevents slipping. In addition, Techo-Bloc pavers provide a cooler walking area and can handle moisture better than alternative concrete surfaces. For a gorgeous pool coping, we suggest our Bali Travertina or our Bullnose cap with rounded edges. Be sure that the base material surrounding the pool is well compacted prior to installing the pavers. To provide added security to your pool deck, safety covers may be installed over Techo-Bloc pavers using special anchors.
Absolutely. It is possible to use Techo-Bloc's pavers for your driveway. For residential driveways, be sure that you use a minimum 8” compacted base material. Please consult our Techo-Spec guide for more detailed information or the ICPI installation guide.
The major differences between slabs and pavers lie in their design and application possibilities. Pavers are designed with interlocking qualities and are structurally suitable for surfaces exposed to vehicular traffic. Slabs, on the other hand, do not possess interlocking qualities and are essentially tiles used for surfaces exposed to pedestrian traffic only, such as a walkway, patio or poolside. Slabs and pavers can also be combined to create interesting visual effects with banding and mosaics.
It is not the shape that makes Techo-Bloc pavers interlock, it is the actual system. When properly installed, the combination of the paving stones, bedding sand, joint sand, and edge restraint allows Techo-Bloc pavers to interlock.
Color choice and color blending is very subjective and based on personal preference. However, an industry professional such as a Techo-Bloc authorized dealer/retailer or contractor can assist you with design decisions. Visiting a Techo-Bloc authorized dealer to view Techo-Bloc product samples also greatly aids in the decision-making process. Visit our Find a Dealer page to find a retailer near you.
The Stonedge Collection products are manufactured using a wetcast manufacturing process to more closely resemble the sculpted attributes of natural stone. Granite and other natural ingredients are present within the recipe to allow for a range in tones, veining and textures from one stone to another. For an authentic look, each color option is therefore, composed of a variety of darker and lighter tones.
All Techo-Bloc products (paving stones, wall stones, slabs, and edges) are manufactured with a process that creates a complete pigmentation throughout the entire stone. As a result, the color will not fade over time. Please note that Stonedge products are not manufactured using our color processing.
Stamped or patterned concrete is merely slabs of concrete with a design and/or pattern. These are prone to problems of deterioration and fracturing, especially in freeze/thaw environments. Techo-Bloc paving stones are guaranteed against fracture or deterioration. Techo-Bloc pavers can be moved and replaced when needed (e.g. for the installation of utility wires or an in-ground sprinkler system, something concrete pavements do not allow you to do).
Consult the Techo-Bloc warranties for both drycast and wetcast (Stonedge Collection) products by visiting our warranty page.
Discover our Landscape Catalog by viewing our virtual copy, or by ordering a hardcopy on our Catalogue page.
Sealing pavers is really for aesthetic purposes as the quality of the products is not compromised if you do not seal them. It really is up to individual preferences – sealing them can enhance the color and make the product more stain resistant and easier to keep clean. It is entirely optional, but you must remember that typically sealers need to be reapplied every 3-5 years. If you are going to seal the product it is recommended that you wait at least one year to allow the final curing of the paving stones and allow the initial efflorescence to weather off. The product will absolutely need to be cleaned with efflorescence cleaner before you proceed with the sealing.
To find a landscaping contractor, press on Find A Pro.
Enter your zip or postal code in the search bar to locate a certified Techo-Pro (independent landscape contractors) in your area, prescreened for ICPI & NCMA certifications.
We recommend that you do your own research by asking for referrals and visiting job sites that contractors have previously completed. Read this article to learn how to hire the right contractor for you!
The Techo-Pro program is a referral program that helps you find a qualified Techo-Bloc contractor in your area. Techo-Pros have the knowledge and experience to design and build precisely what you want. Techo-Pro contractors have been pre-screened to ensure that your driveway, poolside, patio, steps, walkway or other installation needs exceed not only industry standards, but also our own. Be sure to read our The Right Questions To Ask Your Landscape Professional before choosing a professional.
Techo-Bloc is a paving stone brand, we essentially manufacture the stones and sell them to retailers and landscape installers, and therefore we can’t personally send a contractor to your home. Although, what we can do is assist you in finding a contractor. The steps are as follows:
- Click on Find A Pro
- Enter your zip or postal code in the search bar and you will find local Techo-Pro contractors in your area. These landscapers are familiar with our Techo-Bloc products, so please don’t hesitate to contact them to set up a meeting for a consultation and/or estimate at your home.
You can see our products at a retailer/dealer near you. Click on Find a dealer and then type in your zip or postal code. This will locate independent stores in your area that are authorized Techo-Bloc resellers. Most of these stores have Techo-Bloc displays that will allow you to view the products up close. You can also ask to see specific products if they have it in their inventory. If the product you’re interested is not available, retailers/dealers can order product and/or color swatches for you.
Techo-Bloc sells through a network of retailers, which means the prices vary depending on the retailer. If you contact a dealer in your area, they can provide you with the pricing information that you’re looking for. To locate a retailer/dealer near you, click on Find a dealer and then enter your zip or postal code. You can call these stores and ask for pricing information on specific products. Be sure to mention the correct product name and the brand name Techo-Bloc to ensure you get the proper information.
Techo-Bloc sells its products through a network of independent distributors/retailers. Visit our Locate a Professional page to find an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer/retailer near you for pricing information on Techo-Bloc products.
There are more than 800 Techo-Bloc dealers in Canada and the United States. At these Techo-Bloc dealers, you will find our products on display, giving you an opportunity to see what a walkway, wall, and other designs look like in a landscape setting. Our dealers can also provide assistance with calculating materials, tools, and planning. They can also provide you with referrals for qualified contractors for your projects.
Visit our Locate a Professional page to find a retailer near you with a Techo-Bloc Outdoor Living display/showroom
Techo-Bloc is a manufacturer of hardscape products and does not offer installation services. However, we can suggest certified Techo-Pro contractors that have been screened for good reputation and have adequate education and certification from NCMA & ICPI authorities. Visit our Locate a Professional page to find a certified Techo-Pro contractor near you.
Visit our Support page for downloadable installation guides.
For the setting bed, use coarse concrete sand, which should be evenly spread and leveled to 1″ thickness. Be careful not to compact the sand setting bed and do not use stone dust or screening. These will cause improper drainage and your Techo-Bloc pavers will not set properly.
For your pavers, use Techo-Bloc’s Stabilizing Sand. When it hardens it allows minimal weed growth between the joints. For replacing existing joint sand with our Stabilizing Sand, Techo-Bloc suggests removing 1″ to 1-1/2″ of the surface from the pavers before reinstallation. This can be accomplished with the careful use of a pressure washer, making sure you do not disturb the bedding sand. Using an insufficient amount of polymeric sand will not achieve the recommended cohesive strength needed to stabilize the sand joint. Carefully read and follow the directions of the product prior to beginning the project.
Techo-Bloc strongly recommends using a filter fabric, or geotextile (e.g. Mirafi® 500X), under pavers to prevent the base from deteriorating and failing. The filter fabric should be laid on the top of the compacted soil in the excavated area to help control the aggregate base material from passing into the soil sub-grade (especially in areas that contain mostly clay).
Techo-Bloc recommends a minimum 6″ (find out if 6 or 12) of compacted stone base for all our segmented retaining wall systems. Please consult our Techo-Spec guide for more detailed information.
Typically made of HDPE or polyester, geogrids (e.g. Mirafi 2XT) are open-celled, directional fabrics that are placed between the layers of block at different intervals to stabilize the soil behind the retaining wall and secure the wall face to the earth being retained. Geogrids are laid out perpendicular to the wall face within the compacted soil behind the wall. The height of the wall being constructed, soil characteristics, and the pressure on the wall caused by the slopes, structures, and/or paved areas all affect the proper placement of geogrid. Geogrid is available through Techo-Bloc and professional engineers.
To backfill a wall, we recommend that the first 12″ behind the wall be filled with at least 1/2″ to 3/4″ diameter clean stone. This will assist in easing any hydrostatic pressure. It is best to use compacted soil in the area directly behind the stone. Please consult our Techo-Spec guide for more detailed information.
You may use any Techo-Bloc retaining wall stones to construct steps. When building a staircase, follow these security measures: In poor soil conditions, a geotextile must be installed over the excavated area to eliminate cross-contamination of the soils. Every riser should be built with the wall as one unit to create a monolithic structure. To ensure the structure and the compaction of aggregates are stable, biaxial geogrid should be installed at strategic locations. All cap units and blocks should be clean of all debris and glued with a concrete adhesive. Investigate local codes regarding step height, depth of tread, and handrail requirements. Please consult our Techo-Spec guide for more detailed information.
Techo-Bloc recommends using a draining tile behind the wall at grade level. Please consult our Techo-Spec guide for more detailed information.
To make a 90 degree angle retaining wall, our pallets of Mini-Creta and Mini-Creta Architectural (USA Only), Escala, Suprema, Semma Quarry Stone 100 and 200 mm, and Mini-Blok (QC only) will do just fine. They all contain corner units that can be used to construct both left- and right-hand corners. The units are set in place by using a concrete adhesive; we recommend FlexLock Xtra Strength concrete adhesive.
All Techo-Bloc wall systems can be used to build walls with either inward or outward curves. For outward curves, we provide tapered blocks, while inward curves can be formed by placing the front corners of the blocks together and gapping the blocks from behind.
We recommend using FlexLock Xtra Strength concrete adhesive for strength and flexibility in securing your wall caps.
To build a freestanding wall, feel free to use our Mini-Creta, Mini-Creta Architectural, Escala, Semma, Semma Polished and Manchester walls. They are double-sided wall stones that come in a variety of sizes and are easy to install. Mini-Creta, Mini-Creta Architectural, Escala, Semma, Semma Polished (Canada Only) and Manchester walls can be used to build straight and inclined walls with inward and outward curves.
Yes, especially if the wall will be more than 36” in height. A professional engineer can provide you with the necessary (local code) requirements, provide design planning to achieve the look you desire, and give you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. Please consult our Techo-Spec for more detailed information.
With proper installation and design planning, Techo-Bloc segmented walls may be constructed as high as 30 feet. It is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified engineer and/or contractor to assist you in proper execution of your project. To use any type of Techo-Bloc retaining wall without the use of geogrid, please refer to the section of our website regarding the specifications of our products.
Tiered walls are multi-level arrangements of two or more walls. Provided that you have model soil conditions, we recommend that the second wall be located directly behind the first wall at a distance of at least two times higher than the first wall. Please consult our Techo-Spec for more detailed information.
Techo-Bloc recommends a minimum of 6″ to 8″ stone base for patios and 12″ for driveways, while the setting bed should be at least 1″ thick. Be sure to have sufficient Techo-Bloc Stabilizer Sand to fill the joints between your Techo-Bloc pavers.
- Click on PRODUCTS. This will bring you to our main product page where you can find the product you’re interested in.
- Click on the product you like and scroll down to view the available colors.
- For dimensions, open the SPEC SHEET in the bottom left corner of the product page under product specifications.
Visit your local Techo-Bloc dealer to discover our products up close. Find a dealer here.
Click on PRODUCTS. This will bring you to our main product page where you can find the product you’re interested in.
You will find a product compatibility chart in our Techo-Spec. Click here to get the guide.
To view our installation guides:
- Scroll over RESOURCES
- Click on Installation Guides when the drop down menu appears. Upon doing this you will be relocated to the page will all of our guides. »
If the product you are looking at is placed in the paver’s section then it can be used for a driveway. If it is placed in the slab section then it cannot be used in driveways for it has not been designed for vehicular traffic.
Natural Travertine is made out of marble, which is porous and absorbs water. Unfortunately, this means that in freeze & thaw cycles cracks will develop all throughout the stone. Techo-Bloc’s Travertina, on the other hand, is made out of concrete, which allows it to resist any potential damage in freeze & thaw climates. For quality’s sake it’s a much better investment.
The Prescott fire pit is a pre-packaged kit that is not pre-assembled. The kit includes everything you’ll need to create the wood-burning rustic fire pit (Prescott wall 180mm, 90mm, Piedimonte caps and a fire resistant steel insert for wood burning fire). The Prescott fire pit is designed to accommodate propane tanks or natural gas connections.
The Raffinato fire pit is a pre-packaged kit that is not pre-assembled. The kit includes everything you’ll need to create the wood-burning rustic fire pit (Raffinato wall 180mm, 90mm, Raffinato caps and a fire resistant steel insert for wood burning fires). The Raffinato fire pit is designed to accommodate propane tanks or natural gas connections.
The Valencia fire pit is a pre-packaged kit that is not pre-assembled. It comes with a wood-burning insert kit but is also compatible with gas-fueled inserts that can be purchased at local fireplace or hardware stores.
The Borealis landscaping slab is made of concrete designed for pedestrian traffic only. It cannot be used for driveways, as it is not designed for vehicular traffic. Borealis can be used on patios, or poolsides. It is typically laid straight on the ground or over concrete. The wood grain texture provides traction when wet to avoid slipping and will not wear off. The slabs can be sealed and are warrantied as long as you own your home.
