KOCHI: Natural granite paving is an integral part of landscaping as it is beautiful and durable at the same time. Depending on the region, the texture and colour of the granite stones vary. But whatever the variation, they are hard and ranks way above all other paving materials.
The colours available in Kerala mostly range from light grey to black, with shades of pink in some areas. The surface texture also varies from rough to smooth. Depending on the above qualities, the strength or the load bearing capacity also varies.
The cheapest stones are the ones with area around 25 cm square. Any kind of pattern can be made with these stones. If cut laterally, they can be used as kerb stones while the quarter sized pieces can be used for more decorative designs.
Close paving of these stones is not possible. Or you will need to cut the sides closely using a sharp granite cutter, but the process is highly labour intensive. The usual gap in between the stones is 4 cm. This gap can be increased slightly if you are planting grass in between. Wider gaps as big as a shoe width should be avoided.
4’x4’ stones are available from our neighbouring states. They are light grey and weaker, but ideal for garden paving especially for walk ways and other prominent areas where Mexican grass can be planted in between for better effects. The edges of such stones can be cut into different patterns to form new patterns in paving. If paved on driveways these stones have to be supported with PCC without which they might crack.
Hard stone slabs can be used for driveways or porches. These slabs should be one inch thick and stuck on a strong PCC base. The edges of these stones have good finish and thus close paving can be done.
The gaps in between the stones can be filled with different materials suitable for different themes.
For garden areas buffalo grass and Mexican grass are the best options.
Buffalo grass is usually planted while Mexican grass can either be planted or laid as grass strips as such.
Though laying Mexican grass is costly, they can give out the effect faster and look better within in a short span of time.
For grass planting the gaps between the granite slabs must be filled with planting media. The media must lie below 2 cm. from the top level of granite.
Once the grass grows, the edge of the blades of grass must be cut to the same level of granite so that there are no undulations.
The gaps can even be filled with different kinds of small chip stones, quartz etc. or cemented with pebbles or shells stuck on them. The level is very important in all such work; it must never projected over the surface of the granite.
subramanianm@epmltd.com