Natural Stone
Tile
Clay Paver Brick;
Historic Clay Pavers
PRODUCTS
Because we engrave in many types of products (paving stone, clay brick, tile and stone)
What is the Best Material for your Project? - Paving Stone? Clay Brick? Tile? Natural Stone?
we can offer advice as to what product best fits your project needs and why. (see each category below)
Where and why is it best to use paving stone?
Paving stone pavers are best used in outdoor applications like plazas, sidewalks, & courtyards. Why? (1) Best value; in most cases
the materials and construction for your project will be much less, plus the most durable and maintenance free long term. Because
of their high density (8000 plus PSI) and very low absorbency rate (less than 5%) they are not noticeably affected by freeze thaw
long term, and much harder than most natural stone. (2) Safety; Not as slick wet as concrete or clay brick, and much safer than tile,
pressed brick or polished stone. (3) Easy to add to projects because they are laid in sand over a bed of compacted base material, they move with nature. And never crack or break. A properly installed pave stone project should considerably out last the buildings they serve. Plain pavers can easily be replaced with name pavers year after year allowing you to continue to raise funds and everyone
now and in the future can be a part of the project. (4) Variety; paving stone come in many standard as well as custom colors in sizes
                                                                          from 4 x 8 to 18 x 18 inches.
Where and why is it best to use (clay) brick pavers
Clay pavers are best used on walls or in places they are being set in mortar, thin set or grouted in. They are easy for a mason to clean
up during or after instillation. They can vary greatly in quality and durability, the better ones tend to be very expensive, a big problem if                                                                      your project has a lot of plain pavers.
Generally not the best choice for outside sand set projects, most clay bricks are wire cut and can vary in size. Installers need to lay them as tight as possible to keep the sand in the joints, because they vary in size a little. Some are put in so tight that when they expand something has to give, this generally causes part of the top to pop off(spall) not much of a problem on most pavers but if they have names engraved in the top it can be a big problem. Many projects in areas that have rapid temperature changes over the years can have a great number of names that have been affected. For that reason some brick manufacturers now offer Pressed Pavers where the clay has been put in a mold and pressed into a paver shape with beveled edges and built in spacers to eliminate spalling. They have two major problems, one is that they tend to be very costly  and two is they because they do not have the grit on top like most clay brick they are extremely slick, dangerously so when they are wet. They can be a big liability for this reason. Clay pavers are limited in size and colors.
We can engrave on most textures and types of tiles you may need
Where and Why it is Best to Use Tile
Where; Tile is used on interior floors and walls or to cover panels that hang or are attached to walls. Generally not for exterior use.
       Why; Tiles are used because they come in a large variety of colors textures and sizes, from 4x4 or smaller 24x24 inches.
The cost is often the most reasonable and they are the easiest and least expensive transport. Installation can often be done by
                                                                            volunteer members from your group that have experience
Where and Why it is Best to Use Natural Stone
Natural stone can be used in most applications, but certain types and textures should not be used for in ground applications.
Softer stone like marble and slate may be scratched  or damaged if used in areas where they will be walked on, especially outside, should not have a smooth polished finish, because they are generally very slick when wet and can be a hazard, not to mention the liability issues. The same stones with a textured finish can have superior traction.
                                                        Variety: stone is available in most colors textures and sizes.
Cost: Stone in most cases is very expensive, especially the thicker units needed for sand setting out of doors and instillation may be more expensive. Stone is hard to beat for beauty, durability, and class if you can afford it!

Old pavers that may have special meaning to your community or project often make great fund raising tools