Mar 31 2015
When the City of Minneapolis, MN, was looking for a low-maintenance alternative to grass for an eight foot wide space that separates the curb from the sidewalk in the downtown arts center, landscape contractor Joe Lemmerman came up with the perfect solution: AZEK Pavers. Lemmerman of Earthpavers, LLC in Delano, MN, won the job for more than 3,600 sq. ft. of pavers over two city blocks by presenting the pavers as both a "green" and a low-maintenance solution to continuously re-sodding the grassy areas.
AZEK Pavers are an innovative product made of up to 95% content - recycled tires and various plastics. They are lighter weight than concrete pavers, easier to cut with traditional saws, and install up to three times faster on a unique, self-aligning grid system which is placed over a prepared sub base. AZEK Pavers' manufacturing process has diverted more than 1 million tires from landfills to date.
"The City of Minneapolis was having a problem keeping grass on these areas, with the harsh weather, freeze-thaw and road chemicals," said Lemmerman. "They had used AZEK Pavers for a dog park in recent years, so city officials were familiar with the low-maintenance and long-term benefits."
Lemmerman completed the paver cityscape in 35 hours with two workers. They dug out the old grass down to the clay and poured a Class 5 gravel base. "We laid the pavers into the grids, then I went back and did all the cutting around street light foundations, street signs and utility boxes," said Lemmerman, who used a carbide chop box and a jigsaw for scrolls and circular cuts. He said a 3,000 ft. section used AZEK Pavers' Waterwheel color and another 600 ft. section was completed in a different city block using Redwood.
Lemmerman noted that city officials were pleased with the positive feedback they received. "The people in the area were excited over the new paver sections--they just loved it," said Lemmerman. "Pedestrians kept coming up and handing me their phone numbers," he added, "so it looks like I will be installing more AZEK Pavers throughout the spring."
AZEK Pavers are available in five colors and three styles: Standard for new patios and driveways; Resurfacing for installing over existing patios, decks, balconies and rooftops; and Permeable for areas that require water management. Providing a business boost for contractors, AZEK Pavers can provide solutions for municipal, commercial or residential projects.
To learn more, visit www.azek.com.