Walk This Way: Some Las Vegas builders use exotic materials for pathways

By John Kelly
RJNewHomes.vegas

These homes rock! But that’s no mere fist-bump-inspiring statement of their intrinsic awesomeness.

It’s hard news.

From stone pavers’ cornucopia of colors and durability to the more exotic “exposed aggregate and beach pebble,” homebuilders in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of premium items for underfoot – or tire.

And as homes’ pathways continue to grow in prestige and prominence, more Las Vegans are likely welcoming guests with the Aerosmith imperative: “Walk this way.”

Blue Heron, creator of luxurious desert contemporary living and the “beach pebble” people, wants their home buyers to be able to strut their outside stuff.

“Blue Heron puts as much attention and forethought into designing the outside of our custom homes as we do on the inside architecture,” said Tyler Jones, principal and founder of Blue Heron. “Our vision and goal is to achieve seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, which include interesting outdoor connections such as driveway motor courts and walkways leading up to the inside of the home. We have designed and built walkways that are flanked by granite water features and water walls as the walkways open into interior courtyards, which also have interesting elements. These elements include floating water tables with fire, fountains and spill-over spas.

“We have been focused on desert contemporary architectural style for more than a decade, and it has shown time and time again that buyers are seeking this type of living environment. We’re proud to provide the ideas and detail needed for our clients to have the ultimate experience in their homes.”

Because a front walkway is a big part of your home’s curb appeal, builders are selecting materials that complement the exterior of your home.

Pavers are a very versatile walkway material. They can be used to create a simple path or an elaborate entry walkway. Walkway pavers come in many shapes, colors and textures and can be laid in a variety of patterns. They are typically placed over a bed of compacted soil and gravel, so you don’t have to worry about cracks.

The variety and quantity of colored pavers has everything to do with a path’s aesthetic and function. Many new home driveways and walkways in Las Vegas are beautifully undulating paths. They also show how colored unit pavers can create remarkable effects. A field of irregular pavers provides a surface to travel from one circular paved node in the landscape to the next one in the distance. Such wide walkways would not be nearly as appealing without so much variation in color.

For Richmond American, the decision to pave the way for home sales with stone pavers was a no-brainer. First impressions are crucial in sales, and pavers’ price point made a refined forever-lasting surface more available to even the average buyer. Richmond American, like other builders, offers levels of stone packages.

“As part of Richmond American’s commitment to a higher standard of homebuilding, we use paver stones for all driveways, walkways, front porches, backyard patios and courtyards in our Las Vegas communities,” said Nicole Bloom, Senior Vice President. “This material’s aesthetic value and versatility made it a natural choice for our homes. Homeowners may choose the included paver stone package or opt for an upgrade.”

According to homebuilders, pavers are the only paving option that adds value to your property. This is because it will be the last driveway you will ever need. All other paving options will break down over the years and will have to be resurfaced or replaced. With pavers, if you were to get a stain on your driveway, a crack, or needed access to underground utilities, you could simply remove and replace the pavers as necessary.

Joe Whatley, of Liberty Homes, knows a little something about pavers’ durability. His homes in the Centennial area of northwest Vegas offer RV garages. Whatley’s driveways have a real high-pressure job, yet the beautiful surfaces can take a pounding and keep looking good.

“We at Liberty Homes include driveway pavers as well as the walkway to the front entry,” Whatley said. “It handles the weight of the RV on the RV garages, as well. A very nice look and custom feel.”

Amid all the builder reasons for going with stone out front, the most important might be simply that they are absolutely beautiful. And, remember, it is the only paving surface that actually adds value to your house. Functionality and beautiful looks are certainly what drives American West’s paver offerings.

“We offer paver driveways at every one of our communities,” said Daniel Welsh, Vice President of American West Development, a pioneering family owned builder in Southern Nevada. In some of our communities, these pavers come standard. Each and every single one of our yards is equipped to accommodate a unique, professionally designed landscape package. These front yards, accompanied by our paver drive and walkways, really separate our neighborhoods from the rest.”