How To Maintain Your Pavers And Keep Them Looking New
Whether you’ve just completed a beautiful new outdoor area with Bonita Stone pavers, or you’re looking to breathe life back into an older space, proper maintenance is key to keeping your paving looking fresh, functional and top-quality for years to come. It helps to protect the colours, prevent surface wear, and preserve the structural integrity of your paved space—especially in Perth’s sunny, often harsh climate. Regular care not only enhances the appearance of your space but also protects your investment by ensuring the longevity of your pavers. Whether you’re dealing with weather extremes in Perth or day-to-day foot traffic, a consistent maintenance routine will keep your pavers in great shape year-round.
Why Paver Maintenance Matters
At Bonita Stone, we pride ourselves on providing premium, Australian-made pavers built to last. But even the best products benefit from a little TLC every now and then. Here’s your practical guide to paver maintenance, from simple cleaning to long-term protection, to ensure your paved areas continue to look brand new.
1. Start With Regular Cleaning
Like anything exposed to the elements, your pavers will naturally collect dust, dirt, leaves, and the odd bird dropping or barbecue mishap. A regular clean goes a long way.
Here’s a basic maintenance routine you can follow:
- Sweep Weekly: Keep surfaces clear of dirt, sand, and organic matter.
- Hose Down: Every few weeks, use a hose to wash away grime and residue.
- Spot Clean Spills: Act quickly with food, oil or wine spills to avoid staining.
For a deeper clean:
- Use a pressure washer (on a low to medium setting) with care. Hold the wand at a slight angle to avoid lifting or damaging the joints.
- Mild soapy water or a pH-neutral cleaner can help remove stubborn marks without damaging the paver’s finish.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, especially anything acidic or bleach-based, as these can break down the surface and discolour your pavers over time.
2. Don’t Let Weeds and Moss Settle In
Over time, weeds can take hold in the joints between your pavers—especially in high-moisture or shaded areas. Moss and algae can also grow on the surface, creating a slip hazard and making the area look tired.
To combat this:
- Apply a weed killer safe for use around paving.
- Use a stiff broom or plastic scraper to remove moss.
- Keep the area dry where possible and ensure good drainage.
Tip: Consider using a joint stabilising sand when installing or topping up pavers—it reduces weed growth and helps lock pavers in place.
3. Protect with Sealing (Optional but Recommended)
Sealing your pavers isn’t mandatory, but it’s a smart move—especially in high-traffic areas, around pools, or if your space is exposed to oil, grease, or strong sunlight.
A quality sealant can:
- Help prevent stains from soaking in.
- Reduce fading from UV exposure.
- Enhance the colour and finish of the pavers.
- Make cleaning much easier.
You can choose between a natural look or a ‘wet’ look, depending on your preferred aesthetic. Most sealers last between 2–5 years before needing a reapplication.
Note: Make sure the pavers are completely dry and clean before sealing. Always test on a small area first, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Address Shifting or Uneven Pavers Early
If your pavers are starting to move, wobble or dip in certain areas, don’t ignore it. This can be caused by subsidence, heavy loads, or water pooling underneath.
Fixes may include:
- Lifting and re-levelling the affected pavers.
- Re-compacting the base layer beneath.
- Topping up with fresh bedding or jointing sand.
Taking action early helps prevent bigger problems later—like cracking or more extensive shifting.
5. Be Mindful of Outdoor Furniture and Heavy Loads
While Bonita Stone pavers are strong and built to handle serious wear and tear, it’s still smart to look after them:
- Use protective pads under heavy furniture.
- Avoid dragging items across the surface.
- For driveways or commercial areas, always check your paver rating matches the load requirements.
Adding outdoor rugs or mats in seating areas can also offer extra protection while adding comfort and style. These small preventative measures can extend the life of your pavers and keep them looking polished.
6. Know Your Paver Type
Different pavers need slightly different care depending on their material and finish. For example:
- Honed pavers have a smoother surface—cleaning is easy, but they can show marks more readily.
- Exposed aggregate pavers are textured and may need a bit more attention to remove grime caught in the surface.
Not sure what you have? Get in touch with the Bonita Stone team—we’ll help you identify your paver type and recommend the right maintenance approach.
Also consider where your pavers are located. Areas with higher foot traffic, exposure to chlorinated water, or nearby vegetation might need more frequent attention. Knowing your environment is just as important as knowing your materials.
7. Seasonal Checks and Maintenance
As the seasons change, so do your pavers’ needs:
- In autumn, keep them clear of fallen leaves that can stain or cause mildew.
- In winter, check for pooling water or drainage issues.
- In summer, consider a re-seal or touch-up clean to refresh the surface.
Set yourself a seasonal reminder to give your outdoor areas a once-over—it’ll save time and effort in the long run.
You may also want to inspect edge restraints and joints during these checks. These are often overlooked but can have a big impact on the stability and appearance of your paved area over time.
Final Thoughts
Well-maintained pavers don’t just look better—they perform better, last longer, and add lasting value to your outdoor space. Whether it’s a stylish backyard, a statement driveway, or a polished poolside, a little maintenance goes a long way.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your Bonita Stone pavers in top condition for years to come.
Need Advice Or Product Recommendations?
Get in touch with the friendly team at Bonita Stone today—we’re here to help you get the most out of your pavers, from installation to maintenance and beyond.
📞 Call us or visit our website to learn more.
