ᐅ Driveway stones from Kann in light gray

Hello,
we would like to pave our driveway with Kann Vios stones in 40x20x8 cm (16x8x3 inches) in light gray.

We are currently gathering several quotes, and a landscaping contractor suggested using anthracite instead of light gray because the stones will darken over time anyway, and on the light stones, every stain (e.g., oil) is more visible.

What are your opinions or experiences with this?

We actually like the Kann Vios stones the most and would like to have a consistent color. Of course, they are not cheap. Is the additional cost compared to cheaper pavers justified, or will they not look good after a few years anyway?

The stones are offered at a net price of 47.20 plus installation.

They also offered rcl 0-32 crushed stone at 28.56 per ton and installation at 26.81 Euros per square meter.
Are these prices reasonable?

There will be additional costs for edging stones, etc., but for now, I’m mainly interested in an assessment of the prices mentioned. Thank you in advance!

What area are we talking about here?
Depending on the size and planned use, using different shades can be a good option, for example, framing a parking space or a flower bed with darker stones.
In my opinion, this looks better from a certain size onward than using just one color.
Or are there reasons why only a single color is preferred?
Light-colored stones can cause glare in full sunlight, while darker stones tend to absorb more heat.
Over time, the paving stones will actually get darker unless you clean them regularly.

It is

Tigerlily schrieb:

What area are we talking about here?
Depending on the size and intended use, it might make sense to install different shades, for example framing with darker stones around a parking space or a planting bed, etc.
In my opinion, this looks better from a certain size upwards than using a single color.
Or is there a reason why only one color is desired?
Light stones can cause glare in full sun, while darker stones tend to heat up more.
Over time, the paving stones will actually darken (unless they are cleaned constantly).

It’s about 75-80 sqm (800-860 sq ft)

Tigerlily schrieb:

What area are we talking about here?
Depending on the size and intended use, it might make sense to install different shades, for example framing with darker stones around a parking space or a planting bed, etc.
In my opinion, this looks better from a certain size upwards than using a single color.
Or is there a reason why only one color is desired?
Light stones can cause glare in full sun, while darker stones tend to heat up more.
Over time, the paving stones will actually darken (unless they are cleaned constantly).

Thanks for the reply.

My wife prefers one color.

Is it better for the long term to choose anthracite now instead of light gray?

Sure!
Ask your landscaper for references so you can realistically see the installed stones.
Also, hopefully, you can see how the desired stone looks over a larger area (80m² (860 ft²) is already quite large, in my opinion).
You can also find examples of paved surfaces on manufacturers’ websites if you’re looking for inspiration.

We initially wanted light gray but changed our minds to two different anthracite shades after on-site visits. The stones have now been in place for several years and have developed a nice patina without pressure washing.
I have no experience with non-branded paving stones, but I would assume that installation is the most expensive part, so it’s not worth cutting costs on the stones themselves.

Regarding price comparison: simply get 2-3 quotes and compare them thoroughly. We chose the most expensive contractor because he said he would quote for the worst-case scenario regarding the subsoil, and if it turned out to be easier, the final bill would be lower. We found this more honest than the other way around. All were local specialists, and we had previously hired one of them for garden work. The team worked very well and quickly; we were and still are very satisfied.
It doesn’t help you if someone 500km (310 miles) away offers a cheaper price.

When we asked our landscaping contractor which stones would still look good after 10 and 20 years, he recommended these with gravel as the top layer.
Two-tone and irregular pattern; all concrete stones turn gray and dirty after 10 to 50 years.

Tigerlily schrieb:

(...)
I have no experience with non-branded paving stones, but I would think that the installation is the most expensive part, so it’s not worth saving on the stones themselves.
(...)

It says that the installation alone costs 27 EUR/m² (about $29/m²), while the stones are priced at 47 EUR/m² (around $50/m²) net. In addition, you need gravel and grit, but you would need those anyway, even with cheaper paving stones...

I would (and will) install paving that I like. If you also like anthracite, then choose that, because it is apparently easier to maintain. However, the downside is that it heats up significantly in the summer sun and makes the already warm air even hotter...

The question is also what fits better with the rest of your property. I have a yellow house, so I will use paving in sandstone, beige, or something similar. If it means pressure washing it every few months, then so be it.

Definitely don’t choose paving just because it “is easier to maintain and will still look good in 125 years” if you don’t actually like it. Who knows what will happen in 10 years? At least then you will have enjoyed your beautiful paving in your preferred color for 10 years.

You know how it is: “When I retire, I will travel the world, I’m saving every cent now!” Then suddenly you get sick and can’t do any of it... If you want something, do it now, don’t postpone or think about 20 years from now—especially not something like paving...