FAQ's

About Reading Rock

How long has Reading Rock been in business?

Reading Rock has been in business for over 60 years. Since 1947, Reading Rock has had a passion for manufacturing quality masonry products. Our philosophy for excellence is captured in our resolute focus on the best People, Products and Processes. Our level of dedication began on a small scale as a block manufacturer in Reading, Ohio. Today, Reading Rock is recognized as a market leader having introduced Paverlock interlocking concrete pavers, Allan Block segmental retaining walls and RockCast, the nation’s first machine made cast stone product.

Does Reading Rock manufacture product on site?

Reading Rock currently manufactures all our products at our corporate office in Cincinnati, Ohio.

What are your hours? Are you open on Saturday?

Reading Rock is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. We are also open on Saturdays between 8:00am and noon in season. For more information, please call 513.874.2345.

What kind of warranty do you have on your products?

Reading Rock warrants its products to meet ASTM manufacturing guidelines and specifications provided the products have been installed, used, and maintained according to ASTM masonry standards and as recommended by the manufacturer. For complete copy of the Hardscape Product Warranty, please see Reading Rock's Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Getting Started

Where can I get design ideas for my paver project?

MyPatioDesign.com offers a large library of pre-designed paver patios that can be downloaded for FREE.  All download packages on mypatiodesign.com include detail dimensioned prints, material lists, Reading Rock color palettes and helpful how-to-sheets.  A proper design, using mypatiodesign.com's resources will eliminate the guess work of what size, shape and accessories are needed to complete the project.  The website will assist you in estimating the necessary material and guide you through your installation.

How much material do I need?

Reading Rock recommends estimating the material needed for your project through use of our online calculating tool. To estimate material for your paver project, please use Reading Rock’s estimating tool (Estimator Tool). For Allan Block wall projects, please visit www.allanblock.com to estimate the material needed for your wall and Courtyard wall projects. For additional support, contact Reading Rock customer service at 513.874.2345 for assistance in estimating the material required for your project.

What are my color choices?

Reading Rock offers the widest selection of color, offering the richest color palette available. Our color infusion processes yield a tremendous range of color selections that provides choices for any landscape. Color choices can be found on each product page or by downloading our product specification sheet.

Which colors come in which shape?

At Reading Rock, the possibilities are endless.  With a vast array of colors, sizes, textures and patterns, Reading Rock can help you create the outdoor landscape as unique as your own personal style.  Please reference our product specification sheet for details.

What is the difference between tumbled and non-tumbled pavers/walls?

Reading Rock’s tumbled products are antiqued to provide a rustic and old world charm.  The non tumbled products have cleaner lines and create a more traditional look to your landscape.

Can I add concrete pavers over an existing concrete surface?

Yes, laying concrete pavers over an existing concrete surface can be done; however, concrete surfaces overtime will crack and settle therefore making the pavers settle.  If you choose to lay pavers over an existing concrete surface, it is recommended to use a quality masonry adhesive around the perimeter of your project to ensure your pavers do not shift or move.  As with all paver installations, Reading Rock recommends using a polymeric sand or liquid joint stabilizer for your paver joints.  It is even more critical to use these products when installing pavers over an existing concrete surface.  This will minimize any water ponding below the pavers and on the concrete surface below thus preventing concrete damage and efflorescence exposure to the pavers. Reading Rock recommends removing any existing concrete surface before installing a paver application.

Do I have to use thicker (ex: 8cm) pavers for my driveway?

No.  It is not necessary to use 8cm pavers for residential vehicular applications such as a driveway; however, Reading Rock does recommend using 8cm pavers for driveway applications when heavy vehicular traffic will be present.

Can I use AB Courtyard and/or Bedford as a retaining wall?

No.  AB Courtyard and Bedford products are designed and manufactured to be used in applications where they are not retaining soil.

What is the maximum height of an Allan Block landscape wall?

Reading Rock considers a landscape wall to be under 6 feet in height and meet specific requirements as outlined on www.allanblock.com. Please follow all Allan Block recommended installation guidelines.

What is the maximum height of an Allan Block wall?

If the wall project is engineered and installed properly, Allan Block segmental retaining wall units can be constructed up to 50+ feet in height.

Do I have to cap my wall?

Walls do not have to be finished with a cap; however, to give your project a more completed, more formal look, it is recommended that you use a cap to finish off your wall.  Reading Rock has many different wall cap options depending on the type of wall and application.

Installation Questions

Can I install my project by myself?

Yes.  Reading Rock products are homeowner friendly and come complete with installation instructions.  Please visit our How-to section of the website to learn more about installation recommendations and steps.

Does Reading Rock install?

Reading Rock does not install; however, we have a network of certified contractors and installers that we could recommend for your project. Visit our certified installers page or contact Reading Rock at 513.874.2345.

What kind of base should I use when installing my pavers?

Reading Rock recommends using a minimum of 6” of 3/4” crushed limestone compacted at 3” lifts.

What is filter fabric used for?

A woven geotextile fabric is used to separate the soil sub-base from your base material.  This will greatly minimize any ground movement and prevent your pavers from settling.

If I use a filter fabric, will I still get weeds?

Yes, a filter fabric is used only to separate the soil sub-base from your base material only.  Weeds are typically blown in and germinate in the paver joint sand.  Reading Rock highly recommends a polymeric sand or liquid joint stabilizer to minimize any grass or weed growth.

What kind of base should I use when installing my wall?

Reading Rock recommends a minimum of 6” of clean washed 57.

What do I use to backfill my retaining wall?

Reading Rock recommends using 12” of washed 57 behind the retaining wall.

Do I need to fill the hollow cores when using Allan Block retaining walls?

Yes, Reading Rock recommends using a clean washed 57 to fill the cores. For more installation information, please visit www.allanblock.com.

Should I use drain tile behind my wall?

Yes.  It is recommended to use a 4” perforated drain pipe at the lowest point of your wall construction.

Do I need to pour a concrete footer for wall installations?

No, Reading Rock does not recommend pouring a concrete footer for wall installations.  Reading Rock’s manufactured wall products are a flexible systempouring a concrete footer will not allow for movement during freeze-thaw cycles.

How much gravel and sand should I use when installing my paver patio?

Each project is unique. Please reference Reading Rock’s estimating tool (Estimator Tool) for the appropriate gravel and sand requirements for your specific project.

Do I really need to use Geo-grid and why?

Depending on the height and scope of the project, geo-grid may be needed. Please reference www.allanblock.com for proper retaining wall installation.

How much slope does my paver patio need to have so that the water will run off?

Reading Rock recommends 1” of fall for every 8” of project.  You must make sure that the water run off travels away from your foundation.

Do I need to use edge restraints when installing my paver project?

Yes.  All interlocking paver systems require some edge restraint to prevent the pavers from moving or shifting. An edge restraining can consist of plastic, aluminum, concrete toe and concrete curb.

Purchasing Material

Do I have to buy full cubes of product?

No, it is not necessary to purchase most Reading Rock products in full cubes.  With the exception of pavers (minimum purchase of a strap), Reading Rock products can be purchased by the piece.

How many square feet are on a pallet?

The square footage of product per pallet depends on the shape, series and weight. Please see Reading Rock’s Product Specification sheet for product specific details.

Can unused product be delivered for a refund?

Yes, unused product can be returned to Reading Rock for a refund; however, a restocking fee will apply.  Some restrictions may apply to discontinued product and special orders.  Only full banded cubes of stocked pavers are returnable for credit.  No loose pieces of straps are eligible for refunds.  Please contact Reading Rock customer service for additional details.

Delivery

Does Reading Rock deliver and if so, what is the cost?

Yes, Reading Rock offers delivery.  The cost will depend on the quantity ordered and the distance of travel.

How soon can product be delivered?

In most instances, Reading Rock can deliver product within 48 business hours from time of purchase.  Depending on your location, delivery may be expedited.

Can I pick up my material today?

 If the material you have ordered is a stocked item and on hand, material can be picked up today.

Do you deliver on Saturday or Sunday?

No, Reading Rock does not make deliveries on Saturday or Sunday.

Maintenance

What is the whiteish haze on the surface on my concrete product?

Efflorescence is not indicative of a flawed product, overtime the frost will disappear.   Efflorescence is the frost that sometimes appears on the surface of concrete products.  Efflorescence comes from within the concrete itself.  When the calcium hydroxide comes in contact with the carbon dioxide in the air, a hard white substance, which sticks to the surface of the concrete after the moisture evaporates.  This is the frost or efflorescence that you see.  Just be patient, efflorescence is temporary and will go away over time.  If the frost is so obvious that it distracts from the beauty of your product, Reading Rock offers products to minimize efflorescence.

Can I put salt on my concrete pavers?

Yes.  Salting your concrete pavers during the colder months will not affect the pavers.  Once the ice and snow has melted, it is recommended to clear any remaining salt from the surface of the pavers.

What do I use to remove stains on my concrete product?

Reading Rock offers several products to remove dirt, grime, oil and other stains from the surface of concrete products.  To minimize future stains, Reading Rock offers a variety of products keep your landscaping looking like new and free of blemishes.

Can I pressure wash my pavers?

Pavers can be pressure washed.  It is recommended that you keep a distance between the power washer and paver as to not etch your pavers.  For additional support, please contact Reading Rock customer service at 513.874.2345.

Do I need to seal the pavers?

Sealing pavers is not necessary; however, it is recommended.  Some liquid sealers will enhance the color of your pavers while others will stabilize the joints.  In addition, Reading Rock also offers a product that will stabilize your joints and seal your pavers with one application.

When should I seal my pavers?

Depending on the type of sealer used, the sealer will dictate when it is best to seal your paver application.  Please follow all manufacturer guidelines when using a particular sealer.

How much area will a 1 gallon of sealer cover?

On average, a 1 gallon of sealer will seal 75-125 sq. ft.  The type of product and joint size will affect the amount of area a 1 gallon of sealer will cover.  Please follow all manufacturer guidelines when using a particular sealer.

How much coverage will I get from a tube of adhesive?

A ¼” bead of product will cover approximately 16 linear feet.