Can Wood Block Pavers Be Painted? [Plus Types of Paint To Use]

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Wood block paving is an emerging trend in the hardscape industry. This kind of paver provides a natural look and feel to the ground, so they are popular among homeowners with outdoor patios and porches. To improve aesthetics, you might be wondering if your wood block paver can be painted. This is why we have taken the time to research in-depth about this topic. Here's what we gathered.

Wood block pavers can be painted, as most masonry paint can be applied on different surfaces including wood blocks. Apart from design, paints also protect the surface of your pavers and prevent them from chipping.

Paving with wood blocks is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to concrete paving. Keep reading as we dive into the beautification of your wooden pavers through painting. Plus, the type of paint to help you achieve your desired design.

What Are Wood Block Pavers?

Wood block pavers are small blocks of wood used for paving driveways, patios, and other outdoor surfaces. Wood block pavers are eco-friendly and sustainable because their installation process is less harmful to the environment than other paving options such as concrete or asphalt.

Wood block pavers are not limited to just paving driveways or patios. You can use them as a border around flower beds or edging around pool decks. They can also be recycled after use and reused in other projects. These wood block pavers come in many shapes and sizes, so there is a good selection to choose from.

Why Wood Block Paving?

Paving with wood block is a unique choice for many reasons. Wood is a durable material that can withstand the weight of cars, trucks, and pedestrians.

Wood is a durable material that can be used for paving. It blends well with most homes and it is easy to install. It also has an organic look that makes it easier to integrate into your property's landscape design. While choosing the material for your wood block, make sure to choose a type of wood that would last for a long period without decay or need for replacement.

The Best Type of Wood Material For Wood Block Pavers

The best wood material for your wood block paver is black locust wood. Black locust wood is a striking hardwood used for furniture and flooring. It has a dark, deep, rich color with a slightly rough texture. It is harvested from the black locust tree, which grows in the Eastern United States and Europe.

This type of wood has been used for centuries for making furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and chests, among other things. The black locust wood is also used to make flooring because it doesn't warp or shrink when it dries out after being stained or painted.

How To Paint Wood Block Pavers?

Painting a wood block paver is a great way to add life and character to your home. It also allows you to create a combination of bright colors in your yard.

The process of painting wood blocks is simple and safe for both the painter and the homeowner. It can be done with basic tools like paintbrushes, paint rollers, and paint trays. Here is the step-by-step procedure for painting wood block pavers.

1. Wash and Clean The Wood Block Pavers

Before you start painting, make sure that the wood blocks are clean of any dirt and dust so that the paint adheres better. Clean it with a water mixture, detergent, and a soft scrubbing brush or sponge. Rinse it off with water afterward. If there are still some stains left on the wood after cleaning it, apply a solution of all-purpose cleaner and scrape the floor gently.

Another cleaning option is power-washing. Power washing your wood blocks will remove dirt and grime that might have built up over time. It will also remove any old paint or stain left behind from previous coats of paint or stain. But you shouldn't power wash old wood blocks as the pressure from the water can remove the weakened chunks of wood from the surface.

2. Scrape and Sand The Wood Blocks

A common problem when removing old paint from wooden block pavers is that the new paint doesn't stick well because of the old paint left behind. This is where scraping comes in handy, as you can use it to remove all of your previous coats of paint without damaging your deck's surface or leaving behind any residue.

After scraping, you need to sand the wood blocks for a smoother finish. Sanding removes the roughness from wood, making it smoother and more uniform. It is typically done with sandpaper. The more aggressive the grit size, the finer and smoother the surface will be after sanding.

3. Apply Paint

Paint rollers are a great tool for applying paint on a wood block paver evenly and quickly. The roller is used by holding the handle with one hand and rolling it back and forth over the wood block surface. It is best to use a roller that has a soft, flexible head when painting with oil-based paints.

Paintbrushes are also a great tool for painting woodblocks. But, paintbrushes can only reach restricted parts of your paver. However, this can be an advantage when painting small hidden areas between the wood blocks

After painting, sealants should be applied to the surfaces to prevent moisture from seeping through the porous surface. They also help protect from harmful UV rays, which can cause fading or discoloration of paint.

Types of Paint For Wood Block Pavers?

There are no paints produced specifically for wood block pavers. But you can use paints for decks and other wooden surfaces to paint your wood block paver. Here are different types of paints you should consider using.

TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint

This paint contains anti-slip properties to help improve durability. The additional sealant also prevents the paint from wearing off or getting damaged by sharp objects or scratches, especially since pavers are usually exposed to the elements.

The Total Boat brand offers a variety of colors that can be mixed for custom color options. These colors are also available in different levels of glossiness, which the customer can select.

The main benefit of your wood block paver is that they have high traction and low sheen finish, reducing the risk of slipping on the deck while providing a durable surface.

Click here to see this TotalTread paint on Amazon.

BEHR’s Gloss Floor Paint

Behr's floor paint can give your wood block pavers a polished and shiny look. It can be used on different kinds of wooden and concrete surfaces. The Behr gloss floor paint is water-resistant and can be easily applied to your block paver with a brush or sprayer.

Water-based paint has a higher level of water content than traditional oil-based paints. This water content makes the paint more elastic, which is why it helps resist cracking. Water-based paints are also easy to clean up and maintain.

Fixall Skid Grip Anti-Slip Paint

The Fixall anti-slip paint can be used to paint wood block pavers, especially on surfaces prone to slippage, like swimming pools. It is essential to use non-slip paint on all surfaces around a pool because it prevents slips and falls, which might lead to severe injuries or even death.

This paint passes the antislip requirement for ADA (Americans with disability). It comes in different colors and can be used to prevent fading or chipping on your wood block.

Click here to see Fixall paint on Amazon.

Would Concrete Paint Work On Wood?

If you wonder whether you can use paint meant for concrete on wood, then the answer is yes. But this depends on the type of paint, so make sure to check the manufacturer's directive before use. However, most masonry paints can also be used for painting wood blocks, metals, and even walls.

How Can I Change The Color of My Pavers?

While wood block is a safe material to use for your pavers, a downside is that it can start to lose its color with time. The color change is due to the natural weathering process. The wood block might darken with time as it absorbs water and sunlight through its pores, which then causes the wood to break down and lose its original color.

To change the color of your pavers or reduce fading, you can use masonry stain. Color choices are limited for stains, so another option is to repaint from scratch.

To Wrap Up

Painting your wooden deck is a great way to incorporate bright designs into your compound. It can also help you to keep the deck in good condition. You can do it yourself or hire a professional for the job.

There are many types of paint that you can use for this project. Choose one according to your budget and desired design. If you liked reading this article, here are similar posts about wood pavers:

5 Types of Edging For Pavers

Are Unilock Pavers Slippery?