Different Types of Pavers Explained: Styles, Benefits, and Uses

Is your outdoor space in need of a makeover, but you’re unsure which paving material is the best fit for you? You’re not alone! At Santos Hardscape, we receive questions about pavers daily, so we’ve created this blog to explore the different types of pavers available, highlight their unique features, and show you exactly where each one shines. So keep reading, and by the end, you’ll be able to choose confidently and find the perfect paver type and style for your next hardscape project.

What Are Pavers and What Are They Made Of?

Let’s begin by defining what pavers are and what materials they are made from. Pavers are pre-shaped units (natural or manufactured) that lock together to create strong, beautiful-looking surfaces. They’re typically produced from:

• Concrete: This is a mixture of cement, clean sand, and crushed stone. It’s pressed into steel molds and cured until it hardens like rock.
• Clay brick: These are made from natural clay and shale, which are shaped into blocks. They are fired at high temperatures for colorfast durability.
• Natural stone: This comes from quarries and includes granite, bluestone, sandstone, or travertine. The stone is cut into slabs, showing unique patterns, color differences, and a naturally slip-resistant surface.

Exploring Different Types of Pavers By Material: Concrete, Brick & Natural Stone

Now that you are familiar with the definitions and materials, it’s time to explore some of their characteristics and images.

Concrete Pavers

Factory-molded concrete pavers deliver endless shapes, thicknesses, and surface textures. They’re budget-friendly, quick to install, and can mimic cobblestone or hardwood planks.

Clay Brick Pavers

Clay brick pavers bring old-world charm and vibrant colors that resist fading. Their uniform size makes them ideal for classic running bond or herringbone patterns.

Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone pavers, made of irregular slabs of sandstone, limestone, or slate, add a rustic charm to patios and garden paths. Joint gaps can be filled with groundcover or polymeric sand to secure the stones in place.

Travertine Pavers

These natural stone pavers are calcium-rich stones that stay cool under bare feet and absorb water quickly, making them ideal for pool decks requiring extra traction.

Bluestone Pavers

Bluestone pavers are dense, blue-gray sandstone valued for their tight grain and slip resistance. Their consistent thickness facilitates faster installation compared to rougher flagstone.

Cobblestone Pavers

Granite cobbles may be small, but they are mighty. Their rounded tops and substantial weight create durable driveways that can last for generations of tire traffic.

Exploring Different Styles of Pavers: Colors, Shapes, Patterns & Finishes

When we talk about “style,” we refer to all the aspects you can adjust to make your patio or driveway uniquely yours. Each type of paver—whether concrete, brick, or natural stone—comes in various styles, colors, patterns, and finishes that you can choose from.

Paver Colors

• Concrete: Concrete pavers can be dyed with aggregate pigments, allowing for nearly any desired color.
• Brick: Brick comes in various natural earthy tones such as reds, burgundies, and browns. These color variations are due to the minerals used, eliminating the need for paint.
• Natural stone: The color of natural stone depends on the type of quarry it comes from. For example, travertine is ivory, bluestone is slate-blue, and sandstone has warm gold tones. Each quarry has a unique color, making natural stone a unique choice.

Concrete colors can be customized, while brick and natural stone come only in their natural colors and variations.

Paver Shapes

• Concrete: Concrete paver shapes are fully customizable, just like their colors. You can find pavers in various shapes, from simple rectangles to hexagons and fan-shaped arcs.
• Brick: Their shape is mostly rectangular, perfect for geometric precision.
• Natural stone: Here, you can choose between “raw” stone (natural and irregular shapes) or factory-cut rectangles and squares for tighter joints.

Paver Patterns

Paver patterns can be created using the three types of materials, except raw stone, due to its irregular shape. Some of the most common patterns include:

• Running Bond: This pattern stretches sightlines and is ideal for narrow walkways.
• Herringbone: This pattern has a zig-zag interlock that enhances load capacity.
• Basket Weave and Circle Kits: These design options add a vintage touch or serve as a focal point in fire pit areas.

Paver Finishes

Lastly, when it comes to finishes, these are the most common:

• Smooth: A smooth paver finish features a flat, polished, or sleek surface. This style is often modern and elegant, making it a popular choice for contemporary designs.
• Textured: A textured finish presents an uneven surface with a more natural, weathered, or rustic look. Examples of this finish include slate tops or dimpled surfaces.
• Tumbled: A tumbled finish incorporates chiseled or distressed edges, creating an antique, aged, or rustic appearance.

Choosing the Perfect Pavers for Your Outdoor Space

Now, let’s discuss the important question: “Which paver option should I choose?” To help you make this decision, we’ve created a simple table that compares the lifespan, cost, style flexibility, and aesthetic appeal of all three types of pavers. As a homeowner, you just need to think about which factors are most important to you and select the option that best fits your needs.

Budget symbols: $ = most affordable; $$$ = highest initial cost.

Common Paver Uses For Hardscaping Projects

Before we dive into project ideas, know this: concrete, clay brick, and natural stone are all solid choices for almost any hardscaping task. Below are some suggestions for materials and projects, but feel free to select what you prefer.

Patios, Walkways & Sidewalks

Interlocking concrete pavers click together tightly, stay level, and create a clean, uniform surface. They are ideal for minimalistic, highly customizable, sturdy patios, walkways, and sidewalks.

Driveways

Concrete pavers and durable granite cobblestones are beautiful, strong, and suitable for daily vehicle traffic, making them an ideal and easy-to-repair choice for driveways.

Fire Pits

Fire pits add charm to any outdoor space, and pavers are the ideal material for constructing them. Whether you choose concrete pavers, natural stone, or brick, you’ll create a beautiful feature that blends seamlessly with your garden.

Pool Decks

For pool decks, even though you can choose the paver material you want, travertine remains one of the favorites because of its color, beauty, and slip resistance.

The Key Advantages of Incorporating Pavers into Your Hardscape Design

At this point, we have covered various aspects of pavers, so it’s important to conclude this blog by emphasizing their benefits and explaining why they are popular for outdoor projects. Regardless of whether you choose concrete, brick, or stone, all types of pavers offer several common advantages:

• Easy Maintenance: One of the main paver benefits is their ease of repair. If a stone wears out or gets damaged, you can easily replace just that stone instead of the entire slab.
• Drainage Control: These surfaces are designed with permeable base layers that help manage water runoff. This means they allow for natural drainage and reduce water pooling around your property.
• Design Freedom: You can express your creativity by mixing colors, adding unique inlays, and using solid borders. This lets you create a unique and personalized look that perfectly reflects your style.