Pavers are widely used in driveways, patio, and many other outdoor places. This article will discuss different types of pavers used in homes.

What Are Pavers?

Pavers are blocks used to pave the driveways, patio, walkways, pool decks, etc. It is a flexible paving system that provides an alternative to concrete flooring for the outdoor parts of the house.

The pavers are a popular choice worldwide due to the ease of installation, replacement, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.

The pavers are available in many textures and shades. So you can choose from various colors. The colored pavers add more beauty to the house.

The main differentiating factor for pavers is their construction material. You can choose the paver material based on the availability in the local market, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency.

Different Types Of Pavers Based on Material

Following nine types of material are commonly used across the US and Europe as paver blocks.

1. Concrete
2. Brick
3. Flagstone
4. Marble
5. Travertine
6. Porcelain
7. Cobblestone
8. Rubber
9. Plastic

1. Concrete Paver

Concrete is the most commonly used when it comes to outdoor flooring. However, it comes with many problems like cracking under heavy load, cracks due to heat, curing period after construction, etc. We can avoid all of these problems using concrete blocks.

Concrete blocks are available in various shapes and sizes. It is made of molded cement concrete, and it is easy to install as they have a shape that easily interlocks with the adjacent blocks.

Due to its durability, the concrete paver is a prevalent flooring choice for driveways and roadways. It is cheaper than clay brick, and there is a wide range of colors, sizes, textures, and thicknesses.

Also, the manufacturer can customize the color your way for bulk orders by adding the color imparting metallic oxides. However, the artificial colors may fade after prolonged use.

2. Brick Paver

A rectangular red brick is an eco-friendly choice for walkways and fireplaces with low traffic. The red bricks are made of clay burnt in a kiln and use no artificial material; hence they are environment friendly. Also, bricks are among the oldest paving materials and have been extensively used worldwide.

The shape is generally rectangular, but custom shapes are also available on-demand for specific projects. The brick paver is easy to install as it is placed adjacent to other pavers, and it has no interlocking design.

Also, it can be used from both sides. The color of the brick is due to iron oxide that imparts red color to the brick, and it is a permanent color and doesn’t fade with time.

3. Flagstone Paver

Flagstone is one of the most popular types of rock pavers. It is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock. Flagstone is used as a thin tile; therefore, it is not ideal for high-traffic areas because it can break under the load. It is suitable only for walkways, gardens, and patios.

The non-slip surface of the flagstone paver is another feature that makes it an ideal choice for outdoor paving. The aesthetics of the flagstone are outstanding. The flagstone pavers are placed in a non-uniform pattern giving it a classic and rich appeal.

The varied colors and textures available for the stone provide an excellent experience in choosing the perfect shape as per the house’s theme. However, hues of red and grey are the most common shades.

Due to the thin slab of the stone, it is necessary to keep the heavy loads off the paving. Also, it needs proper maintenance for durability.

4. Marble Paver

Marble is a metamorphic rock occurring from limestone under extreme heat and pressure. It is one of the most beautiful rocks and is available in white, grey, and other shades. It is used as a thin slab; therefore, it is not suitable for traffic.

Marble pavers come with a regal polish that enhances their surface. They are durable and provide great aesthetics to the house. Also, they increase the selling value of the house.

One of the drawbacks of the marble paver is that it gets very hot under the sunlight and gets stains on it when it comes into contact with acidic chemicals.

5. Travertine Paver

Travertine is a sedimentary rock that is durable and lasts a decade. The shape and texture of a travertine paver are very natural and provide an excellent finish to the surface.

One of the most desirable aspects of using a travertine paver is that it can withstand the weathering effect without cleaning. Also, it retains the original color and is ideal for the pool decks as it absorbs the water.

6. Porcelain Paver

Porcelain is a clay product produced by heating the clay to a very high temperature. It has a shiny surface that makes it look appealing. It is durable to last decades and also hard enough to resist scratches.

It is an excellent option to use in walkways, patios, and driveways. The porcelain pavers are also available in wooden, stone, and many other textures, making them a viable alternative to the natural rock pavers. Further, the porcelain pavers have thickness ranges one can choose from.

Porcelain pavers are typically much less absorbent than other bricks or travertine; therefore, they are unsuitable for wet areas like pool decks.

The cost-effectiveness of a porcelain paver is too high than any other type of paving material. Maintenance of a porcelain paver is lesser as it doesn’t chip, break, or crack easily.

7. Cobblestone Paver

Cobblestone has been a popular choice for old times. The main reason was that it is very strong, highly durable, and needs significantly less maintenance.

It was used to pave the roads. Granite, sandstone, basalt, or limestone are most commonly used as cobblestone material.

They can withstand extreme temperature conditions without facing much damage, thus an ideal choice for the fireplace too. The cobblestone’s designs, patterns, colors, and texture are abundantly available.

8. Rubber Paver

Rubber pavers are slip-resistant pavers. The material used in the rubber paver is eco-friendly, durable, cost-effective, and hard.

This non-slip paver is made of eco-friendly and tear-resistant raw materials. This type of paver is a good choice for parking areas, walkways, and driveways.

The rubber paver is lesser absorbent than concrete, brick, or flagstone. Rubber paver has many advantages, but one of the problems is that under sunlight, it has a thermal expansion that can disturb its installed arrangement.

9. Plastic Paver

Plastic pavers are made from old recycled plastic. The plastic paver is a world-saving idea that is customizable and serves the requirements of a good paver. The surface of the plastic paver is hard enough to resist scratches.

Different colors can be added to the paver, and different shapes can be achieved using dyes. However, more research is underway to make the plastic paver as durable as the stone paver.

Different Types Of Pavers Based On Shape

The pavers are available in various shapes and sizes: square, rectangle, hexagonal, octagonal, and H-shaped. The homeowner has a wide variety in choosing the paver based on the different shapes.

There are four basic types of pavers-

• Type A: has vertical faces and doesn’t interlock.
• Type B: has alternate plain and corrugated shape that helps interlocking
• Type C: all faces are corrugated and interlocked in all directions.
• Type D: L or X-shaped pavers that interlock in any direction.

Different Types Of Pavers Based On Installation

Interlocking Paver: Pavers that hold each other in place.

Slab Paver: Pavers don’t lock each other in place and don’t allow any relative movement.

Uses

Pavers are mostly used outdoors, including

• Driveways
• Patios
• Walkways
• Pool decks
• Fire pits
• Planters.

So, these were different types of pavers. I hope now have enough knowledge about it.

you might have felt the sensation of enjoying every step of your stroll to the door. Should you ever return to such a home, make sure to look down the next time you enter; the magic may just reside in none other than the walkway itself.

Famed for its convenience and unrivaled beauty, the paver walkway is ideal for those who wish to leave a comely impression without the cumbersome installation and upkeep that often follows suit where landscaping implements are concerned. The perfect promenade for every scope of imagination, your paver walkway can readily display the same sensibilities you’d expect in your home.

#1.

#2.

#3.

#4.

#5.

#6.

#7.

#8.

#9.

#10.

#11.

#12.

#13.

#14.

#15.

#16.

#17.

#18.

#19.

#20.

#21.

#22.

#23.

#24.

#25.

#26.

What do you think? Comment and share your friends!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

#17

#18

Walkways are the red carpet of your landscape. They lead you and your guests to destinations unknown safely and with style. They, in many ways, set the tone for what can be expected out of your outdoor living space. 

Walkway designs are a way for you to make a first and lasting impression. Greet your guests the right way with a walkway design that expresses your unique style. Lay down a classic and timeless walkway with traditional landscape stones or get creative and design a standout walkway that will leave your guests talking about it well after they’ve left your home.

1. Gravel

Gravel isn’t just for driveways. In fact, gravel is becoming more popular with homeowners because of the low maintenance it requires. Not only is gravel low maintenance, but it also lends a more sophisticated, clean and well put together look to any style home.

Gravel is also offered in an array of different colors, sizes and types. From lava rock, crushed granite, colored glass gravel, to the more commonly known river rock and pea gravel, there are no shortage of options on the market.

In terms of design, you can keep it simple by selecting a walkway stone that blends well with the gravel you have chosen or make it stand out by choosing a contrasting color. The choice is yours! In the project pictured above, the homeowners selected our smooth textured Blu Grande patio slab to contrast the heavily textured gravel surrounding it. They also chose the stay in the same color family so as to complement the gravel. Best of all, gravel is easy to install, making it the perfect DIY project for you! 

2. Brick

Brick has been a favorite in landscape design for years. Its classic and timeless aesthetic is why it has been used everywhere from outdoor flooring, to masonry, to outdoor features, and more. Popular among traditional and rustic design lovers, this trend has shown no sign of slowing down over the years. Offered in many different colors and allowing you to install it in many different patterns, a brick walkway will create a unique look in your outdoor space that sets you apart from the rest. 

3. Stepping stones

Looking to add some charm to your backyard garden? Stepping stones are an easy way to create a durable concrete walkway in your backyard without taking away from the surrounding natural elements. In fact, the right stepping stone can enhance the surrounding environment by acting as a natural element itself. These slabs offer the aesthetic of natural stone without all the maintenance!

Enhance the traditional garden feel of your outdoor space with natural stone lookalike pavers that allow you and your guests to walk around your property safely and efficiently.

4. Patterns

For homeowners who love to add a modern twist to their landscape, creating patterns with your pavers and slabs can be an easy way to add an eye-catching element to your outdoor space. Laying down patterns was once reserved for interior design. However, homeowners are taking this indoor trend to the outdoors and creating gorgeous results.

The most popular pattern in landscape design is currently a herringbone pattern. The great thing about this pattern is that it offers much versatility. You can lay wide pavers and slabs in this pattern, or very thin ones. It always guarantees a standout result.

5. Wood

Wood is the go-to material when looking to create a rustic outdoor space with nothing but natural materials. Wood offers warmth, charm and an overall coziness that can’t be matched! It comes as no surprise that many homeowners wish to add a wood walkway to their landscape. However, wood is very difficult to maintain and does not hold up long term in the outdoors, once it is exposed to weather and other outdoor elements. Because of that, we recommend you opt for a wood lookalike concrete stone that will allow you to achieve the rustic charm of a wood floor, without all the maintenance.

Almost indistinguishable from real wood, this patio slab will dress up any space and requires absolutely no maintenance. That means no deck staining, wood-treating or wood-rotting, ever! The Borealis stepping stones seen in the picture below adds a rustic charm to this outdoor space and will withstand years of changing temperatures and pedestrian-traffic.

6. Large tiles

Modern design lovers agree: bigger is better! Well, when it comes to walkway tiles at least.

The look of large, smooth walkway stones offers a clean, contemporary and sleek look to your outdoor space. They are eye-catching without being overwhelming. When they are chosen in a monochromatic color, they allow the surrounding space to speak for itself. Large-scale tile stones complement your backyard and allow your surrounding landscape and outdoor features to draw the eye. Modern design is subtle, clean and uncluttered. Monochromatic large-scale stones help in creating the ultimate contemporary landscape design. The picture below showcases this beautifully. The large, sleek, monochromatic walkway tiles enhance the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

7. Walkways with steps

Does your property contain multiple levels? If so, you might want to consider adding stone steps to your walkway. At first, some homeowners may consider just adding a walkway down the elevations of their property without the use of steps. However, adding steps to your walkway is safer and creates more structure in your backyard. Not only does a stone step walkway allow you to ensure a safe walkway for you and your loved ones, but it allows you to add an element of visual interest to your yard.

With an array of different stone steps and walkway slabs for you to choose from, the freedom to design is yours to claim. Mix and match your stone steps and walkway slabs for an eclectic look or keep it smooth and contemporary with matching textures and colors.

8. Textured Walkways 

Let texture do all the talking on the design of your new walkway. Integrating unique surface finishes will not only create dimension but will also be a treat for your feet. Intended to enhance rather than distract, the addition of Slate, Granitex or sand-like texture to your walkway will also provide a non-slip experience for your guests, especially while walking poolside.

9. Cobblestone

Cobblestone walkways are another trend that has been around for generations. From gracing centuries-old castles to modern-day streets, cobblestone walkways will never go out of style.

If you’re looking to add a traditional touch to your outdoor space, cobblestone is an ideal option. Not only does cobblestone add charm to your exterior, but it also blends well with the surrounding elements, which means that it can be added to any outdoor space. For an extra layer of durability.