Browse Hardscape Materials

WHAT ARE HARDSCAPE MATERIALS?

Nature’s beauty lies in its balance—soft, vibrant greenery harmonized by strong, enduring surfaces that frame and define the space. That’s where hardscaping materials come into play. These materials are typically solid and non-organic—such as stone, brick, wood, or asphalt—and serve as the backbone of outdoor design. Over the past few decades, Unilock has cemented itself in North America as a leading manufacturer of premium hardscape materials, including concrete pavers, natural stone, porcelain tile, and retaining wall blocks. These elements play are integral to designing beautiful outdoor spaces, including driveways, walkways, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, and more.

Unilock is committed to manufacturing the highest-quality hardscape materials, trusted by leading contractors and designers. From the introduction of the UNI-Stone to the steady stream of innovations that followed, including U-Cara® and Umbriano®, Unilock continues to set the industry standard, providing you with the materials to transform your dream outdoor space into a reality.

CONCRETE PAVERS VS. POURED CONCRETE: CHOOSING BETWEEN HARDSCAPE MATERIALS

When designing paved surfaces, durability is key, because these areas must withstand heavy traffic and harsh freeze/thaw cycles year after year. While asphalt may seem like a cost-effective solution, it often falls short when compared to pavers.

Durability and Maintenance

Unilock concrete pavers are engineered for exceptional strength and durability. These products boast high compressive strength and low water absorption, ensuring they will resist damage caused by water freezing and expanding. This durability translates to less maintenance compared to traditional poured concrete or asphalt. With innovative features like EasyClean™ technology, you can opt for surfaces with integral stain resistance. This allows for faster cleanup of spills before they can develop into stains, so you’ll spend more time enjoying your outdoor space and less time worrying about upkeep. In contrast, asphalt is generally porous, which makes it vulnerable to water absorption, which can lead to cracks, ruts, and an uneven surface over time.

Repairs can also be costly for asphalt, from patching up small holes to tearing up entire strips of asphalt and starting fresh. By comparison, a cracked or chipped paver can be easily replaced by swapping in new pieces, without disrupting the entire surface. This simple fix can even be done as a DIY project, saving you both the time and money of hiring a professional contractor.

Design Flexibility

Design flexibility is another area where asphalt and poured concrete fall short. These surfaces are often limited to basic colors like black, grey, or brown, which offers little room for creativity. Unilock pavers, on the other hand, come in a wide range of colors, textures, sizes, and patterns, enabling you to create stunning designs that elevate the look of your driveway, patio, or walkway.

WHY CHOOSE A UNILOCK AUTHORIZED CONTRACTOR TO INSTALL HARDSCAPE MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES?

Even the best hardscape materials can lose their appeal with subpar installation and craftsmanship, making it crucial to find a reputable contractor who will get the job done right. A Unilock Authorized Contractor (UAC) represents the best in the industry. They bring unmatched expertise and in-depth knowledge of working with Unilock hardscape materials, combined with extensive experience in proper site preparation, grading, and installation techniques to ensure a seamless and efficient project. Because UACs meet the highest standards, Unilock confidently backs their work with a minimum two-year Workmanship Guarantee, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. Visit our Find a Contractor page, complete the form, and we’ll connect you with a local contractor who can provide a free estimate for your project.