13 Types of Pavers + Advantages & Considerations of Each

Pavers are a versatile and durable flooring option for creating walkways, patios, and driveways. 

But with a wide range of materials, colors, and textures to choose from, how do you know which type of paver is ideal for your outdoor project? That’s where we come in. 

We’ll explore 13 different types of pavers based on their material. Plus, we’ll cover the advantages and considerations of each type, and explain their ideal applications.

Looking for top-quality pavers? Explore Pavers at Unilock

What are Pavers?

Pavers, or paving stones, are flat outdoor flooring materials used for hardscaping projects such as driveways, walkways, and patios. 

Pavers can be made from a wide range of materials, including concrete, brick, stone, or clay, and are available in different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles.

13 Types of Pavers by Material 

 From concrete to limestone and beyond, here are 14 types of pavers made from different materials, along with the advantages and considerations of each type. 

1. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are composed of a cement and aggregate mixture that is molded, and then air-dried. 

Durable and weather-resistant, concrete pavers are ideal for several outdoor areas, such as driveways, patios, and walkways. 

 Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes, sizes and colors 
• Affordable, between $4-$10 per square foot 
• More durable than poured concrete 

Considerations: 

• If you choose to seal concrete pavers, which is optional, they will require re-sealing every three to five years
• Costs more than traditional poured concrete, but lasts longer

2. Brick Pavers

Dating back to as early as 14,000 BC, clay is the oldest known construction material — which is what brick pavers are made out of. 

 Brick pavers are molded out of a natural clay blend and fired in a kiln, giving them a brown or reddish shade. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes and sizes 
• Retain color, even years in
• Affordable but more expensive than concrete pavers, between $6 and $12 per square foot 

Considerations: 

• If you choose to seal brick pavers, which is optional, they will require re-sealing every three to five years
• Limited to shades of red, brown, and pink 
• Some clay pavers cannot withstand freeze-thaw without breaking up
• Sizes can be inconsistent

3. Limestone Pavers

From The Great Sphinx of Giza to the Empire State Building in The Big Apple, limestone is one of the earliest and most widely used construction materials next to clay. 

Making up about a tenth of all sedimentary rocks, this natural stone product is easily accessible in the United States. 

Limestone pavers can be polished to create a smooth, glossy finish or they can be left with a natural, rough texture for a more rustic look. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes and sizes
• Durable 
• Affordable, between $5 and $10 per square foot 

Considerations: 

• Require sealing every three to five years 
• Prone to stains 
• Inconsistent color shading
• Limited to grey color tones
• Inconsistent sizing requires very skilled people to make it look good
• Some limestone is not freeze/thaw resistant

4. Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone is quarried from sedimentary rock deposits, and is split into thin, flat pavers. 

Flagstone pavers have a non-slip feature and come in unique, sometimes irregular shapes that can fit together like a puzzle. If you’re looking for flagstone pavers, Unilock Beacon Hill™ Flagstone is a popular choice we offer. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes, sizes, and colors 
• Durable 

Considerations: 

• If you choose to seal concrete pavers, which is optional, they will require re-sealing every three to five years
• A more expensive option, between $15 and $20 per square foot

5. Bluestone Slabs

Mined around the world, Bluestone is a dense, fine-grained sandstone composed of quartz particles and sand compounds. 

Highly versatile, bluestone can be cut into various sizes and shapes to fit a wide range of hardscaping needs. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes and sizes 
• Durable when used on patios

Considerations: 

• Limited to shades of blue and gray 
• A more expensive option, between $17 and $25 per square foot 
• Cannot be exposed to deicing salts
• Use only for patios and walkways. Cannot be used in driveways
• Retains and conducts heat from the sun

6. Marble Slabs

Known for their beauty and elegance, marble pavers and slabs are typically used for home projects such as countertops, accent walls, and patio flooring to provide a sophisticated finish.

Marble is formed when limestone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure. 

Advantages: 

• Durable 
• Sophisticated look and feel 

Considerations: 

• Require sealing every three to four years 
• Limited to square and rectangular pieces 
• Can be slippery when wet
• Prone to stains and discoloration if beverages or cleaning products are spilled 
• Conduct heat 
• A more expensive option, between $25 and $50 per square foot 

7. Travertine Pavers

Travertine is composed of limestone that is formed by mineral deposits from natural hot springs. It is known for its unique, porous texture and its warm, earthy tones. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes and shades of beige
• More affordable than marble, between $5 and $15 per square foot 

Considerations: 

• Can accumulate dirt and debris in the porous surface
• Must seal every one to two years 
• Prone to stains if vinegar or acidic cleaners are spilled 

8. Porcelain Tile Pavers

Porcelain tile pavers are ceramic materials designed to look and feel like natural stone, but they are more durable and resistant to weathering and staining. 

Porcelain tile pavers are made by firing kaolin, also known as China clay, in a kiln. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various colors and sizes 
• Durable 
• Easy to clean 
• Require less maintenance, as they don’t need to be sealed 

Considerations: 

• Require specialized tools, such as an electric saw, to cut porcelain
• Susceptible to damage during installation
• Can become slippery when wet, which poses a safety hazard
• More expensive compared to concrete or brick pavers, between $12 to $20 per square foot

9. Cobblestone Pavers 

A popular choice for paving European streets, cobblestone pavers have been around for decades thanks to their durability and aesthetics. 

Cobblestone pavers are typically made of granite, basalt or limestone and shaped into rough circles or squares. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various colors and styles 
• Require minimal maintenance 
• Remain stable for decades when properly installed 

Considerations: 

• Installation is time-consuming 
• A more expensive option, between $16 and $30 per square foot 
• Snow removal can be challenging

10. Rubber Pavers

Rubber pavers are popular for their safety and slip-resistant qualities, offering a comfortable surface that reduces the risk of injury from falls. 

They also have shock-absorption properties, making them comfortable to walk and stand on for an extended time. 

Rubber pavers are made of recycled rubber, typically from old tires. 

Advantages: 

• Come in various shapes, sizes, and colors 

Considerations: 

• A more expensive option compared to concrete pavers, between $10 to $15 per square foot 
• Do not offer the same timeless finish that concrete or brick pavers provide 
• Can chip or crack easily in high-traffic areas such as driveways 
• UV can break down the rubber and cause deterioration of the surface

11. Gravel

Gravel, or crushed stone, is composed of an aggregate of rock fragments. 

Built to provide a stable and level surface for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, gravel pavers allow water to drain through the surface and into the ground below. 

Advantages: 

• Easy to install 
• Supports high-traffic outdoor areas such as walkways and driveways 
• Does not require sealing 
• Affordable, between $2 to $10 per square foot 

Considerations: 

• Uneven surfaces
• Limited to shades of gray, black and red 
• Does not offer style options 

12. Granite Pavers

Granite is a coarse-grained and light-colored rock composed of quartz, plagioclase, and alkali feldspar. It is formed when molten materials cool down and solidify below the earth’s surface. 

While granite is commonly used in countertops, stair treads, and indoor floor tiles, it is also used for outdoor projects such as walkways. 

Advantages: 

• Come in custom design and sizes 
• Excellent harsh weather resistance
• Easy to clean 

Considerations: 

• More expensive option, between $25 and $45 per square foot
• Require an anti-slip treatment 

13. Plastic Pavers 

While plastic pavers can’t compete in the durability department, they are a more cost-efficient alternative to traditional paving products. They can be recycled or manufactured, and are available in several shapes, from replica stones to even cobblestones. 

Plastic pavers are typically only an option for walkways that serve an aesthetic purpose, such as a small garden pathway. 

Advantages: 

• Come in different shapes, colors, and styles 
• Easy to install 
• Affordable, between $4 and $10 per square foot 

Considerations: 

• Lack durability 
• Lack of availability
• Not recommended for high traffic areas 
• Require an anti-slip treatment 
• Color might not hold up as well compared to other types of pavers 

Different Types of Pavers by Style 

If you’re not sure what material you need, but you can envision the look that you’re after, you can also choose a paver based on style. 

• Interlocking pavers: Pavers that are designed to fit together like a puzzle. As the name suggests, interlocking pavers have grooves and ridges on their edges, allowing them to lock together when they are laid in a pattern. Examples of pavers that are available in this style are concrete and brick pavers. 
• Tumbled pavers: Pavers that look distressed and aged to create a weathered, rustic appearance. The process involves mechanically tumbling the pavers in a drum, to give them a more battered, textured finish.
• Textured pavers: Pavers that have a rough, non-slip finish thanks to sandblasting, etching, or brushing techniques. Ideal for outdoor areas with heavy traffic, such as walkways, driveways, and pool patios.
• Smooth pavers: Pavers that have a flat, smooth surface without any texture or roughness. Used to create a sleek and modern look or to complement traditional, textured pavers.

Elevate your outdoor project. Discover premium pavers at Unilock!

What Type of Pavers Should I Use for My Driveway? 

When choosing pavers for high-traffic areas such as your driveway, it’s important to consider the paver’s durability, texture, and maintenance. 

The most common types of pavers for driveways include brick, cobblestone, and concrete pavers, thanks to their durable and low maintenance requirements.

What Type of Pavers Should I Use for My Walkway? 

Concrete, brick, flagstone, granite, and travertine pavers are ideal for walkways thanks to their durability and non-slip features.  

At Unilock, we offer an extensive selection of non-slip pavers including Series™ and Arcana™. 

What Type of Pavers Should I Use for My Patio? 

If you’re designing a patio for entertaining guests, opt for concrete pavers. They are durable, require minimal upkeep, and are available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Explore Pavers at Unilock 

For over 50 years, Unilock has been helping people create unique and tranquil outdoor spaces, from wraparound driveways to extensive paver patios, pool decks, and beyond. 

Explore our vast selection of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and materials to find the ideal pavers for your project. 

If you’re not sure which pavers to use, our experts can help you find the perfect material and style to match your vision and budget. 

Whether you’re a DIY expert or an architect, our Unilock pavers allow you to create stunning outdoor spaces that withstand the test of time.

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