14 Types of Pavers + Advantages & Considerations For 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 pavers are ideal for your outdoor project? That’s where we come in. We’ll explore 14 different types of pavers based on material, and break down the unique style of each. Additionally, we’ll cover the advantages and considerations of each type, and explain their ideal applications.

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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 style.

14 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, then air-dried. Durable and weather-resistant, they are typically used in high-traffic outdoor areas such as driveways, patios and walkways.

Advantages:

• Come in various shapes, sizes and colors
• Easy to install
• Affordable, between $2 and $4 per square foot
• More durable than poured concrete

Considerations:

• Should you choose to seal your pavers after installation, pavers will need to be re-sealed every three to five years to keep their pristine appearance
• May chip or crack in extreme weather

2. Brick Pavers

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

Advantages:

• Come in a variety of shapes and sizes
• Retain their original color for years
• Highly Durable
• Affordable but more expensive than concrete pavers, between $3 and $10 per square foot

Considerations:

• Require regular sealing every two to three years
• Limited to shades of red, brown and pink

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, limestone 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 that presents a more rustic look.

Advantages:

• Come in various shapes, sizes and colors
• Durable
• Easy to clean and install
• Affordable, between $5 and $10 per square foot

Considerations:

• Require regular sealing every three to five years
• Susceptible to stains

4. Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that is carefully split into thin, flat pavers. Flagstone pavers are made from natural stone that is quarried from sedimentary rock deposits. Ideal for patios, flagstone pavers have a non-slip surface and come in unique, irregular shapes that can fit together like a puzzle. If you’re looking for flagstone pavers, look no further than Unilock Beacon Hill™ Flagstone!

Advantages:

• Come in various shapes, sizes and colors
• Durable
• Easy to install

Considerations:

• Require sealing every three to four years
• A more expensive option, between $15 and $20 per square foot

5. Bluestone Pavers

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
• Require sealing every five to eight years

Considerations:

• Limited to shades of blue and gray
• A more expensive option, between $17 and $25 per square foot

6. Marble Pavers

Known for their beauty and elegance, marble pavers 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
• Enhance the value of your property
• Sophisticated look and feel

Considerations:

• If sealed, will require regular sealing every three to four years
• Limited to square and rectangular pieces
• Prone to staining and discoloration from beverage or cleaning product spills
• Conduct heat
• A more expensive option, between $12 and $50 per square foot

7. Travertine Pavers

Travertine is a natural stone composed of limestone. Travertine pavers are formed by mineral deposits from hot springs, delivering a distinctive, porous texture with its warm, earthy tones.

Advantages:

• Available in various colors and shapes
• Durable
• Environmentally friendly
• Enhance value of your property
• Insulate heat so your feet stay cool when walking across the surface
• More affordable compared to marble pavers; between $5 and $15 per square foot

Considerations:

• If sealed, Travertine will require regular sealing every one to two years
• Prone to stains from vinegar or acidic cleaner spills

8. Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are ceramic materials designed to look and feel like natural stone, but they are more durable and resistant to weathering and staining. Porcelain pavers are made by firing kaolin, also known as China clay, in a kiln.

Advantages:

• Available in various colors and sizes
• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Require minimal maintenance, as they don’t need to be sealed
• More affordable than concrete and brick pavers, between $7 and $10 per square foot

Considerations:

• Specialized tools, such as an electric cutter, are required to properly cut porcelain

9. Cobblestone Pavers

Cobblestone pavers have been a popular choice for paving European streets for decades, valued for both their durability and aesthetic appeal. Cobblestone pavers are typically made of granite, basalt or limestone and shaped into rough circles or squares.

Advantages:

• Available in various colors and styles
• Low maintenance
• Remain stable for decades when properly installed

Considerations:

• Installation may be time-consuming compared to traditional pavers
• A more expensive option, between $10 and $20 per square foot

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
• Eco-friendly
• Affordable, between $7 to $8 per square foot

Considerations:

• 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

11. Gravel Pavers

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 are a permeable alternative to traditional paving products, allowing water to drain through the surface and into the subsoil below.

Advantages:

• Durable
• Easy to install
• Low maintenance
• Support high-traffic outdoor areas such as walkways and driveways
• Do not require sealing
• Affordable, between $2 to $10 per square foot

Considerations:

• Limited to shades of gray, black and red
• No style options available

12. Greencreate

Greencreate, also known as green cement, is composed of recycled materials, such as fly ash, slag, or algae. The manufacturing process guarantees zero carbon dioxide emissions, thanks to the limited amount of water and energy needed.

Advantages:

• Durable
• Eco-friendly
• Easy to install

Considerations:

• Can cost up to 50% more than traditional cement

13. 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 various shapes, sizes and colors
• Fire-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Require minimal upkeep, as you can fix scratches easily with sandpaper
• Affordable, between $5 and $10 per square foot

Considerations:

• Require regular sealing every 12 to 18 months
• Prone to discoloration from spills
• Require an anti-slip treatment

14. Plastic Pavers

Although plastic pavers may not match the durability of traditional pavers, they offer a cost-effective and straightforward alternative. Available in various shapes and styles, these pavers can be either manufactured or recycled, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Plastic pavers are primarily suited 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
• Not recommended for high traffic areas
• Require an anti-slip treatment
• Color may not hold up as well compared to other types of pavers

Different Types of Pavers by Style

If you have a particular look in mind but you’re not sure which material will achieve it, choosing a paver based on style is another viable option.

• 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 with abrasive materials, such as sand or gravel, to give them a more textured finish. At Unilock, our tumbled pavers include the Mattoni™.
• 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.

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What Type of Pavers Should I Use for My Driveway?

When choosing which types of pavers to use for high-traffic areas such as your driveway, it’s important to consider a paver’s durability, texture and maintenance. The most common types of pavers for driveways include brick, cobblestone, gravel 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 slip-resistant 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?

When designing a patio for entertainment, concrete pavers are a must. They are durable, require minimal upkeep and are available in a wide range of colors and styles. For a pool patio, choose a paver with a non-slip surface, such as the Beacon Hill™ Flagstone and Umbriano™.

Explore Pavers at Unilock

Looking for high-quality pavers for your hardscaping project? Explore our extensive selection of pavers at Unilock! For over 50 years, we’ve produced products that have led to the creation of unique and tranquil outdoor spaces. 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 types of pavers to use, our expert staff can help you find the perfect material and style to match your specific design vision and budget. Whether you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer or a seasoned landscape architect, our Unilock pavers allow you to create stunning outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.

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