What is the Best Brand of Pavers?

If you’re considering a paver patio, pool deck or driveway project, chances are you’ve done some “Googling” to research contractors, design ideas and the best type of paver products to use.

No doubt, in addition to Unilock, many brand names have risen to the surface of your search results like Belgard, Permacon, Cambridge, and Techo-Bloc. With so many brands on the market, it can be confusing to know what is the best brand of pavers? Let’s take a look at what’s really important when choosing a paver like working with a top paving stone manufacturer; paver styles and colours; getting the best retaining wall system; ensuring your pavers last long and don’t fade; and of course installation guarantees.

Top Paving Stone Manufacturers

Our long list of firsts makes Unilock the trailblazer in the industry. We were the first to bring paving stones to North America in 1972 and the first to introduce tumbled pavers, permeable pavers and new technologies such as EnduraColor, setting the bar for others to follow.

Case in point, Unilock has been perfecting a technology called, EasyClean for the last 13 years, which helps protect your pavers from stains. Whereas, Techo-Bloc just recently introduced Klean-Bloc.

Paver Styles and Colors

If you’re looking for modern – even trendy – styles, Techo-Bloc might be on your list. Belgard and Permacon also offer a great selection. What sets Unilock pavers apart is the breadth of our style selection, from sleek, modern, contemporary styles to more traditional and classically elegant designs, and everything in between.

Take our Elegance line. Using Reala technology, we combine deep, concentrated colors with specialized aggregates and texturing techniques to cast pavers with natural stone surfaces. From the timeworn look of European cobblestones, to the classic luxury of riven stone slabs, Unilock pavers have a certain caliber and authenticity appreciated by those with discerning taste.

U-Cara vs. the Tandem Wall

The Tandem Wall from Belgard and U-Cara from Unilock are similar in concept, but there are major differences between the two, thanks to thoughtful Unilock engineering.

With U-Cara, you don’t have to install panels (the more expensive components) below grade. U-Cara can be installed vertically or with a 5.5-degree setback for additional stability. The panels are interchangeable, and engineered to enable higher walls than the Belgard system. You can also mount the panels to a building using the new U-Cara Wall Mount System.

Of course, the U-Cara Multi-face Wall System complements all Unilock pavers, steps and coping, so any vertical element you choose will maintain consistent colors, textures and finishes throughout your hardscaping.

Do pavers fade over time?

Traditional pavers use pigments, which fade over time depending on exposure to sun and the elements. This is why Unilock uses specialty iron-oxide pigments, which are the most fade resistant. Under normal usage, Unilock pavers fade very little over time. Enhanced color protection is also built into our EnduraColor technology, which leverages finer aggregates and pigment intensity. Dust and debris accumulation over time will clog the pores of any paver surface making it appear as though it has faded, so regular cleaning will easily return the pavers to their original intensity and luster. Some of our Unilock paver types are also manufactured with EasyClean®, making the cleaning of paver surfaces even easier and will bring that enriched color surface color back to the forefront.

If you want a 100% fade resistant paver, then our Series pavers are the best choice. That’s because the surface is made with natural aggregates and not pigment. Some even say that Series pavers from Unilock even look better over time.

How long do pavers last?

Unilock pavers are manufactured using extreme pressure to create a strong and durable product – for life. In fact, manufacturing standards of Unilock pavers far exceed industry standards set by ASTM, CSA and European organizations.

Sure, all our competitors now offer a lifetime guarantee, but Unilock was the first concrete paver manufacturer in North America to offer the Lifetime Guarantee. That was over 45 years ago – and we still stand behind every paver today, which says a lot since we have over 2 billion stones in the ground!

Paver installation guarantees

When you choose a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we guarantee their work. We call it the Peace-of-Mind Guarantee. Belgard, Techo-Bloc and Permacon have their own contractor referral programs, but Unilock Authorized Contractors are backed by the manufacturer.

Our contractors are rigorously screened and handpicked for their quality workmanship. They are Unilock-trained on proper installation techniques and best business practices.

What’s more, they are fully supported by a Unilock sales force that offers years of hardscape experience. If a contractor needs help, we are right there – on the site. That kind of service is unmatched in the market.

Ultimately, you want the brand that brings the most benefits to your project. Solid value for your money. Innovative technologies that ensure high quality and durability – confidently backed by a lifetime guarantee. Not to mention, unparalleled contractor support that ensures your paver project is perfect in every way. When you have all that – there’s no need to look anywhere else.

Talk to a Unilock Authorized Contractor to get started on your paver project today.