Types of paving

Paving stones come in an almost infinite variety of colors, shapes, and compositions.  While this gives you unlimited design options, it can also make choosing the right stones for your project difficult.  To make your decision a little easier, it can be helpful to narrow down your choices based on some broad categories.

Brick pavers:

Brick pavers are incredibly strong and durable.  Once laid, they require very little maintenance (if you seal them, they are even easier to maintain).  Brick pavers are made of clay, which does limit their color range a bit.  They still offer a reasonable selection of colors and textures, however, so if you want a “brick” look, you are sure to find something to match your style.

While bricks are great for vertical applications or walkways with light foot traffic, they are not ideal for constant or heavy use (such as paving a driveway).  Brick driveways will require a good deal of maintenance to remain usable, and the pavers are likely to crack and chip. 

Concrete pavers:

Concret pavers are equally durable, and they are able to withstand more heavy use than brick pavers.  Because they are formed by pouring concrete into molds, they can be nearly any shape and size you want.  They can also be dyed to fit any color scheme.  Concrete pavers generally cost less than other types of pavers due to the low cost and wide availability of their raw materials.

Concrete pavers can also require a good deal of maintenance, however.  If they have been dyed, you must seal them (and reseal them often) to prevent their color from fading.  While they are more resistant to cracking than poured concrete, extreme temperature changes can still crack them.

Natural stone pavers:

Natural stone pavers are, as their name implies, natural stones that have been shaped into paving stones.  You will never have to worry about their color fading, but you are also limited to the colors that nature creates.  They absorb water well, making them ideal for pool decks, but they cannot withstand the weight of a vehicle.  They require very little maintenance, but they are considerably more expensive than brick or concrete pavers.

There are several subcategories of natural stone pavers.  Flagstone is one of the most common types.  It is often used to pave outdoor patios due to its durability and naturally slip-resistant texture.  Travertine is frequently used near swimming pools because it does not retain heat, making it cool enough to walk on with bare feet even in direct sunlight.  Marble and limestone, though very expensive, are often used as edging and accents due to their beautiful veining and colors.

Any of these paving stones will make a beautiful addition to your landscape, but selecting the right one for your project will ensure that it lasts as long as it should and functions in the way you expect it to.  If you are unsure of which type of stone to pick, just call us.  Our experts are always happy to help!