How to Choose the Right Pavers for Your Project

Your Guide to buying the best Pavers

Overview

Paving stones, or pavers, provide an attractive and durable solution for creating a hard surface in your outdoor living space. Whether you're looking to enhance your driveway, patio, or walkway, this buying guide will provide you with helpful information so you can select the best pavers for your needs. We'll cover the different types of materials available, tips for selecting the right pavers, and provide helpful maintenance tips so you can keep your pavers looking their best.

Key features

  1. Installation Method: Pavers can be installed in a variety of ways, including a sand-set method, mortar-set method, or an interlocking system. Consider the method that best fits your project and budget.
  2. Durability: Assess the material of the pavers and its ability to withstand the elements and daily wear and tear. Natural stone pavers tend to be more durable than concrete pavers.
  3. Size and Shape: Pavers come in many shapes, such as rectangle, square, hexagon, circle, etc. Choose the size and shape of the paver that best fits your project.
  4. Color: Pavers come in a wide range of colors. Consider the overall color palette of the space you are installing them in and choose the right color for your project.
  5. Maintenance: Consider the maintenance needs of the pavers. Sealing the pavers will help protect them from staining and wear. Regular cleaning and sealing will help keep them looking new for longer.
  6. Price: Factor in the cost of the pavers and the installation. While higher-end pavers often come with a higher price tag, they may be worth the investment if they are more durable and last longer.

See the most popular Pavers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Pavers are extremely durable and can withstand weathering, extreme temperatures, and foot traffic.
  • Variety: Pavers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, making them suitable for many different applications and design styles.
  • Low Maintenance: Pavers require very little maintenance and are easy to clean.
  • Cost Effective: Pavers are very cost-effective, both in terms of installation and ongoing maintenance.
  • Safety: Pavers are slip-resistant, providing a safe walking and driving surface.
  • Eco-Friendly: Pavers are made from environmentally friendly materials, making them an excellent choice for sustainable projects.

Cons

  • Cost - Pavers can be relatively expensive, depending on the type, size, and other aspects of the product.
  • Installation - Installing pavers is more labor intensive and time consuming than other types of walkways or patios.
  • Maintenance - Pavers require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and sealing, in order to prevent damage and keep them looking their best.
  • Durability - Pavers can be susceptible to cracking, warping, and breaking in certain conditions.
  • Color Fading - Over time, the color of pavers can fade due to exposure to the elements.

Best alternatives

  1. Concrete Pavers - A type of paving stone made from a mixture of cement and aggregate. These are often used in driveways, patios and walkways.
  2. Brick Pavers - A type of paving stone made from fired clay. These are commonly used in driveways, patios and walkways.
  3. Asphalt Pavers - A type of paving material made from a mixture of asphalt, sand and gravel. These are commonly used in roads and parking lots.
  4. Gravel Pavers - A type of paving material made from small stones, typically pea-sized or smaller. These are often used in driveways and walkways.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Trowel - Used to spread and level the sand base for the Pavers.
  • Rubber Mallet - Used to tap the Pavers into place.
  • Gravel and Sand - Used as a base for the Pavers.
  • Wheelbarrow - Used to transport the gravel, sand, and other materials.
  • Garden Hose - Used to clean the area after installation is complete.
  • Garden Edging - Used to create a neat, finished edge around the Pavers.
  • Polymeric Sand - Used to fill the gaps between the Pavers.
  • Sealer - Used to protect the Pavers from the elements.

Common questions

  1. What are pavers? Pavers are paving stones, blocks, or slabs of concrete, stone, brick or other materials used to create paths and patios.
  2. What are the different types of pavers? The different types of pavers include concrete pavers, brick pavers, natural stone pavers, and interlocking pavers.
  3. How do pavers compare to other materials like concrete or asphalt? Pavers are more attractive, durable, and require less maintenance than asphalt or concrete. They are also more expensive.
  4. How do I choose the right type of paver? Choose a paver based on the look and feel you want, the durability needed, and the amount you are willing to spend.
  5. How do I install pavers? Installing pavers involves preparing the base, laying down the pavers, and filling in the gaps with sand.
  6. What do I need to consider when buying pavers? Consider the size, color, texture, and style of the pavers, as well as the type of substrate they will be installed on.

Trivia

In 1978, Pavers introduced the world’s first ‘Air-Cushioned Shoe’. This revolutionary design held air in the sole of the shoe, giving greater comfort and support. This ground-breaking design was a hit and over 20 million pairs were sold in the first year alone. To this day, the design is still heavily featured in Pavers’ shoe designs, and it has become an iconic part of the company’s identity. Source: Pavers.co.uk

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.