Pavers, or paving stones, are flat construction units made of stones, brick, or concrete used normally as exterior flooring. Pavers are the go-to choice of most Americans when it comes to creating beautiful driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks. But we’re sure that’s not all you want to know about pavers, right?
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know to make sure pavers are the right choice for you.
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What are pavers made of? Which material should I choose?
Paving stones are either actual stones, bricks, or brick-like units made of concrete. Each paver material offers a different set of characteristics, pros, and cons. Let’s review them.
Natural Stone Pavers
Natural stones have been used as a construction material for as long as human beings can trace back to. Pavers made of natural stone are extremely durable and offer unique characteristics depending on the stone of choice.
Almost all natural stones can be used as paver material, however, more commonly you will find pavers made of:
- Travertine
- Granite
- Basalt
- Slate
- Flagstone
- Fieldstone
- Cobblestone
Brick Pavers
Pavers are made of clay is what call bricks. Cast in forms, and then heated, and can be obtained naturally on many colors by mixing various types of clay.
Used as construction and paving material for thousands of years, brick pavers can be used to obtain a classic and distinct look in patios, driveways, and garden paths.
If you’re looking for a traditional design with great durability and color retention, brick pavers might be the right choice for you.
Concrete Pavers
These pavers are a tough, cost-effective, and handsome choice that’s versatile enough for any application and brings a wide range of benefits to any project.
Concrete pavers are manufactured using a concrete mix containing sand, aggregate, and water to which various additives can be added for color and specific performance characteristics. The result is a sturdy, weather-resistant material, proven to withstand constant exposure to heavy loads that can be found in numerous styles.
When it comes to price, concrete is the cheaper choice, followed by brick and then natural stone.
You might also be interested in: “Brick vs Concrete Pavers: How to choose”.
Paver Color, Shape & Size Options
One of the greatest things about going with pavers is the versatility they provide in terms of design!
Pavers are offered in almost all colors, shapes, and sizes you can think of, plus, they can be installed in a variety of laying patterns. The result of combining all these factors is sure to fit any design style—from modern geometric layouts to rustic cobblestone paths.
Some of the most popular paver patterns include herringbone, basket weave, and running bond. You can see examples of these in our guide on paver laying patterns.
Paver Durability & Maintenance
Pavers are extremely durable and will easily last from 30 to 50 years. While concrete slabs normally tend to crack with time and require expensive replacement, pavers are up to 4 times more durable. Even so, if a crack does happen, you will only need to replace affected units, which is extremely cheaper compared to replacing an entire concrete slab.
When it comes to maintenance and cleaning, paver won’t bug you much. Other than basic cleaning, paver joint sand will require some attention to avoid loosening and weed growth, however, that too can be avoided completely if you opt for polymeric sand. Concrete pavers should be sealed regularly to avoid stains.
Are Pavers Better Than Concrete Slabs?
If you’re considering paving options for your exterior areas, pavers vs concrete is a comparison that’s definitely crossing your mind. Here is a quick facts table that will help you get a clearer picture.
| Pavers | Concrete | |
| Appearance | More Visually Appealing | More Limited |
| Durability | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Repairs | Easy, Unexpensive | Complicated, Expensive |
| Cracks | Will Hardly Happen | Will Likely Happen |
| Resale Value | Adds considerable value | Adds minimum value |
| Cost | Higher Short Term, Lower Long Term | Lower Short Term, Higher Long Term |
If you’re still wondering which one is right for you, we see no reason not to go with pavers unless your budget is not large enough for it. However, be sure to get a free estimate before jumping to conclusions, your project might be cheaper than you think, especially here in Florida.
You will appreciate our article for a complete comparison: “Pavers vs Concrete: Pros, Cons and Cost Comparison”.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Pavers aren’t just beautiful—they’re also a smart, sustainable choice for the environment.
One of the biggest environmental benefits of pavers is their permeability. Permeable pavers are designed with small gaps that allow rainwater to pass through the surface and filter back into the soil, rather than creating runoff that strains stormwater systems.
This reduces flooding risk, replenishes local groundwater supplies, and cuts down on pollutants entering waterways.
In areas like Florida, where heavy rains are common, permeable pavers can help mitigate erosion and prevent puddles from forming on patios, driveways, and walkways.
Unlike concrete slabs that trap water and heat, pavers allow your outdoor areas to breathe—improving drainage, regulating temperature, and protecting plant life nearby.
Pavers also support material sustainability. Many manufacturers offer pavers made from recycled materials like crushed concrete and reused aggregates. Because individual pavers can be replaced without tearing up an entire surface, they reduce waste and extend the lifespan of outdoor hardscaping.
Their modularity is another environmental plus. You can remove and reinstall pavers if changes need to be made—like installing irrigation lines or accessing underground utilities—without generating new waste.
Choosing locally sourced stone or concrete products further reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. As more homeowners lean toward green living, pavers present a functional and aesthetic solution aligned with eco-conscious values.
For more insights into sustainable pavement systems, check out this EPA guide to green infrastructure.
Paver Applications
Pavers are as versatile in function as they are in form. Whether you’re creating a luxurious outdoor lounge or a simple garden path, pavers offer design flexibility, strength, and long-term value across nearly every type of outdoor project.
One of the most popular uses is for driveways. Pavers easily handle the weight of vehicles without cracking like concrete slabs. Their interlocking design distributes pressure evenly, and if one paver gets damaged, it’s easy to swap it out.
Patios are another perfect canvas for paver design. You can mix colors, shapes, and laying patterns to match any style—from clean modern lines to Mediterranean warmth. Add a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, and you’ve got a true extension of your living space.
Walkways and garden paths benefit from the non-slip surface and natural drainage that pavers provide. They’re especially great for curved or free-form layouts, giving you more freedom than rigid slab solutions.
Around pools, travertine and tumbled pavers are ideal. Their naturally porous surfaces stay cool underfoot and prevent slips, even when wet. That’s why pool decks made with pavers, like those we’ve completed here at JS Brick, remain a go-to for both safety and beauty.
Other applications include courtyards, entryways, stepping stone paths, and retaining walls. You’ll also see pavers used in commercial projects like shopping centers and public plazas for their ease of maintenance and upscale look.
Because of their durability and ease of replacement, pavers are especially popular for long-term landscaping plans. You can easily expand or upgrade over time without tearing out your entire surface.
Ready to Use Pavers for Your Project?
Pavers are versatile, beautiful, and built to last—making them one of the best choices for any exterior surface. Whether you’re planning a new driveway, walkway, or patio, understanding what pavers are gives you the confidence to create something that lasts.
If you’re in Florida, especially near Sarasota, consider giving us here at JS Brick a call. We’ve been serving the area for over 20 years with expert installation and personalized service. Reach us at +1 941 586 9140 or schedule a free estimate.
FAQ
Bricks are made exclusively from clay, while pavers can be made out of concrete or natural stone. Many refer to “brick” when talking about the shape of a paver, but be aware that doesn’t mean that it is, in fact, a brick.
When talking about sheer price, yes, concrete is cheaper. However, when it comes to maintenance and durability, pavers are considered to be a highly better investment.
Yes, they are. The raw materials used in the making of concrete pavers are cheaper, and the end product becomes more resistant and uniform compared to brick, which also makes the installation process easier and less expensive.
You can, but be careful. That is not recommended when talking about a permanent installation. A proper paver installation takes time and effort. This article can help you with a permanent installation, while this one offers a quick guide on how to lay them on dirt.
Paver are usually used as exterior flooring and stepping stones.
Typically, no. Pavers last longer and are better used when a proper installation is made, with proper bedding and planning.
In the short term, concrete is cheaper. However, concrete doesn’t even come close to paver when it comes to long term investment. In the long run, pavers are way cheaper.
