3 Beautiful Types of Patio Pavers
A curved backyard paver patio with beautiful landscaping and two dark wicker chairs.
Outdoor living spaces have been extremely popular in recent years, especially since COVID started in 2020. But pandemic or not, everyone needs a private place outside to enjoy time in nature with friends and family. And a patio is one of the best options, in our book.
But once you decide to have a patio installed, now you’ve got to answer the pressing question of what pavement to use. It can be confusing trying to figure out all the pros and cons.
Most people immediately think of poured concrete for a patio, and we sure do love some poured concrete. But there’s another option you’ll want to consider, as well, patio pavers.
In this post, we’ll answer your biggest questions about patio pavers:
What is pavement?
What is a patio paver?
Where can you use patio pavers?
Are patio pavers strong?
What are the pros and cons of patio pavers?
The 3 main types of patio pavers
Plus, we have plenty of paver patio pictures for inspiration and fun along the way.
Ready to install a paver patio in Columbia, SC?
If you need help installing a paver patio in Lexington or Richland Counties, we can help!
We do all kinds of patios like patio pavers, concrete, and stamped concrete. We can also provide landscaping, hardscaping, and fence building services to help you create the backyard oasis of your dreams.
Simply contact us today for a FREE quote.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
A close-up view of keystone shaped concrete patio pavers being assembled into a circle shape over a gravel base with one paver piece pulled out a bit from the circle.
Before we dive into the definition of a paver. Let’s talk about pavement in general.
What is pavement?
Pavement is a way to cover the ground with a strong, relatively level, solid surface that is perfect for driving on, walking on, or for setting up furniture for outdoor living areas. It keeps you from having to walk or drive in the mud, grass, or dirt.
Common paving materials include concrete, asphalt, and pavers.
Pavement is generally used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, roadways, and parking lots.
What is a patio paver?
A good patio paver definition is that a patio paver is a stone, brick, or shaped piece of concrete that is designed to interlock with other pavers to create a patterned surface like the one pictured above.
Pavers are generally fairly small. Like 12-24 inches in width/length or less. And they are a beautiful option for paving driveways, sidewalks, and patios that add a lot of character and charm to your yard.
Where can you use patio pavers?
Patio pavers can be used almost anywhere that any type of pavement is desired on your property. They make a stunning driveway, walkway, pool deck, or patio.
Are patio pavers strong?
First, we have to understand how strong concrete is (and it is a good bit stronger than asphalt). For residential paving, concrete can generally withstand 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). There are other strengths, as well, that can hold up to 6,000 or 8,000 PSI.
Concrete patio pavers are generally rated between 6,000 and 8,500 psi, which is 3-4 times stronger than a regular concrete slab. They are also a lot less prone to cracking.
Brick pavers can handle 8,000 pounds psi. And those rated for heavy traffic can handle 10,000 psi.
Natural stone patio pavers are also quite strong, able to carry a compressive load of 8,000 to 23,000 psi. (Granite is the strongest.)
If you are concerned about the strength of the pavers you want to use, you can check their rating with your local patio paver installer or your supplier.
A twilight view of a paver patio with a wooden pergola, string lights, gas sconce lanterns, and outdoor kitchen overlooking a panoramic autumn view.
What are the pros and cons of patio pavers?
Pavers generally don’t crack like poured concrete or asphalt can. They are also easier to repair because you can just take out one that gets damaged without having to redo a large section or the whole thing.
They do cost a bit more upfront. But there is no curing time and they generally don’t need as much repair or maintenance as a poured concrete patio because they are more flexible and able to handle changes in temperatures and weather.
Disadvantages of pavers are that they can take a bit longer to install than pouring concrete/asphalt. (Although, they don’t need time to cure.) And any paver patio can potentially grow weeds, unless special precautions are taken. Also, the sand may need to be replaced eventually.
Like any other type of pavement, most pavers generally need to be cleaned and sealed every so often.
A gorgeous patio made of patio pavers with a waterfall feature and thoughtful landscaping in a suburban backyard.
The 3 main types of patio pavers:
If you want to see your options for a paver patio, there are three primary types of patio pavers to consider. Brick, natural stone, and concrete.
Each material has its own unique charm and beauty. And, as we discussed above about concrete pavers, patio pavers have a lot of advantages over other types of pavement.
A brick paved patio has a unique warmth and charm that makes a beautiful canvas for the perfect outdoor living space.
Brick pavers
Brick paver patios are stunningly gorgeous and durable. And they bring an Old World charm everywhere they go.
Advantages of a brick paver patio include:
Lots of creative options.
Many colors/textures/finishes to choose from.
Almost unlimited patterns and effects.
Less expensive than natural stone.
Beautiful.
Can last many decades.
Disadvantages of a patio paver bricks include:
More expensive upfront than poured asphalt, poured concrete, or most concrete pavers.
Can weather more easily than concrete pavers.
May require pressure washing and sealant, generally twice per year.
Paver patio bricks are one amazing option, but not the only one. Let’s take a look at your other possibilities, as well.
A close-up view of concrete pavers in a 5-stone pattern with loose pavers sitting randomly on top.
Concrete pavers
Concrete paving stones are the most affordable and popular type of patio paver. They last a very long time and can handle heavy loads.
Concrete paver patios have a lot of advantages over other types of pavers:
Stronger than poured concrete or poured asphalt.
Low maintenance.
Less expensive, generally, than brick or natural stone pavers.
No curing/drying time.
Great for extreme climates and temperature changes.
Handle weathering better than brick pavers.
Can be stained or painted.
Create a flatter surface than some natural stone.
Concrete paver patios have some disadvantages, too:
Cost more than poured concrete or asphalt.
Require pressure washing and sealing from time to time.
Can be made to look more like natural stone, but not quite the same thing.
Natural stone pavers installed as a patio near a concrete driveway by Boots On Enterprises.
Stone pavers
Stone pavers come in several shapes. You can choose paver stones for the patio like the ones above that are left in random, more natural shapes. Or you can get patio paver stones that are almost as smooth as tile, or that are more chunky like cobblestone. They may even have a lifetime warranty, depending on where you buy them.
Natural paver patio stones have advantages like:
Unparalleled beauty.
Some types last the longest of all pavement types.
Many sizes, colors, textures, and finishes available.
Extremely strong and long-lasting.
But paver stone patios have disadvantages, too, like:
The most expensive type of pavement.
Need to be washed carefully and sealed.
Some types create a surface that is not totally flat.
Some types can sometimes crack over time.
Colors of natural stone are more limited.
May not want to paint or stain them.
What types of natural stone pavers can you get? There is a wide variety of stone available like flagstone, limestone, granite, bluestone, travertine, marble, slate, and sandstone.
Granite is well-known for being the most durable natural stone. But each of these gorgeous natural stones offer durability and strength for many years to come.
A natural stone paver walkway with fresh pine straw bedding and landscaping done by Boots On Enterprises in Lexington, SC.
Paver patio contractors near you in Columbia, SC
Patio paver installation is right up our alley. If you’re ready for a new patio, sidewalk, paved pool deck, or driveway, we can help.
We install paver patios and poured concrete patios in Lexington and Richland Counties in South Carolina. And we can handle all your paving, landscaping, hardscaping, and wood fencing needs, too.
Contact us today for a FREE estimate for your project.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
