17 Types of Pavers for Your Walkway or Driveway

Pavers are blocks and slabs made from a huge range of materials like flagstone, brick, travertine, concrete, rubber, plastic, and much more that you use to create a range of projects around the house. Different types of pavers can be a great concrete alternative, and other than using some stamped concrete, types of pavers can look better than concrete slabs. Also, when it comes to laying your pavers, you can choose slabs or interlocking ones.

You can use these types of pavers for many parts of your home, and they’re very useful outdoors. Many people choose to use them for driveways, fire pits, patios, planters, pool decks, and walkways. However, you should know what types of pavers are available to ensure you’re successful with your projects, and we’re going to outline several below.

Picking out a paver for your next project is one way to spruce up your space and make it safer to walk on. Pavers by B.D.’s World / CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Bluestone Pavers

Bluestone is one type of paver that works very well around your home, just like sandstone does. One of the best aspects of this paver is that it comes in several shapes and sizes for you to consider. Also, manufacturers can design the stone into slabs, bricks, or small tiles, and it’s also available crushed and mixed with gravel to create a very distinct, unique appeal.

Another nice aspect of this type of paver is that it is a very durable material that can last for decades. Also, it is very easy to cut or mold into any shape you want. So, no matter if you want a round or rectangular shape for your outdoor area, it’s very easy to create the ideal type with this stone.

Just as you may get from the name, this type of paver has a beautiful, unique royal blue coloring. However, due to constant exposure to sunlight and wear and tear, the pretty blue hue will slowly facade to a light gray. This shade is still extremely appealing, and it looks great in most outdoor spaces in your home.

2. Brick Pavers

One of the most commonly used types of pavers are brick. This paver has been in use for centuries, and it’s an incredibly popular option when it comes to homeowners throughout the United States. Brick pavers usually feature some type of molded clay that gets baked in a kiln. It is a great alternative to concrete pavers due to the range of textures, styles, and color combinations.

Although it’s durable and tough, your brick pavers aren’t the strongest material you’ll have. So, you’ll have to maintain it very well to make it last. However, with the correct maintenance and care, brick can easily last for decades.

Also, you have a few options available when it comes to textures, color combinations, and styles, so you can easily pick out the style that complements the rest of your home the best. This type of paver is one of the best concrete paver alternatives for several reasons, and the biggest ones are affordability, durability, and aesthetics.

Of course, just like any paving stone type you have, brick pavers come with both benefits and drawbacks. This is why you want to weigh each one before you settle on one in particular.

3. Clay Pavers

Clay types of pavers are made of natural clay, and you bake it at extremely high temperatures to create excellent molds. These bricks or slabs get laid out perfectly to your chosen design, pattern, shape, color, or texture for your outdoor space. Generally speaking, clay has a high durability that makes it a great choice for a range of paving applications. It’s also a very colorfast material that you can customize according to your wants. That being said, you want to ensure that any clay you pick is hard enough to withstand different temperature and weather conditions.

Clay has great qualities that make it an excellent material to use for paving materials. So, clay is abrasion and thaw-resistant. Also, it’s very durable, so it won’t chip or break easily when you walk or drive on it. This allows you to use it in areas of your property or home where you have heavy traffic. Also, clay has non-slip properties, and this makes it an ideal choice for outdoor or indoor use.

4. Cobblestone Pavers

Cobblestone types of pavers are great walkway edging ideas, and you’ll see them if you walk down old streets in small towns. These stones typically feature basalt, sandstone, or limestone, and you can also find granite mixes. So, cobblestone pavers can easily last for centuries without a lot of maintenance for you. Also, they can easily withstand extreme temperature swings without incurring a lot of damage, and this makes them great for roads and walkways.

If you’re curious as to what patterns and styles you can create using this type of paver, you’ll be pleased to know that you can design cobblestones in a range of ways to create gorgeous patterns. Since it’s easy to customize and lasts a long time, it’s a very popular choice amongst homeowners.

The natural, classic appearance of this type of paver also makes it a popular choice for large and small projects. These stones are relatively easy to install and readily available if you find the right contractors. It also requires very little maintenance to keep them looking nice, and they don’t show a lot of wear and tear. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, affordable material, this can easily be one of the best options on the market.

Cobblestones are an ancient paver type that allow you to fill in your space with a durable and long-lasting material that looks solid. Cobblestones by mgstanton / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

5. Concrete Pavers

Concrete types of pavers are the most common options for garages, driveways, walkways, and other key areas around your property. Concrete is an affordable, excellent option for most homes, and this is why you see it in most commercial or residential buildings. One of the biggest characteristics of using this paving option is that it has a huge application variety. So, you can easily customize your concrete pavers to any shape, size, pattern, color, and design you want.

Not just this, but concrete can also come in various thicknesses to match your needs. It is critical that you find the correct contractors for the project who can successfully customize your type of paver to your requirements. Installation is fairly straightforward, and most local contractors will be versed in the process. Concrete is usually easy to cut into pieces and very uniform, and this makes the installation process easy for professionals and DIYers.

So, the installation costs of concrete are not too high. It’s an affordable, excellent option for most people who are on a tight budget. Also, it’s extremely durable and will last for decades after you install it. It also has a higher durability factor than poured concrete, and this is a huge bonus.

However, concrete types of pavers do require regular maintenance throughout the lifecycle to keep them looking nice. They are prone to chipping or cracking with extreme weather swings, so this is something to consider.

6. Ferrock and Ashcrete Paver

Up next, we have ferrock and ashcrete types of pavers. You typically group these paver types together because they’re by-produces that come from natural stone pavers. You can easily mod them into tiles, bricks, and building blocks. If you love the aesthetics that come with natural stone, you’ll love the clay-red look of this type of natural stone.

This makes this paver type the ideal material for driveways, walkways, and walls. They are a great option for patios as well because they’re eco-friendly. However, this paver isn’t ideal for wet areas like on the pool deck. They have much better absorbing powers than you’ll get with more traditional concrete.

Depending on what material you use to make these types of pavers, you can end up with a very durable finish in your area. Although this paver will set very quickly as you work and comes with a natural, beautiful color, installation is a process. You might have a challenging time finding contractors who are ready to install these pavers. You should try to get a free consultation from your local contractors or find them online.

7. Flagstone

One of the most gorgeous, aesthetic types of pavers are flagstone ones. As the name suggests, these pavers are made out of sedimentary rocks and other compounds, and this gives each of these pavers a 100% natural appeal that looks chic and ultra-classy. This paving stone type works for driveways, patios, and gardens.

Although these pavers’ most common shades are gray or red hues, these stones will come in several different shades so that you can easily customize them as you want. Also, these pavers are known to have unique textures and shapes, so you will need to get a set of contractors and builders who know how to slot them together like puzzle pieces during the install.

When all is said and done, you have to keep in mind that these slabs or stones are a lot thinner compared to bricks or concrete. So, these paving stones are not the best options to have installed in driveways because they can easily chip or crack. However, if you take measures to care for them and maintain them regularly, the stone pavers can easily last for several years.

Another great aspect of this paver type is the fact that they have a non-slip surface. So, you can use these pavers for outdoor or indoor use. If you’re looking for excellent stone pavers to create a unique design and shape, flagstone can be ideal. Due to the inherent textures and shapes, you can create unique and eye-catching patterns.

8. Gravel Pavers

Gravel driveways are nice, but did you know that gravel pavers are also a thing? Gravel is a substance that is readily available all over the world, and it’s a very cost-effective option. Gravel’s versatility makes it a very popular choice with DIYers and builders. Also, there are several types of gravel that you can choose from, and this gives you the freedom to design your home pavement in any way you want.

From crushed stone to quarry to pea gravel, there are several types of gravel available to choose from. Depending on the gravel type you chose, you can easily design your area with different textures and colors to enhance your home’s aesthetic value. Along with being very cost-effective, it’s relatively easy to install. You can do it on your own without bringing in a professional contractor. Also, one nice thing about gravel is that if it sinks into the surface, it won’t cause any damage since it’s natural.

Maintaining your gravel pavers isn’t too hard. However, you’ll have to add gravel in specific instances. If you notice your gravel sinking in some areas or getting worn away due to climate conditions or rain, you’ll need to add more gravel to even everything out.

9. Greencrete Paver

Just as you may get from the name, this type of paver is relatively common. People around the world are using it. Geo-Green Crete or Greencrete pavers get made out of 100% natural permeable materials. This makes them one of the most eco-friendly paver types on the market. You can install this option in walkways, driveways, patios, and other living spaces outside or inside of your property. Not only does it look great, but it’s a green and sustainable option.

Greecrete will require a certain amount of maintenance to keep it looking neat and tidy. This type of paver is similar to concrete, but instead of using pure concrete, it comes with all-natural substances. You want to speak to your local contractor to get a quote and learn more about these pavers. If you maintain it, this is a decently durable choice for your driveway or patio.

Greencrete allows you to have pavers with spaces between them for grass to grow, and you can easily create eye-catching patterns with them. Pave by Angelo Gargano / CC BY-SA 2.0

10. Interlocking Concrete Pavers

As the name suggests, interlocking types of pavers give you a functional and aesthetic design that you create by fitting concrete blocks or slabs like puzzle pieces to put them together seamlessly. This paving type allows you more creative freedom with the patterns and designs you can create. Also, it’s a nice solution for adding pavement in the areas that have specific operational or environmental restrictions.

So, it’s common to find these pavers on walkways and footpaths through your yard or garden. This is a newer addition to the industry, but it’s become immensely popular in a short amount of time. This paver comes with a high durability factor that helps it last for decades. It may also be ideal for homeowners who want to have a different paver style in their home.

Since you won’t have to worry about curing time with this paver, you can use it right when you install it. Also, creating this paving material won’t require you to have very complex or sophisticated technology, and you can find it in most places relatively easily. You do need to find the right contractors who can install this paver type correctly in your yard. A lot of homeowners may attempt to install it as a DIY project, but it’s not recommended. You’ll need a level of expertise and skill for it to turn out.

One of the best parts of this paver is that you can easily access any underground utilities you have without causing superficial or deep damage to the surface. This allows you to repair or add underground fittings like pipes and pumps without fearing about damaging your paving materials.

11. Marble Pavers

It may surprise you, but you can also choose to have marble types of pavers for your outdoor spaces like walkways, driveways, and patios. As you can imagine, marble is a high-end material that adds a classy appeal to your space. Marble typically gets formed by exposing limestone to heat and high pressure. It’s a very unique process that creates random textures and patterns on the surface of the marble, and this gives it a very classy appeal.

If you want an elegant, chic look to your indoor or outdoor space, choosing marble may be a great pick. However, you’ll need the correct contractors to take on this paving project because working with marble can be a high-maintenance and time-consuming job. The pavers usually come with a non-porous finish, and this makes them much less absorbent than other materials.

You should note that this type of paver won’t work well for wet areas like pool decks because it can be far too slippery and cause accidents. It’s a very durable material that will last for decades with proper maintenance and care. However, you should ensure that you regularly maintain and clean your marble so it won’t start looking dirty and damaging the space’s aesthetic appeal.

12. Mulch Pavers

If you’re after an environmentally-friendly type of paver outside of concrete, you can consider using mulch. Mulch gives your space a natural appeal that looks beautiful in your patio or garden area. The flexibility factor lets you get creative with patterns and designs to create a stunning visual appeal.

Another great point with mulch is that it works to eliminate any types of carbon emissions that get generated when you use other paver types like concrete. Mulch is one of the most affordable options that you can use when it comes to picking out types of pavers. It also uses recycled components, and it’s easy to spread and install in any area around your home.

Mulch is a very practical solution that many people overlook, and it gets designed to be very natural. If you’ve been searching for one of the best paving options for your DIY paving project, this can be a solid choice. It’s easy to install by yourself without any professional help, and it comes in several colors.

Mulch is very popular in garden paths, but it’s possible to use it all over your yard without any problems. Garden Path by Maia C / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

13. Plastic

You can get plastic types of pavers in two main options. You can get pavers that feature recycled plastic as the main material or get newly-made ones. Using recycled plastic is more sustainable and a better option compared to using newly made ones. It also gives you the freedom to choose the texture, color, or pattern of your paver when you buy it.

Creating plastic pavers with recycled plastic waste is an innovative, unique process that is new to the industry. So, the process involves using water and melted plastic that gets mixed with soil to create a durable end product. This method was created by a talented group of scientists who wanted to solve the problem of excessive plastic usage in the environment. This is a great way to reduce plastic waste overall.

Furthermore, this type of paver lets you get creative with the types of textures, shapes, colors, and patterns you want to design for your space. As a bonus, these pavers aren’t as expensive as other choices, and they’re great for people who want a sustainable paving solution.

14. Porcelain

Most clay-based, these types of pavers get exposed to higher heat conditions to create a very durable and hard material that will last for decades with good use. This paver choice is ideal for outdoor and indoors space, giving you great freedom and versatility to get creative. You should also keep in mind that these pavers are much less absorbent than other materials. This makes it great for walkways and driveways, patios, and pool decks. You want to maintain them to keep them looking fresh and add value to your space.

You can easily customize these types of pavers to make them stronger and thicker. You can design them to look like natural stone if this is the look you want. Also, porcelain is quite affordable if you’re on a budget. This will usually cost less than most paver types on the market.

The pavers are relatively easy to maintain as they don’t break, chip, or crack very easily. They have a very low absorbent surface that makes them less likely to absorb dust and moisture from the surrounding environment. This prevents bacteria growth and problems with contaminants. You can also customize these pavers to any pattern, texture, or color you want.

15. Rubber

Rubber types of pavers are a more modern innovation that uses slip-resistant material in the design. It’s a non-slip paver that is made out of tear-resistant and eco-friendly raw materials, and this makes them great for parking areas, driveways, and walkways. You can also choose to use recycled tires as the main materials to create a less absorbent, aesthetic surface in your outdoor area.

However, you want to ensure that your pavement doesn’t have any wet areas when you install it because this can cause thermal expansion. Also, you want to install rubber pavers in outdoor areas that don’t have a lot of solar heat or very high temperatures because this can also cause thermal expansion.

One of the best things about this type of paver is that they use recycled materials that are very safe and eco-friendly for the outdoor spaces. Adding a slip-resistant surface will make it a great option for pool areas and outdoor landscaping.
h3>16. Sand Pavers

There aren’t a lot of sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional concrete pavers. However, sand is one that is commonly used, and it’s popular enough that you can easily explore it. Sand pavers don’t work well for driveways or vertical structures, but you can use it in other areas of your home.

One nice reason to use sand is that the installation process is very similar to concrete. It’s a very budget-friendly option that you can take on as a weekend DIY project. Pouring the sand and letting it cure isn’t a labor-intensive or time-consuming process, and this lets you work at a quicker space. However, paving an area with this type of paver will require you to evacuate the area for the duration of the project. You may also need to consider using flagstone to get the best results.

17. Travertine

The final type of paver on the list is an eco-friendly and all-natural choice. It’s made out of natural stone and it works well for driveways, pool decks, walkways, garages, patios, the garden, or anywhere else you can think of. These natural stone pavers feature sedimentary rocks that get formed under intense heat and pressure.

If you’re trying to boost your curb appeal, you can consider these pavers as one of the best choices you have. It has a fantastic durability with an excellent longevity, and this makes it a solid choice for many DIYers. The best part of this paver is that you can find it all over the world, so installing and sourcing it usually isn’t an issue.

These pavers can add great value to your home if you install them correctly. They’re also very durable, eco-friendly, and entirely natural for anyone who is looking for sustainable, green paving options for your home.

You can find this paver in a huge range of colors, enabling you to customize it to your needs. You also won’t have to worry about environmental factors impacting the pretty patterns and colors because it doesn’t damage or fade easily. Due to the insulation properties, they won’t heat up with exposure to scorching temperatures. In turn, they’re comfortable to walk on if you’re barefoot.

Bottom Line

We’ve outlined 17 types of pavers you can consider for your next project around your home. It’s easy to find one that is going to work for your specifications, and you can get a natural and beautiful look that will last for years at a time.