If you have always wanted to explore different types of pavers for your patio or backyard landscaping, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve checked out some of the best options for a wide variety of budgets, styles, and weather scenarios so that you can find a paver that will last as long as your home or garden.
In this article, we will address 11 types of pavers that are perfect for your patio, as well as what you should consider before making a final purchase. We will also discuss how you can best install your pavers so that they last a lifetime. Let’s get started and learn all about pavers now!
What are Pavers?
You may not know exactly what pavers are, which is important to know before figuring out what type of paver works best for your patio. Pavers are essentially pieces of stone or manufactured stone that can be found in a variety of sizes and colors. These pieces are used in a variety of pathways, driveways, and other outdoor locations because of their overall durability and strength.
Bricks are one example of a common paver, along with concrete blocks and stone tiles. You may even find pavers made out of porcelain or more delicate materials, though these are usually used in decorative settings rather than patio settings. Natural stone pavers are extremely popular for their strength as well as their unique sense of style.
Are Pavers Only Used for Patios?
No, pavers are used in a variety of situations other than patios. You can use many different types of pavers for your walkways, fire pit areas, decoration or decorative locations of your backyard, and more. Many homeowners opt for a detailed paver driveway, both for its unique qualities and its strength. Whatever you need a stable foundation or a decorative delineation of space, you can use pavers!
What to Consider Before Buying Pavers?
Before you jump in and redo your patio using pavers, there are few things that you should consider. Let’s take a look at some of those considerations so that you can make an informed decision.
Climate Where You Live
The climate where you plan on building your patio matters in terms of what pavers you should purchase. Some pavers are more durable than others, and the drastic changes in heat and weather can affect the overall lifetime of your pavers. If you live in an area that experiences extremely hot summers and very cold winters, you may want to consider the durability of your favorite paver choice more seriously than others.
Proper Installation
One of the most important things you should consider before choosing a paver for your patio is how to install it properly. While you can always do it yourself, you may want to seek professional guidance in terms of how to best install your brand new pavers. You’ll want a level area and the right tools, which not many homeowners have. But you need to take the time to build your patio properly with pavers!
This is because improper installation of any type of paver can have drastic effects. You may experience a large amount of Destruction to your backyard or patio area if your pavers are installed improperly. Some common issues with poorly installed pavers include sinking, shifting, breaking, and more. You can read more about how to properly install pavers on our website by clicking here.
The Cost of Different Materials
Another thing you should consider before getting started on your new patio project is how much different materials may cost you. Not only will you need to consider the cost of your pavers, but you may need to calculate for a wide variety of other materials. Some of these include sand, masonry adhesives, gravel, and more.
Thankfully, we have included the average cost of some of these pavers in the description of the product so that you can get a rough idea of the budget that you need. You will need to know the estimated square footage of your patio as well, but this should be something that you have already considered.
Tools Needed if Doing it Yourself
If you don’t plan on hiring anyone to help you install your pavers and patio, you may need to consider the cost and rental capabilities for tools. If you plan on building your patio yourself, some of the most common tools you may need include a wheelbarrow, shovel, tamper, tine bow rake, stiff broom, string, level, and more.
Buying or renting tools can cost more than you think, which is why many people choose a professional to help them install their patio. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it yourself- just keep a healthy budget in mind, as the proper tools will help you achieve a level and durable patio with pavers.
11 Types of Pavers for Patios
Curious to learn more about some of the most common types of pavers for patios? Here are 11 for you to consider for your next project- get inspired now!
1. Concrete Pavers
One of the most versatile and affordable options for pavers is concrete. You can get concrete pavers in a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, as well as colors. This makes them appealing for many patio or other home applications, as you can truly find something that fits your style and budget. Concrete pavers are usually less expensive than brick or other natural stone options.
Read my step by step concrete pavers installation guide here.
This style of paver is also durable and fairly easy to install, given that it can be cut to fit with ease. However, concrete pavers can be greatly affected by weather and wear and tear, so it is important to maintain them and seal them properly season after season. Even with routine maintenance, concrete pavers may not last as long as you like, depending on the setting.
The price point for concrete pavers makes these the most appealing, as they average anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot. The final cost will depend on the amount of pavers you need as well as the quality of concrete and style. However, it is a fantastic option for those of you looking for something minimalist as well as fairly durable.
2. Flagstone Pavers 
If you are looking for a patio that can make a statement, you should definitely check out flagstone as a possible paver. Flagstone is a naturally occurring stone that is found in a variety of shapes, but it is relatively thin and strong, making it easy to install as well as endure the elements season after season. Given that flagstone pavers aren’t made uniformly, you can create a totally unique patio space based on the shapes of your pavers.
You can find flagstone pavers in a variety of colors, though they are often found in shades of tan and gray. The main drawback to purchasing flagstone pavers has to be the price, as natural stone pavers are more expensive than manufactured ones. Flagstone pavers cost an average of $4 to $25 per square foot, depending on the stone you get.
3. Brick Pavers
Another extremely popular patio paver option is brick. Bricks are made from clay and can be formed into a variety of shapes as well as colors. Clay is extremely versatile in that even if a brick breaks, you can still utilize the clay for another application. However, it is important to note that bricks do commonly break more often than other types of pavers, so their overall durability may not be ideal for patios that need to support a lot of weight.
RELATED: What Keeps Moss from Growing Between Pavers?
Given how easily bricks can crack or break, you will need to ensure that your patio foundation is solid before beginning your installation. However, bricks can be a fairly cost-effective alternative to natural stone pavers, as they average a cost of $4 to $8 per square foot.
4. Slate Pavers
If you are looking for a classic and high-end finish to your backyard patio, you should check out slate pavers. These pavers are strong and natural stone, making them an ideal finish for your landscaped area. They are available in a variety of shapes, and are commonly found in black or grey stone coloring. slate is known for being thin and strong, making it easy to install and maintain.
However, this modern and high-end look comes at a price. The average slate patio will cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. This is an extremely high price point for the average homeowner, so you may not be able to go for slate if it is outside your budget.
5. Travertine Pavers
Are you seeking a type of patio paver that will most likely add value to your home? You should check out the overall costs involved when installing travertine tile pavers. Travertine is a natural stone that is durable, eco-friendly, and incredibly long lasting. Choosing travertine for your backyard patio will not only result in a classy and smooth appearance, you can also expect it to absorb heat throughout the day and resist all weather scenarios.
It is important to note that travertine stones are particularly sensitive to a variety of acids, as you may risk damaging their color and sheen if certain products spill on them. Travertine is also not the most affordable paver, often costing homeowners anywhere from $15 to $25 per square foot. However, the durability of travertine tiles is often unmatched, and you get a classy patio finish from it!
6. Marble Pavers
Speaking of classy patio finishes, your modern home may be best suited to a marble patio. Similarly to travertine tiles, marble pavers are ideal for adding value to your home. Marble is highly prized for its shine, strength and durability, as well as its variety of patterns and colors. You can find marble in just about any shade or shape, which may make your patio one of a kind.
However, marble is similarly affected by acidic liquids, just like travertine. You may also dislike marble for its high polish and its ability to be scratched with ease. It is also not the most affordable option on this list, costing homeowners an average of $15 to $40 per square foot, depending on the quality of the stone.
7. Plastic Pavers
Did you know that there are plastic patio pavers available for your backyard makeover? Plastic pavers were originally created to take care of excess plastic waste in our oceans and environments, reusing and reducing our overall waste. The process is fairly complicated, but it creates a paver that is ideal for a modern and simplistic patio area. These pavers are also extremely permeable, which may be valuable for those of you living in rainy locations.
You can get plastic pavers in a wide variety of shapes and colors, but at the end of the day, these pavers are still made of plastic. This means they will not be nearly as durable or strong as stone or concrete options. Plastic pavers are also fairly pricey given their complicated manufacturing process, often costing $10 to $25 per square foot.
8. Cobblestone Pavers
If you are seeking a more rustic finish to your backyard patio, check out a classic in terms of landscaping pavers: cobblestone! This style of paver has been used for centuries around the world, and for good reason. Cobblestone pavers are made from natural and durable stone materials, and they can be found in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and thicknesses.
If you are seeking a low maintenance patio paver, cobblestone may be the way to go. You can create a cobblestone patio that is both classic and modern, depending on the style and shape that you choose. However, just like anything, there is a serious drawback to cobblestone. It is often complicated to install correctly and can cost you $10 to $20 per square foot, if not more depending on your location and the stone you’re interested in.
9. Porcelain Pavers
Porcelain pavers are similar to brick pavers in that they are clay-based, but the finishing process is completely different. This style of paver is finished at high heat and creates an extremely glossy and non-porous surface. Given that porcelain pavers are manufactured, you can also buy them in a variety of aesthetics, including stone, wood, and tile finishes.
This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something low maintenance as well as potentially more affordable than other options on this list. However, the non-porous surface can get extremely slippery in cold weather or frost situations, so it is important to keep this in mind when planning your patio. Additionally, the average cost of a porcelain paver is $7 to $10 per square foot.
10. Rubber Tiles
Another fantastic and eco-friendly solution may be found in rubber tiles. These are fairly new inventions in terms of our modern era of backyard landscaping, but rubber tiles are ideal for a variety of patio situations. While they may not look the most elegant, these pavers are efficient, fairly affordable, and they reuse rubber in an eco-friendly fashion.
However, like any paver, rubber tiles have their drawbacks. These tiles need to be installed carefully, as getting them wet can affect their swelling and shape. You may also feel disappointed looking at rubber tiles compared to natural stone options, as the finish is never as high-end as other options. However, rubber tiles cost an average of $7 to $8 per square foot, and you can get them in a variety of shapes and sizes.
11. Granite Pavers
A final patio paver option for you to consider is granite. You can find granite in a variety of shapes, given that it is a naturally occurring stone that is easy to cut. Granite can also be found in many colors, though you may end up paying extra for certain shades, as this is a naturally occurring stone with unique variations.
Granite is extremely easy to maintain, and it’s a strong option for those of you expecting to use your patio often. However, it is an extremely heavy material and not very inexpensive, often costing $15 to $30 per square foot, depending on the shade and shapes you need.
What Makes One Paver Different from Another?
There are many things that separate pavers from one another, making them different and unique depending on what you are looking for. For example, you may consider one paver over another for its ability to interlock or form a tight pattern with other pavers. The finish and shine on all natural stone pavers makes them more popular over manufactured pavers as well.
The size, color options, and texture also matter when it comes to choosing one paver over another. Plus, you should always be considering the durability as well as ease of maintenance when choosing a paver, as some pavers are simply stronger than others.
What Goes Nice with Pavers?
If you are looking to create a unique patio space, you may want to consider additional materials to surround and compliment your pavers. Let’s take a look at some common materials so that you can create a patio that is as unique as you.
Pea Gravel
Extremely affordable and available in a wide variety of colors, pea gravel is perfect for complimenting your patio pavers or creating a decorative border around your landscaped area. Pea gravel is essentially broken up bits of stone and other hard materials, and you can purchase it in bulk for reasonable prices.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is another option for those of you seeking a more natural-looking patio area. You can pair easy to maintain artificial turf with something as stark as flagstone or other natural stones to create a truly unique and zen-like backyard landscaping area. This option is also ideal for those of you with pets that may need a backyard lawn without all the hassle of taking care of real grass.
Decomposed Granite
One of the most finely ground stone options on this list has to be decomposed granite. It is essentially broken down granite bits that can be used as a patio paver material or an accent material for your backyard Landscaping. Decomposed granite is available in a variety of colors, and it is fairly affordable. However, these stones tend to scatter everywhere, given their fine texture, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
Can You Use Recycled Materials for Pavers?
Yes, you can use recycled materials for pavers. Besides reusable plastic and rubber pavers, you can simply seek out stones or bricks in your local area and use them to make a patio that is affordable as well as environmentally conscious. So long as you have a strong foundation, just about any stone or clay material can be used to create a patio!
Related Questions
Still have questions regarding the different types of pavers for your patio? Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions now.
Is it Hard to Install Pavers Yourself?
It can be extremely difficult to install pavers yourself. Between the amount of time it takes to lay each paver properly, as well as the amount of preparation your backyard needs to go through before you can even install the stones in the first place, many homeowners find the idea of building their own patio daunting.
You can always consider hiring additional help to get you through the process, but this can be outside of many homeowner’s budgets. I recommend finding a group of friends or relatives to help you through this process, so that it can get done efficiently and safely.
Can You Install Pavers Around Pool?
Yes, you can install pavers around a pool. Many different options are ideal for pool situations, given their water resistance and durability. Some of the best options for pavers around a pool include travertine, porcelain, and marble. However, keep in mind that some pavers can be extremely slippery when wet, so use caution when swimming and running around your pool.
Can You Lay a Hot Tub on Pavers?
Yes, you can lay a hot tub on top of pavers. However, you should ensure that the type of paver that you have installed is capable of withstanding a high amount of weight. Some pavers have been known to crack under heavy furniture or home items, and hot tubs are extremely heavy when full. You may also want to consider a paver that has a non porous surface so that you avoid any potential water damages.
How Long Do Pavers Last?
Depending on the type of paver, they may last anywhere from a few years to decades or more. However, it totally depends on the type of material used. For example, natural stone pavers last far longer than plastic ones, so you may consider your pavers as an investment for the future.
The Verdict – Are Patio Pavers Worth It?
Given how many different types of pavers there are for your patio renovation, you will no doubt find something that is both functional and economical for your needs. Patio pavers can be complicated to install, but they truly elevate your backyard living area for the better. Take your time doing your research, as there are so many great options to choose from!
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.