The Complete Guide to Paver Types: Concrete, Brick, Natural Stone & More

Introduction to Paver Materials

Choosing the right paver material is the single most important decision you'll make in your patio project. The material you select affects everything — from the upfront cost and installation complexity to the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of your outdoor space.

Today's market offers more paver options than ever before. Each material brings unique advantages in terms of aesthetics, performance, and value. Understanding these differences will help you make a confident choice that fits both your design vision and your budget.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are the most popular choice for residential patios, accounting for roughly 60% of all paver installations. They're manufactured by pouring a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and pigment into molds, then cured under pressure. This process creates incredibly strong units — typically rated at 8,000+ PSI compressive strength.

The biggest advantage of concrete pavers is the sheer variety. They come in dozens of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, including options that convincingly mimic natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Interlocking concrete pavers also offer superior structural performance for driveways and high-traffic areas.

Cost ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot for materials, making them the most budget-friendly paver option. A typical 300 sq ft patio using concrete pavers runs $2,500–$5,500 installed.

• Compressive strength: 8,000–12,000 PSI
• Lifespan: 25–50 years with proper maintenance
• Cost: $3–$8/sq ft (materials only)
• Best for: patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are made from fired clay, giving them a timeless, classic appearance that many homeowners love. Unlike concrete, brick color goes all the way through the material — so chips and wear don't reveal a different color underneath. This makes them exceptionally fade-resistant over decades of sun exposure.

The natural earth tones of brick — reds, browns, tans — complement traditional and colonial home styles beautifully. However, brick offers fewer color options than concrete, and the shapes are generally limited to rectangles and squares.

Brick pavers cost $4 to $10 per square foot for materials. They're slightly softer than concrete (typically 3,000–8,000 PSI), so they may not be the best choice for heavy vehicle traffic, but they're excellent for patios, walkways, and garden paths.

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone is the premium choice for homeowners who want a truly unique, high-end look. Popular stone types include travertine, bluestone, flagstone, limestone, and granite. Because each piece is naturally formed, no two stones are exactly alike — giving your patio a one-of-a-kind character.

Travertine is the most popular natural stone for patios and pool decks in warm climates. Its naturally porous surface stays cool underfoot, and its cream-to-gold color palette creates a Mediterranean aesthetic. Bluestone is preferred in the Northeast for its rich blue-gray tones and exceptional durability in cold climates.

Natural stone costs $10 to $30 per square foot for materials, with travertine on the lower end and premium granite on the higher end. Installation costs are also higher because stone requires more skill to cut and lay properly.

• Travertine: $10–$18/sq ft, cool underfoot, great for pools
• Bluestone: $12–$22/sq ft, extremely durable, classic Northeast look
• Flagstone: $8–$20/sq ft, irregular shapes, natural aesthetic
• Granite: $15–$30/sq ft, hardest stone, virtually indestructible

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are a relatively new option that's rapidly gaining market share. These are essentially large-format outdoor porcelain tiles, typically 24x24 inches, manufactured at extremely high temperatures. The result is an incredibly dense, non-porous material with near-zero water absorption.

The main selling point is that porcelain requires almost no maintenance. It won't stain, won't grow mold or algae, and won't fade in UV exposure. It's also available in stunning designs that replicate wood planks, marble, concrete, and other materials with photographic realism.

Porcelain pavers cost $8 to $15 per square foot for materials. They require a slightly different installation method — they're often laid on pedestals or a compacted sand bed — so make sure your contractor has experience with this material.

How to Choose the Right Material

The best paver material depends on four factors: your budget, your climate, your home's architectural style, and your intended use. A pool deck in Phoenix has very different requirements than a driveway in Boston.

For budget-conscious projects under $5,000, concrete pavers offer the best value with excellent variety. For mid-range projects, brick or travertine provides a significant aesthetic upgrade. For premium projects where budget is flexible, natural stone or porcelain delivers a truly custom result.

Climate matters more than most people realize. In freeze-thaw climates, you need pavers rated for severe weathering. In hot climates, choose materials that stay cool — travertine and light-colored concrete are much cooler underfoot than dark slate or brick.

• Budget pick: Concrete pavers ($3–$8/sq ft)
• Best value: Brick pavers ($4–$10/sq ft)
• Premium pick: Natural stone ($10–$30/sq ft)
• Low maintenance: Porcelain pavers ($8–$15/sq ft)