What Are Pavers? A Complete Guide: Types, Benefits, & More

The colorful herringbone walkway in the park, the cold-to-the-touch pool deck at your friend’s house, and your neighbor’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous driveway have one thing in common: they are made out of pavers. Most don’t notice that fact, actually, despite how versatile, durable, and low-maintenance pavers are. That’s because while pavers are a common base material in outdoor projects, not many people know the fundamentals enough to recognize them. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll answer everything you wonder when asking “What are pavers?” from the definition and the uses to the benefits and comparisons with other materials like concrete or asphalt. Once we’re done, you’ll be able to plan your hardscape feature with confidence and identify a high-quality paver when you see one.

First things first: what are pavers? And what are pavers made of? Pavers are individual units (sometimes called paving stones) designed to lock together on a compacted base and create a solid, load-bearing surface. Unlike monolithic slabs, they’re installed piece by piece in patterns that distribute weight and flex with freeze–thaw cycles. Most are 1½- to 2½-inch-thick rectangles or squares, though you can also find other shapes like planks or hexagons. Because joints are filled with sand (or polymeric sand), the finished surface breathes, drains, and resists cracking far better than a single concrete pour. Finally, they can be made out of different materials, from cement to stone. The following section discusses the most popular ones in detail.

Among all the different kinds of pavers, the concrete ones are by far the most popular. Manufactured with cement, aggregate, pigments, and sometimes additives for extra strength, concrete pavers are the main character in many outdoor living areas, such as driveways and patios. They are molded under high pressure, giving them 8,000 psi (or more) compressive strength, which is almost double that of a typical sidewalk. You can find them in a wide range of colors (from warm terracotta to modern charcoal) and finishes (slate, flagstone, and even wood).

If you love earthy tones, clay pavers are for you. Fired at temperatures around 2,000 °F, brick pavers boast classic red and buff hues perfect for Federal-style homes. They’re dimensionally precise and fade-resistant, though we have to admit they’re slightly less strong than concrete and usually pricier per square foot.

Granite is cut from the famous quarried stone, offering its remarkable speckled, upscale appearance. Its crystalline structure delivers outstanding durability and skid resistance (ideal for high-traffic plazas), but the material costs and cutting labor run high.

If red isn’t your favorite color, but you still want the earthy aesthetic, limestone is a great option. They’re loved for their soft, earthy tones and a gently textured face that stays cool underfoot (making it a favorite for sunny courtyards). We do recommend applying sealant every few years because the rock tends to etch when exposed to acidic spills.

No need to travel far to enjoy different architecture. Produced by geothermal mineral deposits, travertine features swirling patterns and natural voids that create a timeless Mediterranean vibe. In pool settings, it remains slip-resistant even when wet, and its light color reflects heat (let’s be honest, that’s amazing for North Carolina’s infamous muggy summers).

Looking for sustainable paver options? Of course, there’s one. Permeable pavers look like standard concrete blocks, but they include wider, stone-filled joints that channel water into the soil below. Therefore, they reduce runoff that can pollute rivers, prevent flooding and erosion, and help lower urban heat by evaporating moisture back onto the surface.

Porcelain pavers are kiln-fired at ultra-high temperatures (over 200°F), and are usually found in large 24 × 24-inch units. They’re known for repelling stains, salts, frost, and mold, while offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor flooring.

Are there any other natural stone pavers? What about marble pavers? Do cobblestone pavers exist? And sandstone and bluestone? Yes, actually. There are many other flagstone pavers out there, each bringing its own regional flair. Just keep in mind that while natural cleft surfaces pair beautifully with outdoor spaces, they may need periodic sealing to avoid water staining.

Paver application consists of laying one unit at a time, allowing a variety of design options. Want swirls? Or zig-zag? What about borders? You can have them all. In fact, you can mix sizes to break visual monotony and turn simple patios and walkways into a statement piece.

Outdoor areas endure a lot: the weather, foot traffic, barbecue spills, leaf stains, tree branches, and more. Luckily, pavers offer high durability. The interlocking edges and jointing sand allow micro-movement, so instead of cracking as a slab does, pavers shift imperceptibly and re-adjust. If a tree root lifts one corner, you can lift those stones, re-level the base, and reuse the same pieces. All without a jackhammer.

Periodic sweeping and the occasional hose-down keep pavers tidy. Polymeric sand resists ants and weeds. Should a stain occur (say, an errant barbecue drip), swap the affected stone, not the entire surface. If you want the extra protection (which we do recommend), a quick round of sealant every 3–4 years is enough.

While the material itself can cost more than basic broom-finish concrete, savings appear over time: fewer repairs, minimal downtime, and the ability to replace single units keep life-cycle costs low. Plus, attractive hardscaping can increase a home’s resale value, making the initial investment worthwhile.

If you ask, “What are pavers used for?” The answer most likely shows “driveways” at the top. And for good reasons. Herringbone or basket-weave patterns distribute wheel loads, and textured surfaces add traction during icy Carolina mornings. Permeable paver driveways meet many municipalities’ impervious-surface limits.

For pool decks, the right pavers are travertine and porcelain. Both of these materials resist chlorine and stay cool on bare feet. Plus, the joint gaps provide effective drainage for splashes, reducing slip hazards associated with slick broom-finished concrete.