The choice of materials to use on your patio, walkway, driveway, or pool surround is a big one. Depending on the look you’re after, then you’re probably wondering whether you should choose patio pavers or natural stone. In this article, we’ll explore patio pavers and paving stones: how to make the best choices for a new landscape project in Bergen County, NJ.
Related: 5 PATIO PAVERS PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES IN BERGEN COUNTY AND SUSSEX COUNTY NJ AREAS
The Pros and Cons of Natural Stone
If you want the timelessness and unique characteristics of the world’s oldest building material, then natural stone could be your top choice.
Pros:
Each stone is different, even from the same quarry, which gives your project a one-of-a-kind flair. Natural stone pairs well with any architectural style and landscape design aesthetic. Natural stone that is quarried locally (for example, bluestone, which is quarried in Pennsylvania and New York State) is the most environmentally friendly choice, and the choice that will blend in the best with native vegetation.
Natural stone lasts practically forever with very little maintenance.
Paving stones could be the ideal choice for your front entry walkway, patio, pool surround, garden steps, or a stepping stone garden path. You are guaranteed a completely unique space when you use natural stone.
Cons:
Natural stone requires specialized skills to install. Most projects involve some cutting and shaping, which means extra labor. Stone is also heavy, so the footings need to be very sturdy to prevent the stones from shifting or cracking.
Natural stone is not the best choice for driveways, unless you are using quarried cobblestones. To make stone light enough to be easily installed by people, it is cut into thin slabs which won’t support the weight of vehicles.
Natural stone can be used to clad concrete-block retaining walls, water features, and other vertical elements for a cohesive space.
The Pros and Cons of Patio Pavers
Patio pavers are made of concrete; some feature natural stone particles. Some pavers are made to look like natural stone such as flagstone or granite, while others offer a fresh, modern aesthetic that doesn’t try to be anything other than a concrete paver.
Pros:
Patio pavers are quick to install thanks to their dimensional precision; and they are easier to cut than natural stone.
Many quality pavers come with a non-slip surface which makes them safer when wet. Some pavers feature a penetrating sealant that helps protect the paver and simplify cleanup.
Pavers can be rated for pedestrian use, or for a variety of mixed uses (pedestrian along with residential vehicular, commercial vehicular, and/or vertical applications). This makes pavers extremely versatile and suitable for nearly any project.
Permeable pavers are designed to be installed on a permeable base (a base of coarse aggregate and special sand), and larger joints between the pavers to allow surface water to filter through the paver surface rather than running off. This is an environmentally-conscious choice to be aware of.
Cons:
Concrete is not the most environmentally conscious choice. It often doesn’t last as long as natural stone and is more prone to fading unless sealed frequently.
Patio pavers are vulnerable to chipping which could expose lighter-colored aggregate beneath the surface, causing an ugly blemish (on the plus side, that one paver could be replaced without having to tear up the entire surface).
Even though the technology has come a long way, most patio pavers still don’t look like natural stone. High-end pavers are better, and you can mitigate this to some extent by purchasing several colors of the paver and mixing them randomly onsite.
Which is Best?
The choice comes down to two things: the unique characteristics of natural stone, or patio pavers that are faster and easier to install and come in a huge range of styles. Let our experts help you choose!
