Planning out the masonry surfaces (patio, walkway, driveway, etc.) can be some of the most exciting times in a landscape renovation. The incredible impact of the various paving stones and patio pavers will not only improve the look of your property, but your family’s outdoor lifestyle as well as the value of the home. When choosing the right masonry surfaces, be sure to consider some of these tips. If you’re wondering about paving stones vs. patio pavers, here are tips for which is best for a Sussex County, NJ backyard.
Related: HERE'S WHERE TO FIND THE RIGHT PATIO PAVERS FOR A BACKYARD DESIGN IN BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
Paving Stones
You may find the term “paving stones” and “pavers” often used interchangeably. They are not the same. Paving stones are natural stones, either in their rough uncut shape or cut to a specific shape. Paving stones include sandstone, limestone, granite, and other natural stones that are quarried locally or imported.
Paving stones always have a unique character which is why they are highly coveted landscaping materials. No single stone is like any other, even from the same quarry. Geological processes have created a completely unique specimen over time that has its own subtle blend of color, shape, size, density, and patterns. A masonry surface made of hundreds or even thousands of these stones will be wholly unique and rich with character.
As the original building material, paving stones are incredibly durable. As durable as they are, keep in mind that paving stones are never perfectly consistent. They may have weak spots, so it’s always important to source additional materials to account for cracking that could happen in even the highest quality stones. Paving stones are versatile but are not always suitable for all applications, such as driveways (you can use natural stone on a driveway, but it would have to be very thick and relatively small, such as cobblestone). Paving stones should be sealed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles.
Patio Pavers
The term “patio pavers” is a name given to pavers manufactured with concrete. They may take their inspiration from natural stone, clay brick, or they may simply embrace concrete as a decorative and functional material. One of the biggest draws for homeowners is that pavers are uniform in size and available in a huge variety of color, style, shapes, and textures that allow for incredible creative options.
Patio pavers are incredibly versatile. You’ll also never need to worry about whether or not a patio paver will be strong enough for your landscape: each one is easily identifiable as suitable for pedestrian use, vehicular use, or general purpose.
Best of all, you can be sure that the quality and strength of patio pavers is uniform since they are manufactured to high standards and their qualities are not left up to the unpredictable forces of nature. Some need to be sealed regularly while others come pre-sealed with sealant that’s integral to the paver for easier clean-up and durability.
Which Is Best?
If you want authenticity and character and don’t mind that you can’t use natural paving stones everywhere (unless you pay a premium for much thicker materials for your driveway), consider natural paving stones.
And if you want consistency, versatility, and a broader range of style choices, consider today’s patio pavers. Most manufacturers offer pricing tiers; and if you want the look of natural stone with the performance of pavers, the high-end offerings can deliver.
