What Are The Best Types Of Pavers For Driveways

The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Pavers for Your Driveway

Installing a paver driveway can be a great way to enhance the look of your home and stand out from all of your neighbors. However, one of the most frequently asked questions I get is “What Are The Best Types Of Pavers For Driveways”?

There are basically 3 different types of pavers available in the market to choose from.

In this article, I will discuss the different types of pavers and their characteristics to help you make an informed decision when it comes to different types of paver driveways.

Different Types of Pavers

When it comes to choosing the right paver for your driveway, there are 3 basic types of pavers to consider. Each type of paver has its own unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal. I’ll cover each paver type based on the cost from lowest to highest.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are one of the most popular options for driveways, due to their durability, versatility, and lower cost compared to natural stone and brick pavers. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it easy to find a style that complements your home’s exterior. Concrete pavers are also relatively easy to install and maintain and can be used to create many different unique, one-of-a-kind, patterns and designs.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are another common paver type for driveways. They have a classic, traditional look that works well with many different architectural styles. Brick pavers are known for their durability and can withstand harsh weather conditions as they are made from natural clay or shale that is fired at high temperatures. They also hold their color well over time and are easy to replace if one cracks or gets damaged.

Natural Stone Pavers

If you’re looking for the most unique and elegant look for your driveway, natural stone pavers are the way to go. Options may include granite, limestone, and sandstone, among others. They provide a natural, rustic look that can add character to your home’s exterior. Natural stone pavers are also very durable and more forgiving to weather changes. Some natural stone pavers, are naturally slip-resistant, making them a great choice in areas with heavy rainfall. However, natural stone pavers may be more expensive than other types of pavers as they may require more maintenance over time.

Choosing the Right Paver for Your Driveway

Ultimately, the type of paver you choose for your driveway will depend on factors such as your budget, your home’s architectural style, and the climate of your area. It’s essential to work with a professional contractor, to help you make an informed decision and ensure that your installation is done correctly. By doing your research and considering your options, you can find the perfect paver for your driveway and enjoy the beauty and functionality it provides for years to come.

Tips on Choosing the Right Paver for Your Needs

Consider Your Climate

Your climate is another factor you should consider when selecting a paver material. In areas with heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures, you may want to opt for materials such as natural stone or brick that can be slip-resistant and able to withstand harsh weather conditions without cracking or fading over time. On the other hand, if you live in an area with milder climates and infrequent precipitation, concrete pavers may be a good option due to their affordability and versatility. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, pavers can be extremely difficult to shovel, and even worse, snow plows can damage pavers. Snow removal can be a particularly difficult task with some stone pavers due to their rough, abstract texture.

Think About Maintenance

Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing a paver material; some types require more frequent cleaning than others. Concrete pavers are relatively low-maintenance compared to other options such as brick or natural stone; they usually only need occasional sealing every few years to maintain their color and prevent staining from occurring. On the other hand, brick or natural stone pavers may require more frequent cleaning with soap and water along with annual sealing to protect them from staining or chipping over time. Keep in mind, however, some paver manufacturers will void their warranty if you seal their pavers. As a matter of fact, I cover paver sealing in another article I wrote. Be sure and read that before you choose the type of paver for your driveway.

Benefits of Installing a Paver Driveway

According to the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, a properly installed paver driveway can last up to 30 years or more, making it a durable and long-lasting investment, lasting far longer than any other type of driveway.

Durability

One of the biggest advantages of installing pavers compared to the other driveway types for your driveway is their durability. Pavers can hold up to heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions without cracking or fading much longer than standard concrete or asphalt driveways. Studies have shown that concrete pavers can last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance, while brick or natural stone pavers may last even longer depending on proper care and sealing techniques.

Cost-Effectiveness

In addition to being durable, pavers are also cost-effective, particularly compared to other paving materials such as asphalt or concrete driveways. An asphalt driveway may be far less expensive initially than a paver driveway, but when you consider the amount of maintenance an asphalt driveway requires, they can cost more over time than a comparable paver driveway; plus, asphalt requires regular sealing and crack sealing every 3 to 5 years to maintain its appearance and slow down the deterioration process. By comparison, a paver driveway requires much less maintenance over its lifespan and, depending on which paver you choose, may never need sealing to protect it.

Versatility

Another advantage of installing pavers in your driveway is the versatility they offer in terms of design options; there are countless colors, shapes, sizes, and textures available in both concrete and natural stone varieties. This allows homeowners to create unique patterns or designs that will make their outdoor space stand out from any other driveway in the neighborhood. Plus, because pavers come ready-made in standard sizes (such as 2×2 feet), installation is relatively quick and easy for most DIYers or professional contractors alike.

Safety & Slip Resistance

Installing pavers in your driveway can also provide improved safety due to some being slip-resistant, which makes some pavers ideal for areas prone to rainfall or where water tends to accumulate on the ground surface during wet seasons. Some natural stone pavers can be especially slip resistant due to their textured surfaces which provide better traction than smooth concrete finishes. Studies have shown that these surfaces can reduce slips by 50–70% when compared with non-slip-resistant surfaces like concrete.

Work With A Professional Contractor

It’s important to work with a professional contractor when installing pavers on a driveway. While the installation of paver driveways may seem simple and straightforward, they can be extremely difficult to install when you consider sloping for water drainage and evenness. Also, getting into the paver business does not require a large upfront investment as all that’s needed is small equipment for excavating and grading and a pickup truck and trailer for hauling the pavers. Both of these can even be rented, making the start-up costs even less. Virtually anyone with little or no skill can get into the paver business which opens it up to inexperienced and dishonest contractors. In this case, this makes the job of finding a reputable contractor even more important. At AllAboutDriveways, we’ve created a professional network of paver contractors that specializes in driveways. They’re pre-screened and “best practices” background checked, to give you peace of mind with such a large financial investment. You can get connected with our paver driveway pros by submitting an estimate request or you can search for a local paver driveway pro here.

Cost Considerations When Installing a Paver Driveway

Short Term Cost

When it comes to the short-term cost of a paver driveway, one of the biggest factors to consider is the trade-off between upfront cost and ongoing maintenance. Paver driveways are more expensive upfront compared to asphalt, concrete, or gravel driveways, but they require very little ongoing maintenance. In contrast, other types of driveways are less expensive initially but require more frequent maintenance over their lifespan, which can accumulate higher costs over time.

Long Term Cost

In terms of long-term cost, maintenance is an important factor to consider when choosing which type of paver to use for your driveway. Preventative measures like regular cleaning and sealing, as well as emergency repairs from damage caused by heavy traffic or extreme weather, can impact the total cost of a paver driveway over time. That’s a given. But the type of paver you choose also plays a role in required maintenance. For example, depending on which paver you choose, some can be considerably more expensive and require a bit more maintenance than others. By considering the trade-offs of upfront costs and ongoing maintenance, homeowners can make a well-informed decision about which type of driveway is best for their budget and long-term goals.

Conclusion

Overall, choosing the right paver for your driveway is essential to ensure a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting finish. By considering the factors we’ve discussed in this article, such as style, durability, and cost, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right type of paver for your needs. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to make the right choice. We recommend consulting with one of our paver driveway pros who can provide you with more specific recommendations, guidance, and experience.

We hope that this article has been informative and helpful in your search for the perfect paver driveway type. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation. Finally, if you’ve already installed a paver driveway, we encourage you to share your experiences with our community of readers. Your insights and tips can help others make an informed decision when choosing a paver for their driveway.

Thank you for reading!