Natural Stone Pavers Versus Concrete Pavers
Pavers come in various materials, from natural stone and concrete to brick and even rubber. Each material has its own unique aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. At All Masonry and Landscape Supply, we carry a wide range of landscape supplies and materials, and we have seen that pavers are in high demand. Two of the most popular paver choices are natural stone and concrete pavers, both offering their distinct advantages.
Here, we look closely at these two types of pavers and how they stand against one another.
Natural Stone Pavers
These pavers are quarried from the earth and cut into shapes suitable for paving projects. Natural stone pavers have an unmatched natural beauty that concrete cannot replicate. Each natural stone paver has unique color, veining, and texture variations, giving it an organic and time-worn look that many homeowners love.
Natural stone is also extremely durable and can last decades when properly installed and maintained. However, natural stone tends to be more expensive than concrete and requires more maintenance to prevent issues like cracking or settling over time.
Concrete Pavers
These products are manufactured from cement and durable aggregates. While they may lack the natural variegation of quarried stone, concrete pavers come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and textures that allow for nearly limitless design possibilities. Concrete is generally less expensive than natural stone and has deficient maintenance, and the pavers can mimic the look of natural stone quite convincingly while being more uniform in appearance. These units are incredibly strong and durable, able to withstand heavy vehicle loads and foot traffic efficiently.
One key advantage of concrete pavers is that they can come with unique surface treatments to increase traction and slip resistance, making them ideal for pool decks and other wet areas. However, concrete pavers can fade over time from UV exposure and may crack if the base isn't properly prepared. They may lack the natural look and feel of real stone.
Making The Right Paver Choice
Every paving project is different, with homeowners and property managers having unique needs, design preferences, and budgets. No objectively "better" choice exists between natural stone or concrete pavers. It comes down to the specific application and the property owner's values.
If their budget allows, those looking to create an elegant, timeless, and truly natural hardscape may lean towards natural stone. Natural stone evokes a sense of permanence with its intricate patterns and colors that only mother nature can produce. Stone pavers immediately give driveways, patios, walkways, and more an upscale look.
Concrete pavers could be ideal for a clean, uniform, and ultra-durable hardscape at a lower price point. Concrete offers nearly limitless design versatility while providing a surface that will hold up beautifully for decades, even under heavy use. Advances in concrete technology have also allowed manufacturers to create pavers that can convincingly mimic a wide range of natural stone looks.
If you need natural stone or concrete pavers for your next project, call ALL Masonry and Landscape Supply at (760) 941-7263 or send us your queries through this Online Form.