How to Choose Outdoor Pavers (2025 Guide)

Why the right paver matters

The “best” outdoor paver isn’t universal—it depends on climate, use case, and finish. A light, cool-to-the-touch travertine is ideal for a sun-drenched pool deck, while a dense limestone or high-strength concrete is better for driveways. The payoff for choosing well is huge: better slip-resistance and comfort, lower lifetime maintenance, improved drainage, and stronger curb appeal (which can nudge resale value upward).

Pro tip: Start with your application (pool, patio, driveway) and climate (freeze-thaw vs. hot/humid). Then shortlist materials and finishes that match those conditions.

Paver materials compared

Natural Stone Pavers (Travertine, Marble, Limestone, Granite)

Pros: Premium look and feel, timeless aesthetics, excellent heat behavior (especially light travertine), and long lifespan when properly installed. Wide range of finishes—tumbled or sandblasted for slip-resistance, honed for refined spaces (avoid polished outdoors).

Cons: Higher upfront cost than concrete/brick; needs correct base prep, drainage design, and occasional sealing. Some stones (like marble) require non-polished finishes for wet areas.

Best for: Pool decks, upscale patios, walkways; limestone/granite for driveways due to density. Explore our Outdoor Pavers to see curated natural stone options.

Concrete Pavers

Pros: Budget-friendly, consistent sizing, endless shapes and colors, high compressive strength variants for driveways. Easy to replace damaged units.

Cons: Color fading over time (UV), may heat up more than light natural stones, patterned surface can feel less authentic.

Best for: Driveways, high-traffic patios, projects requiring tight budgets or custom colors.

Brick Pavers

Pros: Classic look, excellent for walkways and heritage homes, strong in freeze-thaw with proper base.

Cons: Limited color palette (earth reds/browns), can be slick when algae/ice are present unless sanded/sealed appropriately.

Best for: Walkways, patios in traditional designs, edging accents.

Porcelain Pavers

Pros: Very low water absorption, stain-resistant, consistent textures, many stone/wood looks, excellent for modern designs and rooftops (on pedestals).

Cons: Requires careful installation on correct substrates; cut edges can be sharp; thermal comfort varies by color.

Best for: Contemporary patios, roof terraces, some pool surrounds (with anti-slip ratings).

Key factors & decision checklist

1) Climate & slip-resistance

• Hot & sunny: Choose light colors (e.g., light travertine) that stay cool underfoot; prefer tumbled or sandblasted finishes around pools.
• Freeze-thaw: Use dense stone (granite/limestone) or concrete with proper base, drainage, and edge restraints.
• Coastal/salt: Use materials/finishes tolerant to salts and chlorine exposure; rinse regularly around pools.

2) Application & loads

Driveways demand a deeper base and dense material; patios/walkways are more forgiving. Plan slope (≈2%) away from structures to avoid puddling; consider permeable bases where code or site conditions suggest it.

3) Finish, texture & comfort

Sandblasted and tumbled textures add grip and a barefoot-friendly feel, perfect for pool decks. Avoid polished stone outdoors (slippery when wet).

4) Color & style

Light neutrals (creams, beiges, soft greys) visually enlarge spaces and reflect heat; charcoals create contrast but run warmer. Pattern choices—French pattern, herringbone, running bond, ashlar—affect both traction and aesthetic rhythm.

5) Size, thickness & pattern

Larger formats reduce joints (sleek look) but need a flatter substrate; smaller modules add traction and flex better on slight undulations. For driveways, confirm thickness and base specs per local standards.

6) Budget & lifetime cost

Natural stone can outlast cheaper options, offering lower lifetime cost despite a higher upfront. Balance purchase price with installation labor, base prep, sealing, and periodic maintenance.

7) Installation & base design

Most residential pavers are sand-set over a compacted base; mortar-set suits certain substrates and edge conditions. Use geotextile where soils are unstable; lock edges with restraints to prevent creep.

Decision checklist (quick scan)

• Climate: hot/sunny vs. freeze-thaw vs. coastal
• Use: pool / patio / driveway / walkway
• Finish: tumbled or sandblasted for wet/barefoot zones
• Thickness & base depth sized to loads
• Color heat behavior (light = cooler)
• Sealing plan + maintenance rhythm

Best picks by application

Pool decks

Top choice: Light-colored travertine with a tumbled or sandblasted finish—cooler underfoot and naturally textured.

Patios

Upscale patios: travertine or limestone. Modern minimal: porcelain. Budget-friendly: concrete pavers.

Driveways

Dense stone (limestone/granite) or high-strength concrete with a proper base. Patterns like herringbone add strength.

Walkways & garden paths

Brick for classic charm, travertine for elegance, concrete for cost-effective consistency.

Maintenance & sealing tips

• Sealing: Apply breathable, exterior-rated sealers. Re-seal intervals vary.
• Cleaning: Rinse routinely; spot-clean stains quickly.
• Joints: Keep polymeric sand topped up.
• Winter care: Avoid harsh de-icers; use calcium magnesium acetate.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing polished stone outdoors
• Under-estimating base depth
• Ignoring slope/drainage
• Using dark colors around barefoot zones
• Skipping edge restraints
• Wrong sealer selection