Choosing the most attractive, durable pavers can change the look of a driveway and boost curb appeal. It was important to my husband and I that we choose a material for our large paver driveway that had the wow factor when people arrived at our home.
Although we knew they were attractive compared to other options, we chose beautiful gray travertine pavers to invest in our new home that we moved into about 2½ years ago. We actually chose the same paver that we had installed at our previous property, where we had no problems with it.
However, over the past few months we have noticed that some of the pavers have cracked and loosened in the area where our cars need to go in and out of the garage. Unlike our previous house, our current driveway wraps around the garage on the side of the house. We just learned from our hardscape contractor that travertine pavers laid in sand can experience a lot of wear and tear if cars need to be driven in and out of the garage.
To solve this problem, the contractor plans to remove some pavers and reinstall them in mud instead of sand. This approach is better for curved driveways because it provides a stronger, more stable and durable surface that resists shifting and settling under heavy vehicle loads.
Like us, you’ll want to consider the best option among the different types of driveway pavers for your specific situation based on your driveway size, garage location, aesthetic preference, local climate and budget. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each driveway paver so you can choose the best one for your home.
Concrete
Concrete pavers are blocks made from a mixture of cement and stone that undergo molding and air-curing processes, so they are exceptionally strong and resistant to weather conditions. Typically costing between $4 and $10 per square foot (and up to $25 per square foot including installation), they offer an affordable alternative to traditional poured cement or grass driveways. Available in a variety of colors, dimensions, and surface treatments – from smooth finishes to checkered designs to natural stone-imitating designs – concrete pavers provide a wide range of design possibilities.
As for maintenance, they are also easy to install and can last for 25 to 50 years. However, pavers may need protective seals every few years to maintain their appearance and protect against discoloration and staining over time.
Brick
Manufacturers make brick pavers from natural clay that is shaped by molding and kiln-fired processes. Considered eco-friendly and durable, brick pavers come in clay tones like Russia, terra cotta and brown. These traditional pavers range from $6 to $12 per square foot, and up to $30 per square foot including installation. They are known for their strength, making them an excellent choice for a large paver driveway. Another advantage is that they retain their color for decades with minimal maintenance, although resealing is recommended every 3 to 5 years. Expect brick driveway pavers to last 25 to 30 years or more.
The downside is that brick pavers come in limited color options and are prone to moss growth in shaded areas and deterioration in freezing climates.
Cobblestone
In pursuit of their aesthetic appeal, cobblestone pavers are manufactured from filled natural stone such as granite, basalt, or limestone in both round and square shapes. He is also known for extraordinary strength and longevity. When properly maintained, they last a century or more. This type of driveway paver is available at a higher price point, ranging from $16 to $30 per square foot (including labor per square foot). Available in a variety of color choices, cobblestone pavers require little maintenance.
However, cobblestones are difficult to install, and their textured, uneven surfaces make it difficult to slide snow off the driveway.
Limestone
As one of the earliest and most widely used building materials besides clay, limestone is a beautiful natural stone that works well as a driveway option. It can come in glossy, smooth finishes or polished options to keep its natural texture, looking rough and rustic. Homeowners choose limestone pavers because they are durable, available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are affordable at just $5 to $10 per square foot. This price may increase per square foot per square foot.
The downside is that limestone pavers may need resealing every 3 to 5 years, are prone to stains, are inconsistent in color shading and sizing, are limited to shades of gray, and may not freeze or thaw in cold weather.
Flagstone
Flagstone pavers are quarried from layered rock formations and naturally cut into thin, surface stones with slip-resistant surfaces. They have distinctive, often asymmetrical shapes that fit together like puzzle pieces. These pavers offer many advantages, including a variety of dimensions, colors and textures. Exceptional longevity; weather resistance; And beautiful appeal.
However, flagstone pavers carry a higher price tag at $15 to $20 per square foot, and they require expert installation (which can be closer to $30 per square foot). They may also need preventative treatments every few years to maintain their appearance.
Travertine
Travertine is a pure natural stone produced from calcium carbonate formations around thermal springs. People recognize them by their honeycomb-textured surfaces and warm, neutral color palettes that range from ivory to rust tones. They are an excellent option for driveways, given their timeless aesthetic appeal, slip-resistant properties and impressive longevity spanning decades.
Costing between $5 to $15 per square foot per square foot for materials, and $15 to $27 per square foot when including installation, travertine requires a serious investment. The big problem with travertine pavers is that they are porous, which is good for drainage, but they are prone to discoloration from acidic substances and surface damage from heavy impacts. They need to undergo a preventive treatment every 1 to 2 years to preserve their appearance and prevent the accumulation of dirt.
Porcelain
Made by firing kaolin or china clay in a kiln, porcelain tile pavers are actually ceramic tiles that look like natural stone. They are durable, stain and weather resistant, available in a variety of sizes and colors, and easy to clean. They also require less maintenance than other types of driveway pavers because they do not require sealing.
The downside to porcelain tiles is that they require cutting with special tools to install. They are also slippery when wet, and can be damaged during installation. At $12 to $20 per square foot for materials alone (and $4 to $25 per square foot for professional labor), they are more expensive than brick or concrete pavers.
Homeowner’s Survival Kit
