Paver stone was once an integral material in cities and towns across America. The surface was perfect for the horse-drawn carts that transported the goods and people from place to place.
Today, technology has given us pavers made from cheap concrete to upcycled car tires—there are even permeable pavers!
These advances are undoubtedly impressive. But few of these new options beat the old-world aesthetic of natural and antique pavers or the contemporary yet timeless look of affordable classic pavers.
Are you considering stone or classic pavers for your home or commercial property landscaping? Read on to understand more about the material.
Natural Paver Stone
As the name implies, natural stone pavers are made from rocks found in nature. They’re beautiful, sturdy, and have specific landscaping applications.
A Definition
These pavers are coveted for their naturally occurring variations in color and texture. These pavers have a lot of character, with unusual hue combinations and rugged surfaces decided on by Mother Nature rather than a machine.
The stones these pavers may be crafted from include:
- Hard limestone
- Granite
- Travertine
- Porphyry
- Sandstone
- Flagstone
There may be other stone types available specific to your area.
Benefits
As we touched on above, one of the most significant benefits of natural stone pavers is that each paver is unique. This is because they’re sourced from actual, in-the-ground stone.
The fact that they’re natural also makes them hardy and low maintenance. They have the same characteristics as the stone they’re made from.
They age well, looking as beautiful one hundred years on as they did the day you installed them. On that note, they’re also easier to install, meaning a quicker job.
Natural stone pavers are a good choice for those looking to create an eco-friendly property. When stone eventually breaks down, it doesn’t cause any harm to the ecosystem it’s situated within.
What It Goes With
Natural stone pavers work well in landscape designs that take advantage of their unique coloring and durability.
Use them to line a fire pit or outdoor BBQ area. They’ll hold up to the heat without splitting or cracking and retain heat in the colder winter months, making them surprisingly cozy.
If you have a modern home, a natural stone paver patio installation will offer an attractive contrast against the clean lines of the building. Use large-sized pavers for steppingstones in a lawn or stream-style water feature.
Antique Paver Stone
Are you a fan of the History Channel or perhaps Jane Austen films? If yes, antique paver stone might be the paver of choice for your landscape project!
A Definition
Antique (or vintage) paver stones are natural stone or brick pavers reclaimed from various places worldwide. In their former life, they may have been incorporated into quaint cobbled streets or the ballasts of European sailboats.
They’re typically at least over one hundred years old making them officially antique. However, they could be centuries older than that.
Benefits
Antique pavers are highly durable proven by the fact they’ve already survived hundreds of years of heavy activity. And this genuine age (or wear) makes each paver appealingly unique in color and texture.
This type of paver can be pricey depending on how and where it’s sourced. Look for wholesale patio pavers to bring the budget down a notch.
What It Goes With
These olde-worlde pavers can be used anywhere you want to add an element of handcraftsmanship. They’re especially suited for landscaping for character homes and commercial properties.
Some typical applications include:
- Pool deck pavers
- Driveway pavers
- Patio pavers
- Lawn walkway and garden path pavers
- Water feature pavers
Florida property owners are lucky because these pavers are best suited to warm climates. If you live in an area with yearly freezes and thaws, you might experience cracking.
Classic Paver Stone
Lastly, we have classic paver stone. This is the kind of paver you’re probably most familiar with. However, that doesn’t make it boring!
A Definition
Classic pavers are also known as “thru-mix pavers” in the hardscaping and landscaping industries. They are made from stone pieces mixed with cement. Pigments are added to the mix to create pavers in a wide array of colors.
Because they’re made using molds, classic stone pavers are available in many shapes, sizes, and textures. This makes them appealing to homeowners looking for a specific aesthetic.
Benefits
This type of paver is hard-wearing, though not as durable as their solid stone counterparts. Because they’re made from aggregate materials and dyed, they can be subject to minor erosion or fading.
Sometimes, the pavers are sealed, giving them a longer life. They can also be refreshed using purpose-made cleaners.
They are typically more affordable than natural or antique stone pavers. They’re also slip-resistant and easy to install.
What It Goes With
Because classic stone pavers come in such a wide array of colors, sizes, and textures, you’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to their application.
Here at Paved 2 Perfection, we’ve used them for retaining walls, courtyards, alfresco dining areas and patios, paver driveway installation, and walkways.
If you have an idea that seems left-of-field, run it past your hardscaping partner. They can create a custom design.
Select the Best Paver Stone for Your Project
Paver stone is a significant investment for a homeowner or commercial property owner. Even if you’re paving a small patio or garden path, you need to purchase a decent quantity of stone and hire a quality paver installation company.
Choosing the most suitable pavers for your needs is the key to getting the most out of your new paving. This means considering where the paving will go and what kind of aesthetic your home or commercial building has—or what you want it to have in the future.
If you’re in Florida and need help making this significant decision, reach out to our team. Paved 2 Perfection has years of landscaping experience. We’re ready and waiting to advise you on your new patio, pool surround, or driveway!
