Paving is a common part of any outdoor area, creating strong, smooth, stable surfaces that are used for driveways, pathways or entertaining areas outside the home.  The beauty of paving is that it is so versatile both in use and design and there are many different paving materials that you can choose from.  This article aims to let you know about the most commonly used. For more information on these or any other types of paving materials, talk to your local paving specialist.

Natural Stone

If you’re after a paving surface that is amazingly beautiful and that will truly last the test of time, natural stone is for you.  Natural stone pavers are cut to a range of sizes and generally come in square or rectangular shapes.  Finish wise, they can be smooth or textured depending on your preference.  Natural stone pavers can be granite, slate, sandstone, limestone, or even marble or travertine.  They are available in a huge range of colours and patterns and the true beauty of natural stone is that no two pieces are the same so you are guaranteed a unique look in your garden.

Brick

When you think of bricks, you often think of them being used in retaining walls or in the construction of your home but they are actually an excellent paving material as they are incredibly strong and will last practically forever if they are laid correctly. Brick pavers come in a range of colours and patterns and you also have the option of laying the pavers themselves in any number of popular patterns such as herringbone, basket weave, and radial and so on.

Clay Pavers

Clay pavers are an all natural material and again are a very popular option for pavers as they are cost effective, come in a range of colours and sizes, and they last a long time.  Clay pavers run the gamut in colour from pale creams through to dark charcoal greys and everything in between and they are either square or rectangular.  Clay pavers suit any style backyard and if laid correctly they don’t need to be replaced for many years.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are perhaps the most commonly used pavers today and for good reason – they are cheap, they are strong, and they are incredibly versatile.  Concrete pavers can be coloured to just about any colour you can think of and they are available in a huge range of styles including standard and large format pavers.  Concrete pavers can even imitate paving materials that would cost a lot more money to buy such as natural stone, giving you the look of stone a fraction of the price you would otherwise pay.

Cobblestone

If you’re after real old world charm, cobblestone pavers are for you.  These reproduce the look of country streets or European laneways and they’re ideal for use in entertaining areas, driveways, and pathways.  Cobblestone pavers can be laid in a range of patterns and they come in a wide range of colours, although the darker colours tend to be most popular.