How to choose the best pavers

If you are interested in laying some pavers to your garden or outdoor space, you may find yourself at a crossroads with many important decisions to make when it comes to these items.

The choices you make where your materials are concerned may differ depending on the job you wish to complete. For example, the pavers lining a pool or spa may be different to what is required to build an outdoor patio.

Here are some tips for anyone considering DIY paving and an explanation of which pavers will be best for which jobs.

Bricks

These are a traditional choice for a reason. Offering you plenty of options where colours are concerned, as well as finishes, bricks can blend with many different settings.

You can also decide which way you would like to arrange them, which gives you an element of versatility.

Bricks are wonderful for any jobs where the paving is unlikely to be moved due to environmental or any other factors. Made from cement, fine aggregates, sand and water, the bricks are put through a kiln at high temperatures in order to create the final product.

This creates a strong and durable material that can last a lifetime.

Concrete pavers

These items also provide many benefits and can be produced using a range of colours, designs and styles.

Stronger than brick, concrete pavers are a low maintenance and safe choice, providing plenty of versatility and flexibility. One particular bonus of concrete pavers is they can adapt to all weather conditions and can easily be installed and repaired.

If you are concerned about the earth moving beneath the surface, interlocking concrete pavers may be the way to go as they can flex with the earth beneath, meaning there won't be any serious damage caused.

Natural stone

You can opt for pavers made from quarried stone to give the feel and texture of the natural product. 

There are many stones to choose from, including slate, bluestone, sandstone, granite and limestone.

These are easy to cut and come in a wide variety of shapes. However, their strength varies on the type of rock, so it is best to check the endurance details first.

Bear in mind that stones can be slippery when wet and can also be uneven underfoot, so if you are planning to lay this material in an area that receives a lot of foot traffic, it may pay to be careful.

Timber

While decking might not be on the tip of your tongue when considering your paving options, this material could be a great one to consider thanks to its easy-to-construct nature. 

For the more environmentally friendly consumer, this also comes in more recycled formats.

In areas that receive a lot of heat, timber could be a great option as it is the most cooling. In comparison, Stones and bricks absorb heat.