Upgrading your driveway or paths can be a great project with a huge impact. Whether you're aiming for a traditional look or something more modern, pavers come in various styles and materials, so you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your home’s exterior.

This elevated home exterior material can immediately increase the value of your home or deliver the look you’re trying to achieve. As a bonus, pavers are easy to repair since they can be swapped out if any damage occurs and can be reasonably inexpensive to maintain.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or tackling your first outdoor project, Magnolia Hardware & Supply has the tools and tips to help you pick the perfect pavers.

What Are Driveway Pavers?

Pavers are small blocks of natural materials like stone, brick, concrete, or rubber. They can be interconnected to create simple or intricate designs around your home or driveway.

For driveways and walkways, the best pavers are concrete, stone, brick, or other porous materials to avoid trapping water on your property.

The Benefits of Using Pavers

There are many benefits to using pavers around your home. They are incredibly durable and weatherproof, and if any damage appears, individual pavers can be removed and small areas fixed inexpensively.

On top of the durability, pavers give your space a modern look while increasing the value of your home, as they have an old-world sophistication.

Types of Pavers

There are plenty of styles and colors to choose from for your walkway or driveway. Be sure to select a paver that complements the style of your home.

Brick Pavers

Red brick is a classic material. It can be found worldwide and creates a variety of styles depending on its usage.

Brick is the most durable material and can withstand heavy loads like large vehicles and busy foot traffic. Installation costs range from $10 to $30 per square foot.

Although the material is durable, it can still be damaged by long-term erosion from weather like rain and snow. However, individual bricks can be replaced to maintain a clean look.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete paving blocks are one of the most durable and long-lasting materials. Although not as classic as brick, concrete pavers come in many different shapes and sizes, meaning endless patterns can be made.

Concrete bricks are priced at approximately $10 to $25 per square foot, making this material the most economical. The lifespan of concrete can reach up to 50 years.

Natural Stone Pavers

When pavers are made from natural quarried stone, they are called cobblestone. The irregular surface filled with grout can last up to a century if laid correctly.

Made of basalt or granite, the cobblestone look can instantly transform a home into a simple country cottage. The look is popular in areas with irregular weather patterns because they are virtually indestructible.

Although an excellent choice, they are considerably more expensive. Installing cobblestone is costly at roughly $40 to $50 per square foot. Part of the price goes to hiring a skilled stone layer.

Choose the Right Paver For Your Project

Several factors should be considered before you select the final look for your paving project.

Size

The first consideration for the project should be the size. Select a good material and shape for the paver to fit the space. A large paver should be used for a smaller surface; small pavers can be used in large and small projects.

Shape

There are endless shapes and sizes: classic rectangles, large squares, or even more modern shapes like octagons or circles. Whichever shape they are, they can be arranged in any pattern you choose to create a unique addition to your home.

Budget

Consider your budget carefully. Since the materials and installation are often priced in square feet, you can get a precise estimate of the total cost upfront.

Durability

You’ll want to select a strong and durable paver for heavy-traffic areas. However, if the project is mostly for aesthetic purposes in a lightly used area of your home, you can pick a slightly more fragile paver if it fits the style you’re going for.

Weather

Consider the year-round weather when selecting the paver for your walkway or driveway. For example, cobblestone can be nearly impossible to shovel snow from in the winter, making it much more difficult to walk on.

Thankfully, there are some modern solutions to these problems. If it fits your budget, you can add mats or coils in the pavers' bedding that can be turned on in the winter to melt snow and ice, eliminating the need to shovel.

Now that you’ve learned about the ups and downs of pavers, come in to see us and select the tools and materials necessary to complete this exciting project.