Picking pavers shouldn’t feel like homework. But the second you start looking, you’re hit with all these choices, concrete, brick, stone, porcelain, and then there’s smooth, textured, tumbled, and a bunch of other finish options. It’s a lot. Here’s the real talk though: what matters most is where you’re putting them and how much they’ll get used. A driveway that sees cars every day needs totally different stuff than a quiet garden path. And that super smooth finish that looks amazing in pictures? Yeah, it might turn your pool deck into a slip-and-slide. Let’s figure out which types of pavers and finishes actually work for busy spots like driveways, patios, and walkways.
The Main Types of Pavers (No Confusing Jargon)
Before we get into finishes, let’s talk about your basic material options. Each one has its own thing going on, different looks, different strengths, different prices.
Concrete Pavers
These are your reliable workhorses. Concrete pavers are made in factories, which means they’re all pretty much the same quality, available everywhere, and won’t drain your bank account. They come in basically any shape, color, or texture you can think of. They’re perfect for driveway paving projects and can mimic stone, brick, or tile.
Why people pick them:
- Way cheaper than natural stone (usually $8-$15 per square foot)
- Super flexible, can look modern, old-school, or anything in between
- Tough enough to handle driveways and tons of foot traffic
- If one cracks, just swap it out instead of redoing everything
- You can find them at pretty much any hardware store
The catch? You need to seal them every few years so the colors don’t fade and stuff doesn’t stain them. But honestly, that’s not a huge deal compared to what you’re getting.
Brick Pavers
Classic brick never gets old. These are made from clay that gets super-heated, which makes them incredibly tough and stain-proof. They’ve got that timeless look that works with basically any house style.
What’s great about them:
- The colors last forever, they’re baked in, not painted on
- Eco-friendly since they’re just clay
- They actually get better looking as they age
- Don’t soak up water like a sponge
- Perfect if your house has that traditional vibe
The downside? Not as many shapes and colors as concrete. They mostly come in rectangles and earthy reds, browns, and tans. But if that’s your style, nothing beats the real deal. To keep them looking new, follow our guide on how to seal pavers in Florida.
Natural Stone Pavers
This is the fancy stuff. We’re talking flagstone, limestone, travertine, granite, slate, all the natural rocks. Natural stone gives you that high-end look because literally no two pieces look exactly the same.
What you’re getting:
- Gorgeous natural beauty with colors that vary piece to piece
- Super durable (especially granite and slate)
- Stays cooler in hot weather (travertine is perfect by pools)
- That elegant, expensive look
- Every single piece is unique
The reality check? Natural stone costs $12-$50 per square foot depending on which type. It needs regular sealing and more TLC. And some types (like limestone) can crack under heavy stuff, so they’re not great for driveways. For example, travertine pavers stay cool underfoot and are ideal for pool decks.
Porcelain Pavers
These are pretty new to the game, but they’re impressive. Porcelain pavers are basically super-strong ceramic fired at crazy high heat. They’re tough, modern-looking, and you barely have to maintain them.
Why they’re getting popular:
- Almost zero maintenance
- Won’t stain, scratch, or fade
- Handles everything, chemicals, bad weather, constant use
- Can mimic stone or wood
- Light but crazy strong
The catch? They’re pricey. But if you want something gorgeous that you never have to think about, porcelain’s worth considering. Porcelain pavers resist stains, scratches, and fading, perfect for contemporary patios or covered spaces.
Paver Finishes and Why They Matter
Okay, here’s where it really counts for busy areas. The finish on your pavers affects how slippery they are, how tough they are, and how well they handle getting walked on constantly.
Smooth Finish
Smooth pavers are flat and polished. They look sleek and modern, perfect for that contemporary vibe. They’re also really easy to clean since dirt can’t hide in cracks.
But here’s the thing with smooth in busy spots: they get slippery when wet. They’re fine for covered patios or spots that stay dry. But for driveways, pool areas, or walkways? You probably want something with more grip.
Works best for: Modern patios, covered spaces, rooftop hangouts
Textured Finish
Textured pavers have a slightly rough surface made by sandblasting or brushing. This adds grip, which is huge for safety. Perfect for anywhere people are constantly walking or where it might get wet. Textured pavers improve traction, hide dirt, and feel great on bare feet.
Why texture is smart:
- Way less slippery
- Hides dirt and scratches better than smooth
- Still looks clean and intentional
- Feels fine on bare feet
Works best for: Pool decks, walkways, patios, driveways
Tumbled Finish
Tumbled pavers get tossed in a big drum with sand and water to rough them up on purpose. This rounds off the edges and makes them look old and weathered. People love this for that rustic, aged look. The rounded edges make them ideal for garden walkways and relaxed patios.
The practical stuff:
- Rounded edges are comfy to walk on
- The beat-up look means new scratches blend right in
- Not slippery
- Great for cottage or Mediterranean styles
Works best for: Walkways, patios, anywhere you want character
Split Face Finish
This shows the natural texture by splitting stone along its grain. It’s rough and dimensional, really popular for natural stone. Split face looks cool but isn’t always great for bare feet.
Works best for: Accent spots, planters, walls (not main walking areas)
Picking the Best Patio Pavers for Your Space
Let’s talk patios since that’s where most people actually hang out. Best patio pavers balance looking good, feeling comfortable, lasting forever, and not being a pain to take care of.
For Busy Party Patios
If your patio gets hammered, lots of people, kids running around, furniture getting moved, you need pavers that can take it. Concrete pavers with texture are your best friend here. They’re tough, won’t break the bank, and come in styles that look way more expensive than they are. You’ll find inspiration in our outdoor entertainment space guide.
Go for pavers that are at least 2 3/8 inches thick. Thicker pavers handle heavy furniture and constant walking better. Textured or tumbled finishes take the beating without showing every little scratch.
For Pool Areas
Best patio pavers around pools need two things: they can’t be slippery and they can’t get crazy hot. Travertine and textured concrete are winners. Travertine actually stays cool even when the sun’s blazing, which your feet will thank you for. Textured concrete in a light color works great too.
Skip smooth finishes completely near water. Wet plus smooth equals someone’s eating pavement. Also skip dark colors, they soak up heat and turn into hot coals.
For Covered Patios
Got a roof or screen over your patio? You’ve got more options since rain isn’t constantly hitting it. Smooth or lightly textured pavers look beautiful here. Porcelain is awesome for covered spots, looks ultra-modern and clean, and you can do that smooth finish without worrying about rain. You can go for sleek porcelain finishes or smooth concrete since moisture isn’t a big concern.
For Smaller Patios
Small spaces look bigger with large pavers. Fewer lines between pavers = space feels more open. Try 24×24 inch pavers or bigger if you can. Lighter colors also help small patios feel less cramped. Check out current pool and patio design trends for layout ideas that open up small spaces.
Driveways Are a Whole Different Ball Game
Driveways take serious punishment from car weight, tires turning, oil spills, and non-stop use. Not all types of pavers can handle it.
What Works for Driveways
Concrete and brick are your best bets for driveways. They’re built to handle cars. Natural stone can work but only certain kinds, granite and some flagstones. Skip limestone, travertine, and softer stones. They’ll crack under your car’s weight.
Thickness is super important for driveways. You want pavers at least 2 3/8 inches thick, better yet 3 1/8 inches if you’ve got heavy vehicles. Thicker pavers spread out the weight better and don’t crack as easily.
The Pattern Actually Matters
How you lay your pavers affects how strong your driveway is. Herringbone pattern (that zigzag look) is strongest because it locks everything together in multiple directions. This stops them from shifting when cars drive over them.
Running bond (like a brick wall) is second best. Straight rows look clean but are weakest, fine for patios but not ideal for driveways.
Finish for Driveways
Textured finishes work best. They give you traction when walking and don’t show tire marks as much as smooth stuff. Skip tumbled pavers for driveways unless you really want that look, they work, but the rounded edges make clearing snow harder. See our paver driveway patterns guide.
Quick Comparison Chart
Here’s a cheat sheet for matching pavers to your spot:
| Where It Goes | Best Material | Best Finish | Why |
| Driveway | Concrete or brick | Textured | Handles cars, not slippery |
| Patio | Concrete, brick, or porcelain | Textured or tumbled | Comfy and tough |
| Pool deck | Travertine or textured concrete | Textured | Safe when wet, stays cool |
| Walkway | Any type | Textured or tumbled | Safe walking |
| Covered patio | Porcelain or concrete | Smooth or lightly textured | Protected from rain |
| Garden path | Natural stone or concrete | Tumbled or textured | Looks nice, less traffic |
What You’re Signing Up for Maintenance-Wise
Different types of pavers need different amounts of care. Here’s the real talk.
Concrete Pavers
Seal them every 2-3 years. Clean with a pressure washer or regular cleaner. Pretty easy. The sealing stops stains and keeps colors bright. Skip it and they’ll fade over time. Follow our paver cleaning tips for best results.
Brick Pavers
Less work than concrete. The color’s permanent, so you don’t have to seal for that. But sealing still helps prevent stains and makes cleaning easier. Clean once a year and seal every 3-5 years.
Natural Stone
This depends on which stone. Travertine and limestone need sealing 1-2 times a year because they’re like sponges. Granite and slate need less, every 3-4 years. All natural stone needs gentle cleaners, harsh chemicals mess them up. Read our travertine restoration guide for expert care.
Porcelain
Basically takes care of itself. Sweep them, hose them off sometimes. Done. No sealing needed. Stains wipe right off. This is why people love porcelain even though it costs more.
How to Actually Make Your Decision
You’ve got the info. Now how do you pick? Ask yourself these:
What’s your budget? Concrete gives you the most for your money. Natural stone and porcelain cost more but have unique perks.
How much action will it see? Tons of traffic = concrete or brick with texture. Less traffic opens up more options including smooth finishes.
What’s the weather like? Freezing winters? Get pavers rated for that. Hot sun all the time? Light colors and heat-resistant stuff like travertine. Rain constantly? Textured finishes are required.
What’s your style? Modern = smooth or lightly textured porcelain or concrete. Traditional = brick or tumbled pavers. Rustic = natural stone or tumbled concrete. Match your house’s vibe.
How much maintenance do you want to do? Porcelain = almost zero. Concrete = some. Natural stone = more work. Be honest about how much time you’ll actually spend on this.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Pavers
What are the toughest types of pavers for driveways?
Concrete and brick are toughest for driveways. They’re made to handle car weight and constant use. Get pavers at least 2 3/8 inches thick, better yet 3 1/8 inches for heavier cars. Granite works too but costs way more. Skip soft natural stones like limestone or travertine, they’ll crack under your car. Check our full driveway durability guide.
Which finish is best for not slipping?
Textured finishes are best for grip. They’re made by sandblasting or brushing the surface, which creates traction. Tumbled finishes also work great and have rounded edges. Skip smooth or polished finishes anywhere it gets wet, they turn into ice rinks. For pools especially, get textured finishes made for wet areas.
Do I have to seal all types of pavers?
Not all, but most should be sealed. Concrete needs it every 2-3 years to protect color and stop stains. Natural stones like travertine and limestone need it 1-2 times yearly because they’re porous. Brick doesn’t need it for color (it’s permanent) but sealing makes cleaning easier. Porcelain doesn’t need sealing at all, it naturally resists stains.
What’s the difference between tumbled and textured?
Tumbled pavers get beaten up in a drum to create rounded edges and that weathered look. They look rustic and old-world. Textured pavers get surface treatments (sandblasting, brushing) for grip without changing the shape. Both work for slip resistance, but tumbled has a specific look while textured can be modern or traditional.
Can I use the same pavers for my patio and driveway?
You can use the same material but might need different thicknesses. Driveway pavers should be at least 2 3/8 inches thick to handle cars. Patio pavers can be thinner (2 inches works for just walking). Using the same style in different thicknesses makes everything look cohesive while handling what each area needs structurally.
Which types of pavers work best around pools?
Travertine is the gold standard for pools, stays cool, provides grip, looks elegant. Textured concrete in light colors also works great and costs less. Skip smooth finishes completely (slippery when wet) and dark colors (too hot). Porcelain with textured finishes is another great choice, slip-resistant and basically zero maintenance.
How thick should pavers be for high-traffic areas?
For walking only (patios, walkways), 2 inches minimum, but 2 3/8 inches is better. For driveways and spots with cars, use at least 2 3/8 inches thick, ideally 3 1/8 inches. Thicker pavers spread weight better and don’t crack. Don’t cheap out by going thinner in busy areas, you’ll spend more fixing cracks later.
What’s best for modern-style patios?
Porcelain and smooth or lightly textured concrete work best for modern looks. Big pavers (24×24 inches or bigger) with barely any lines between them create that sleek vibe. Stick with colors like gray, charcoal, white, or black. Porcelain looks most modern with its super smooth surfaces and clean lines, plus you barely have to maintain it.
Get Pavers That Actually Work for Your Life
Picking the right types of pavers isn’t just about what looks cool online. It’s about what actually works for your space and how you use it. That smooth finish might look incredible in pictures, but put it on your pool deck and you’re asking for trouble. Same with putting soft limestone on a driveway, looks great for maybe six months before it starts cracking.
Here’s the good news: once you get the basics, which materials are tough, which finishes work where, what can handle traffic, the choice gets way easier. Concrete and brick dominate for good reasons: they’re tough, affordable, and work for almost anything. Natural stone brings that wow factor when you’ve got the budget. Porcelain is perfect if you want modern style with almost zero maintenance.
At Panda Pavers, we’ve installed every type and finish you can think of. We know which materials actually hold up in busy areas, which finishes give you the grip you need, and which combinations look amazing while lasting forever. We’ll walk you through what works based on how you actually use your space, not just what looks pretty in photos.
Ready to get pavers that look great and actually work for your life? Contact Panda Pavers today for a free consultation and let’s find the perfect stuff for your project.