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Picking out the most attractive, durable pavers can transform the look of a driveway and boost curb appeal. It was important to my husband and me that we choose a material for our large paver driveway that had a wow factor when people drove up to our home.
Although we knew they were pricier than other options, we chose gorgeous gray travertine pavers to invest in for our new home that we moved into about 2½ years ago. We actually chose the exact same paver that we installed at our previous property, where we had no problems with it.
However, over the past few months we noticed that some of the pavers have cracked and loosened in the area where our cars need to turn in and out of the garage. Unlike our previous home, our current driveway wraps around to a garage on the side of the house. We just learned from our hardscape contractor that travertine pavers set in sand can experience a great deal of wear and tear if cars need to make turns in and out of a garage.
To fix this problem, the contractor plans to remove some of the pavers and reinstall them by setting them in mud instead of sand. This approach is better for a curved driveway because it provides a stronger, more stable, and longer-lasting surface that resists shifting and settling under heavy vehicle loads.
Like us, you’ll want to understand the best option from among the variety of driveway pavers for your specific situation based on the size of your driveway, location of the garage, aesthetic preference, local climate, and budget. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each driveway paver so you can make the best choice for your home.
Concrete
Concrete pavers are manufactured blocks created from cement and stone mixtures that undergo molding and air-curing processes, so they are exceptionally strong and resistant to a variety of weather conditions. Typically costing between $4 and $10 per square foot (and up to $25 per square foot when including installation), they offer an affordable alternative to traditional poured cement or grass driveways. Available in numerous hues, dimensions, and surface treatments–from sleek finishes to textured designs resembling natural stone–concrete pavers provide extensive design possibilities.
As for maintenance, they are also easy to install and can last 25 to 50 years. However, the pavers might need protective sealing every few years to maintain their appearance and guard against discoloration and staining over time.
Brick
Manufacturers make brick pavers from natural clay shaped through molding and kiln-firing processes. Considered eco-friendly and durable, brick pavers come in earthy tones like russet, terra-cotta, and brown. These traditional pavers range from $6 to $12 per square foot, and up to $30 per square foot when including installation. They are known for their strength, making them an excellent choice for a large paver driveway. Another benefit is that they maintain their pigmentation for decades with minimal upkeep, although resealing is recommended every 3 to 5 years. Expect brick driveway pavers to last 25 to 30 years or longer.
The downsides are that brick pavers come in limited color options and are prone to moss growth in shaded areas and deterioration in freezing climates.
Cobblestone
Sought after for their aesthetic appeal, cobblestone pavers are crafted from quarried natural stone such as granite, basalt, or limestone in both rounded and squared forms. They are also known for having exceptional strength and longevity; they tend to last for a century or longer when correctly laid. This type of driveway paver is available at a higher price point, ranging from $16 to $30 per square foot (up to $70 per square foot including labor). Available in a variety of color selections, cobblestone pavers require very little upkeep.
However, cobblestones are challenging to install, and their textured, uneven surfaces make it difficult to shovel snow from the driveway.
Limestone
As one of the earliest and most widely used construction materials besides clay, limestone is a beautiful natural stone that works well as a driveway option. It can come in polished options to create a glossy, smooth finish or maintain its natural texture, which is rough and rustic looking. Homeowners choose limestone pavers because they are durable, available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and affordable at only $5 to $10 per square foot. That price can rise to nearly $32 per square foot installed.
The cons are that limestone pavers might need resealing every 3 to 5 years, are prone to stains, have inconsistent color shading and sizing, are limited to only gray hues, and might not be freeze- or thaw-resistant in cold weather.
Flagstone
Flagstone pavers are extracted from layered rock formations and cut into slender, level stones with naturally slip-resistant surfaces. They have distinctive, often asymmetrical forms that interlock like puzzle pieces. These pavers offer many benefits, including diverse dimensions, hues, and configurations; exceptional longevity; weather resistance; and elegant appeal.
However, flagstone pavers carry a higher price tag at approximately $15 to $20 per square foot, and they require expert installation (which can run closer to $30 per square foot). They also might need protective treatment every few years to maintain their appearance.
Travertine
Travertine pavers are natural stone created from calcium carbonate formations around thermal springs. People recognize them by their honeycomb-textured surface and warm, neutral color palette ranging from ivory to russet tones. They are a great option for driveways, given their timeless aesthetic appeal, slip-resistant characteristics, and impressive longevity spanning multiple decades.
Costing between $5 and $15 per square foot for materials, and between $15 and $27 per square foot when including installation, travertine requires a serious investment. The big issue with travertine pavers is that they are porous, which is good for drainage, but makes them vulnerable to discoloration from acidic substances and susceptible to surface damage from heavy impacts. They also need to undergo protective treatment applications every 1 to 2 years to preserve their appearance and prevent dirt from accumulating.
Porcelain
Made by firing kaolin or China clay in a kiln, porcelain tile pavers are actually ceramic tiles made to look like natural stone. They are durable, resistant to staining and weathering, available in a variety of sizes and colors, and easy to clean. They also require less maintenance than other types of driveway pavers since they don’t need sealing.
The cons of porcelain tiles are that installing them requires cutting with specialized tools. They also tend to become slippery when wet, and can get damaged during installation. At $12 to $20 per square feet for materials alone (and $4 to $25 per square foot for professional labor), they are more expensive than brick or concrete pavers.
