How to Choose the Right Paver for Your Project

By The Stone Store Staff · Published Jan 13, 2026

Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone Pavers

Concrete, natural stone, or permeable?

Let's break down the best paver options for patios, driveways, walkways, and more.

With so many paver styles, textures, and materials available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Should you go with classic concrete, elegant natural stone, or a more eco-friendly option? Let's walk through the key factors to consider so you can choose the perfect fit for your project.

Unilock Tribecca Cobble Permeable Pavers

Step 1: Define Your Project

Start by identifying where the pavers will go. The type of project determines how much strength and durability you'll need:

Patios & walkways: Prioritize aesthetics, texture, and comfort underfoot.
Driveways: Choose thicker, more durable pavers rated for vehicle traffic.
Pool decks: Look for slip-resistant surfaces and lighter colors to stay cool underfoot.
Garden paths: Consider permeable or natural stone for a rustic look.

Beon Stone Paver Walkway

Step 2: Choose the Material

Pavers come in a few main materials. Each has its own pros and cons.

🧩 Concrete Pavers

» Most affordable and widely available.
» Consistent shapes and colors.
» Available in smooth, textured, or tumbled styles.
» Great for patios, walkways, and driveways.

🧩 Natural Stone Pavers

» Premium look with unique color variations.
» Made from flagstone, travertine, granite, and more.
» More expensive, but visually stunning and durable.
» Ideal for upscale patios and pool surrounds.

🧩 Permeable Pavers

» Eco-friendly option that allows water drainage
» Helps meet stormwater management requirements.
» Great for driveways and rain gardens.
» Some municipalities may offer tax incentives.

Nicolock Versailles Travertine Pool Deck

Step 3: Match the Style

Pavers come in various shapes, patterns, and finishes. Consider:

Classic/Traditional: Cobblestone, herringbone, or basketweave patterns.
Modern: Large-format rectangles, clean lines, minimal grout joints.
Rustic: Tumbled edges, irregular shapes, earthy colors.

MSI Stacked Stone Outdoor Kitchen

Step 4: Set Your Budget

Concrete pavers are generally the most budget-friendly. Natural stone and permeable pavers can be more expensive up front, but may provide long-term value through durability and water management benefits. Our team can help you price out your options with or without installation services.

Belgard Quartziti Porcelain Pavers

🎯 Bonus Tips from The Stone Store

💡 Use our Paver Calculator to estimate how much material you'll need.

👀 See it in person: Visit our showroom to view pavers from top brands like MSI, Unilock, Techo-Bloc, Belgard, Nicolock, and more.

🚚 We deliver: Whether you're DIY-ing or working with a contractor, we offer delivery anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

❓ Need Help Choosing the Right Paver?

Our team is here to help. We'll guide you through colors, textures, materials, and layout ideas based on your budget and project goals.

Call Now 📞 for Expert Paver Advice

Paver Calculator

Estimate how many square feet of pavers you'll need based on your project dimensions.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." https://www.bible.com/bible/116/ROM.8.38.NLT