How to Choose Pavers
Navigate the world of pavers with confidence. Complete guide to materials, patterns, and selection for Northumberland County projects.
Explore Paver OptionsPavers are one of the most versatile and durable hardscaping materials available, offering endless possibilities for creating beautiful patios, walkways, driveways, and more. Unlike poured concrete, pavers provide flexibility, superior drainage, and easy repair. When properly installed, they can last decades—even in Northumberland County's challenging climate with its freeze-thaw cycles and heavy clay soils.
Choosing the right pavers involves more than just picking a color. You need to consider the application, material properties, aesthetic goals, and budget. This guide will walk you through every aspect of paver selection, helping you make an informed decision that results in a beautiful, long-lasting hardscape.
Why Choose Pavers?
✓ Advantages Over Concrete
- Crack-resistant (flexible system)
- Easy to repair (replace individual units)
- Superior drainage
- Instant use (no curing time)
- Wide variety of colors and textures
- Higher resale value
🌡️ Benefits for Northumberland
- Withstand freeze-thaw cycles
- Handle heavy snow removal
- Resist salt and ice melt damage
- Accommodate soil movement
- Prevent ice buildup with permeable options
- Winter durability with proper base
Types of Pavers
Concrete Pavers
The most popular choice for residential hardscaping. Made from cement, sand, gravel, and color pigments, concrete pavers offer excellent value and versatility.
Pros
- Affordable ($3-8 per sq ft)
- Incredible variety of shapes, sizes, colors
- Consistent quality
- Easy to find locally
- Good strength (8,000+ PSI)
Cons
- Color may fade over time
- Can chip or spall
- Requires sealing for color retention
Best for: Patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks
Popular brands in Ontario: Unilock, Oaks, Permacon, Bestway Stone
Clay Brick Pavers
Made from natural clay fired at high temperatures, brick pavers offer timeless appeal and exceptional durability.
Pros
- Color never fades (through-body color)
- Extremely durable (50+ years)
- Classic, timeless appearance
- Rich, natural colors
- Eco-friendly (natural material)
Cons
- More expensive ($6-15 per sq ft)
- Limited size options
- Can be brittle during installation
- Requires more cutting
Best for: Heritage homes, formal gardens, walkways, premium patios
Natural Stone Pavers
Cut from natural stone deposits, each piece is unique. The premium choice for distinctive, high-end hardscapes.
Types:
- Flagstone: Flat, irregular pieces; excellent for natural, rustic looks
- Bluestone: Dense, durable; formal yet natural appearance
- Granite: Extremely hard; modern, refined look
- Limestone: Soft, warm tones; elegant but softer than granite
- Local Armour Stone: Available from Ontario quarries; supports local industry
Cost: $12-40 per sq ft depending on stone type
Best for: Premium patios, accent areas, naturalistic designs
Permeable Pavers
Designed to allow water infiltration, these pavers help manage stormwater and reduce runoff. Growing in popularity for environmental reasons.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces stormwater runoff
- Recharges groundwater
- Filters pollutants
- Reduces heat island effect
- May qualify for municipal incentives
Cost: $5-12 per sq ft (material only)
Best for: Driveways, parking areas, environmentally-conscious projects
Paver Selection by Application
Driveways
Requirements: High compressive strength (8,000+ PSI), thick pavers (2.75"+)
Best choices: Thick concrete pavers (80mm+), clay brick, permeable pavers
Avoid: Thin pavers, natural stone under 2" thick
Patios
Requirements: Comfort underfoot, aesthetic appeal, moderate strength
Best choices: Any concrete paver, natural stone, clay brick
Consider: Textured surfaces for slip resistance
Walkways
Best choices: Tumbled pavers, natural stone, textured concrete
Tip: Use wider pavers (12"+) for main paths
Pool Decks
Requirements: Slip resistance, heat reflectivity, chlorine resistance
Best choices: Textured concrete pavers, light-colored stone
Avoid: Dark colors (absorb heat), polished surfaces
Popular Paver Patterns
Running Bond
Simple offset pattern like brick walls. Easy to install, minimal cutting. Classic, traditional look.
Herringbone
45-degree interlocking pattern. Excellent for driveways (distributes weight well). Formal, sophisticated appearance.
Basket Weave
Pairs of pavers alternating direction. Classic old-world charm. Works best with rectangular pavers.
Random/Cobble
Mixed sizes in irregular pattern. Natural, casual appearance. Excellent for rustic or cottage styles.
Choosing Colors
Color Selection Tips
- Complement your home: Choose paver colors that harmonize with brick, siding, or stone
- Consider sun exposure: Dark pavers absorb heat; light pavers stay cooler
- Test in different lighting: Pavers look different in morning, afternoon, and evening light
- Think about maintenance: Darker colors hide stains; lighter colors show less fading
- Blend with surroundings: Consider your natural landscape and neighborhood character
💡 Northumberland Tip: Warm earth tones (tan, brown, terra cotta) complement our local limestone and brick architecture. Cool gray tones work well with modern homes and lakeside cottages.
Understanding Costs
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers (material) | $3-8 / sq ft | Basic to premium styles |
| Natural stone (material) | $12-40 / sq ft | Depends on stone type |
| Professional installation | $12-25 / sq ft | Includes base, labor, materials |
| DIY installation (materials only) | $6-15 / sq ft | Base, sand, pavers, edging |
⚠️ Important: Proper base preparation is critical in Northumberland. Our freeze-thaw cycle will destroy improperly installed pavers within 2-3 years. Don't skimp on base depth or compaction.
📊 Calculate Your Paver Needs
Use our paver calculator to estimate materials and costs for your project.
Paver Calculator