If you’re building a patio for your Greater Boston home, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right paving stones.
The paver material you choose affects your patio’s style, durability, maintenance needs, and even how safe it is to walk on during harsh weather conditions.
Along with patios, paver stones are also a great option for walkways, driveways, and pool decks.
Choosing the right paver stone brand depends on:
- Budget: Premium brands like Techo-Bloc or Unilock cost more but deliver top-tier durability and design.
- Style: Some brands specialize in certain appearances and styles such as rustic, modern, and traditional.
- Climate Resistance: All these brands are generally suitable for Boston’s weather. But some have advanced technology that holds up better in extreme cold.
Concrete Pavers
What are Concrete Pavers?
Concrete pavers are man-made stones crafted from a mix of cement, sand, and gravel.
The poured concrete is formed into uniform shapes and sizes, which makes them easy to install in patterns or designs.
Pros:
- Affordable: Concrete pavers offer a less expensive option.
- Versatile: Available in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes.
- Durable: Designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and even vehicle weight.
- Easy to Replace: If a paver cracks, you can replace just that piece without redoing the whole patio.
Cons:
- Color Fading: The color can fade over time with exposure to sun and weather.
- Can Stain: They’re more likely to show stains from leaves, oils, or spills.
- Not Natural Stone: If you prefer an authentic, natural look, concrete may not have the same charm.
Best For: Homeowners looking for a cost-effective, custom patio solution.
Brick Pavers
What are Brick Pavers?
Brick pavers are made from clay that’s fired at high temperatures.
This creates a strong material that’s been used for patios, walkways, and driveways for a long time.
Pros:
- Classic Look: Clay bricks offer a timeless, traditional style that fits well in historic or colonial-style homes.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from natural clay and recyclable materials.
- Durable: Can last for decades with proper care.
- Non-Slip Surface: Great for wet climates like Boston where traction is important.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: Mostly available in reddish and brown tones.
- Can Chip or Crack: Especially if installed improperly or subjected to freeze-thaw cycles.
- More Expensive Than Concrete: Both in material cost and installation.
Best For: Those who love a traditional, rustic, or historic feel for their outdoor space.
Natural Stone Pavers
What are Natural Stone Pavers?
Natural stone pavers are cut from quarries.
They include materials like granite, bluestone, limestone, and slate.
Each stone is unique in color, texture, and shape.
Pros:
- Stunning Style: Each individual paver stone is one-of-a-kind, creating a truly custom look.
- Highly Durable: Stones like granite and bluestone can last for decades.
- Boosts Home Value: Natural stone patios often add value to your property.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Natural stone is one of the most expensive paver options.
- More Complex Installation: Requires skilled labor to install properly.
- Surface Irregularities: Some stones can have uneven surfaces, which may be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.
Best For: Homeowners looking to invest in a luxury patio that makes a statement.
Types of Natural Stone Pavers Common in Boston:
- Bluestone Paver: This is a popular choice in New England. Bluestone offers a rich blue-grey color and is very durable.
- Granite Paver: Extremely strong and resistant to weather, perfect for Boston’s variable climate.
- Limestone Paver: Offers a softer, earthy color palette.
- Sandstone Paver: Known for its warm, earthy colors, like tan, red, and brown.
- Flagstone Paver: A flat stone typically made from sandstone, slate, or limestone, often laid in irregular paver patterns.
- Cobblestone Paver: Made from granite and have a distinctive old-world appearance with rounded or irregular shapes.
- Travertine Paver: A natural stone formed from limestone deposits. It has a distinctive, slightly porous surface. It offers colors like ivory, tan, and silver.
Porceline Pavers
What are Porcelain Pavers?
Porcelain pavers are a made from ceramic material that’s fired at high temperatures.
They’re designed to mimic the look of stone, wood, or concrete.
Pros:
- Low Maintenance: Highly resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture.
- Slip-Resistant: Many porcelain pavers are designed with textured surfaces for better grip.
- Consistent Look: Unlike natural stone, porcelain provides a uniform appearance.
- Lightweight: Easier to handle and install compared to stone.
Cons:
- Can Be Expensive: Higher upfront cost, especially for premium styles.
- Installation Matters: Requires precise installation to prevent cracking or shifting.
Best For: Homeowners who want a modern, sleek patio with minimal upkeep.
Most Popular Paver Stone Brands for Patios
Unilock Pavers
Unilock is a leading name in the paver industry, especially known for its innovation, durability, and cutting-edge technology.
Pros:
- Wide variety of colors, styles, and finishes.
- Advanced technologies like EasyClean for stain resistance and EnduraColor for long-lasting color.
- Extremely durable in harsh climates like New England.
- Many styles mimic natural stone for a luxurious look.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic concrete pavers.
- May require professional installation for the best results.
Best For:
Homeowners wanting a luxurious, durable patio with low maintenance and many design options.
Belgard Pavers
Belgard is one of the most widely recognized brands in the U.S.
It offers an extensive product line for patios, walkways, driveways, and even retaining walls.
Pros:
- Diverse styles ranging from rustic to modern.
- Offers permeable pavers, which help with drainage and are great for eco-friendly projects.
- High durability and designed for weather extremes.
- Nationally recognized with excellent warranties.
Cons:
- Some designs can be on the pricier side.
- Not every Belgard supplier carries the full product line, which can limit local availability.
Best For:
Homeowners looking for a versatile, custom patio design with options for sustainability and water management.
Cambridge Pavers
Cambridge Pavers are popular in the Northeast for their ArmorTec technology, which enhances surface durability and color retention.
Pros:
- ArmorTec creates a smooth, dense surface that resists fading and wear.
- Strong and durable, perfect for Boston’s freeze-thaw conditions.
- Classic and contemporary styles available.
- Consistent quality control.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than standard concrete pavers.
- Limited to specific styles compared to brands like Unilock.
Best For:
Those seeking a long-lasting, vibrant patio surface that can withstand extreme weather.
Techo-Bloc
Techo-Bloc specializes in luxury pavers with a focus on appearance that mimics natural stone.
Pros:
- Gorgeous designs and finishes that resemble real stone.
- Exceptional durability and density.
- Wide range of unique shapes and textures for custom designs.
- Resistant to harsh weather and freeze-thaw cycles.
Cons:
- Among the most expensive paver brands.
- Availability can be more limited compared to other brands.
Best For:
Homeowners who want a luxury, custom patio or outdoor living space that feels one-of-a-kind.
Nicolock Pavers
Nicolock is known for its Paver-Shield technology, which produces bright, rich colors that last.
Pros:
- Vibrant color options that don’t easily fade.
- Good balance between affordability and quality.
- Wide variety of shapes and styles.
- Manufactured in the Northeast, designed for our climate.
Cons:
- May not have the ultra-premium appearance of brands like Techo-Bloc.
- May require regular sealing for best longevity.
Best For:
Homeowners seeking affordable yet stylish patios with bold color options.
Pavestone
Pavestone is widely available across the U.S. and offers cost-effective concrete paver solutions.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Simple, classic designs.
- Easy to find at major home improvement stores.
- Great for large-scale or budget-conscious projects.
Cons:
- Fewer color and style options compared to premium brands.
- Less refined appearance than other products.
- May not offer the same level of durability in harsh freeze-thaw climates.
Best For:
Basic patio, walkway, or driveway projects where cost is a primary factor.
Which Paver Stone is Right for You?
Choosing the right paver stone for your Boston-area patio depends on your budget, style, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.
For a budget-friendly and custom option, concrete is your best bet.
If you love the look of historic homes, brick is a great choice.
Want something luxurious and long-lasting? You can’t go wrong with natural stone.
For a modern, easy-to-maintain patio, consider porcelain pavers.
Your patio should reflect your personal style and fit your lifestyle.
If you’re still unsure, Boston Deck Builders can help you choose the best paver stone for your patio project.
Boston Deck Builders is a trusted local patio contractor.
We can help you compare materials, see samples, and design a patio that fits your style, needs, and budget.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
