Pavers can be used for sidewalks, patio areas, landscaping features, and more on your commercial property. They are both durable and decorative, making them a smart investment. However, with many different types of pavers available, the first step in an installation project is to make your paver selection. What should you consider as you explore your options?
Types of Pavers
There are three main types of pavers to consider: concrete, natural stone, and clay brick. Many types of natural stones can be used for hardscaping. These include limestone, travertine, fieldstone, flagstone, slate, basalt and granite. Generally, natural stone is more expensive than other materials. However, many people prefer it because of its beauty and durability. Concrete is the most affordable of the options. It is a strong, porous material made of cement, water, and a sand or rock aggregate. Clay brick is kiln-fired clay that has been formed into bricks. They are strong and resistant to stains. Because they have been used for thousands of years, clay bricks have a classic charm.
Color Options
Natural stone is available in numerous earth-based tones, ranging from white and tan to dark gray. Some stones have lovely natural striations that add character. Concrete is commonly a dull shade of gray, but it doesn’t have to be. The pigment can be added to the concrete before it dries to make it tan, red, brown, and other hues. The color options for clay bricks are limited to the colors of naturally occurring clay. These bricks are often brown, tan, or earthy red.
Paver Texture
If you opt for natural stone pavers, you can choose from smooth surfaces or rough, textured surfaces. Travertine and cobblestone, for example, are typically smooth. Basalt is a volcanic rock that is textured. Concrete can be polished and formed to suit a variety of needs. Without additional effort taken when the concrete hardens, the material has a rough texture. However, it can be brushed smooth while it is wet, or it can be polished after it dries. Clay bricks will not have the smoothness of polished concrete, but they are smoother than unpolished concrete and some natural stones. Clay bricks are non-porous, so they can get slick when wet.
Pattern and Design Options
Natural stones may be irregular and can be laid in a non-uniform pattern. However, it can also be cut into all shapes and sizes, so patterns are possible as well. Concrete can be poured into various mold shapes, so you will find larger and smaller pavers like squares, rectangles, circles, octagons, and more. Because of these options, the design and pattern options are significant. Clay bricks are usually formed into rectangular and square bricks, which makes it easy to create traditional patterns.
The variations of pavers are significant, allowing you to bring your design idea to life. Explore the options for your commercial property’s paver project today.
Summary
Choosing the right outdoor pavers for a commercial space involves evaluating various factors, including material type, color, texture, and design options. Pavers like concrete, natural stone, and clay brick offer different benefits: natural stone brings beauty and durability, concrete is budget-friendly, and clay brick adds classic charm. Each material comes in unique colors and textures, with natural stone featuring earthy tones, concrete offering customizable colors, and clay limited to clay’s natural hues. Texture and design flexibility also vary—natural stone can be smooth or rough, concrete allows for diverse shapes and finishes, and clay bricks are non-porous but slightly textured. These options allow commercial property owners to tailor their outdoor spaces to match their vision and functional needs.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
