Designing your backyard patio and choosing the best paver materials—whether it’s concrete, natural stone, bluestone, porcelain, or clay brick pavers—can transform your outdoor space into the perfect spot for relaxation, entertainment, or simply enjoying nature. From the affordability of concrete pavers to the timeless elegance of natural stone, there are plenty of options to suit every style and budget. Below, we explore some of the best paver materials for your patio project, each with its own unique benefits to help you create the outdoor oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
1. Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are the most popular choice at Astro due to their affordability, durability, and versatility though, like many paver options, they require periodic sealing to maintain their appearance and prevent staining. Popular concrete paver brands include Cambridge, Unilock, and Techo-Bloc. These brands offer a wide range of shapes, including typical options like square and rectangle, and multi-size bundles, as well as more unique forms such as hexagon, triangle, and diamond. Concrete pavers can also come in different colors and textures to mimic natural materials like marble, granite, or even wood, while others feature their own unique, manufactured look that can work fantastically for more modern styles. Many manufacturers also offer coordinated paver colors to match wallstone and other masonry features like fireplaces, fire pits, and outdoor kitchen kits. Though concrete pavers only have a lifespan of 25-100 years, depending on their quality and maintenance, they are one of the cheapest paver option and can be installed faster, and easier, with less skill than natural stone options.
2. Natural Stone Pavers
Astro has established relationships with distributors and quarries throughout the Northeast, allowing us to source high-quality natural stone, including limestone, marble, sandstone, and travertine. These natural stone pavers offer a luxurious and natural appearance, and come in a wide variety of colors and textures, providing a high-end, custom look that adds significant value to your property. That being said, natural stone is generally more expensive than other patio materials and can be heavy and labor-intensive to install. Some stones, such as limestone, are porous and require sealing to prevent moisture damage, which adds to maintenance needs.
3. Bluestone Pavers
Bluestone is a type of fine-grained sandstone that is known for its elegant, slate-like appearance, making it popular for patios, walkways, and steps. Often sourced from the Catskills and northeastern Pennsylvania, it is especially favored in the Long Island, Hamptons, and New York areas for its traditional charm. Though typically blue, bluestone can also feature shades of gray, beige, and brown, which adds versatile beauty to any project. Its density provides excellent durability and resistance to harsh weather, while its textured surface helps prevent slips, making it ideal for outdoor areas. However, bluestone can be more costly compared to other natural stones and like many natural stone options, requires sealing to maintain its color and prevent water absorption. Additionally, it can become hot under direct sunlight because of its usually dark color.
4. Porcelain Pavers
Porcelain pavers have gained popularity for patio projects thanks to their sleek, modern appearance, and excellent durability. Astro stocks popular brands like MSI, NT Trading, and Hardscape.com, offering a wide range of high-quality options. Porcelain pavers bring a European flair to any outdoor space, with styles that mimic natural materials such as marble, bluestone, sandstone, slate, and wood, allowing for versatile design choices. These pavers are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, and their non-porous nature makes them moisture-resistant and easy to clean. However, they can be slippery when wet unless treated with a non-slip finish, and while they are more expensive than concrete, they are generally more affordable than natural stone. Proper installation requires a stable, level base, but the end result is a sophisticated, low-maintenance patio with a long-lasting, elegant look.
5. Clay Brick Pavers
Clay brick pavers are a classic choice for patios, offering a warm aesthetic that blends well with many architectural styles, but especially traditional and colonial. Well-known brick brands include Glen-Gery and Belden Brick. Additionally, some concrete paver manufacturers make brick-look products that combine the benefits of concrete with the look of brick. Known for their durability, clay bricks have a natural, earthy color palette that remains vibrant even in harsh weather. Their strength makes them suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. Brick pavers can be laid in various patterns, like herringbone or basket weave, to add visual interest. Although they can be more expensive than concrete and may require occasional maintenance, their traditional charm and resilience make them a popular choice for many homeowners.
Get Your Long Island Pavers
Designing your backyard patio and choosing the perfect paver material is an exciting project and the experts at our Long Island masonry yard are always here to help! Whether you need further information on paver options, installation supplies like polymeric sand or Gator Base, or want to discuss your project details, we can guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions, or request a quote to get started on transforming your outdoor space.