4 Types of Patio Pavers: Benefits and Drawbacks

A home's landscape can't be completed with patio pavers. Paving is an option for those who want an aesthetic look for their homes. But more than boosting a home's curb appeal, patio pavers also promote skid resistance, making your walkway a safe space for people.

Pavers could be as big or as tiny as you want, but you should know what materials are available for those wanting to invest in large patio pavers. Let's explore your choices so you can pick what would best suit your home.

Popular Types of Patio Pavers 

Masonry Paving

Generally made of concrete, masonry paving comes in different shapes, colors, and sizes. They are pretty standard in many homes mainly because they are cheap and easy to install. 

Best Features

Aside from affordability and easy installation requirement, here are other reasons why masonry paving is suitable for your patio:

• Uniform Surface - Because they come in exact sizes, you won't need extra cutting chores to make the blocks fit the landscape.

• No Special Machinery Needed - Masonry paving can be installed by hand. This means you won't need special tools or machines to make it work. This also means cheaper installation costs.

Drawbacks

Given its practicality, masonry paving isn't favorable for others because of the following reasons:

• Sinkage - Masonry paving is not ideal for patios with high traffic. It sinks when routinely confronted with lots of weight.

• Weeds and Moss - Airborne seeds like weeds and moss can quickly grow on these blocks soon, making them slippery and earthy.

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are the best option for more sophisticated large patio pavers. They are made of porcelain clay that can mimic natural patterns like wood and natural stones.

You can go as plain as you want or as extra when it comes to the designs and colors. 

Best Features

Here are the reasons why many homeowners opt for porcelain for patio pavers:

• Lightweight - Compared to natural stone and concrete, porcelain is super light. Therefore, transport and installation are much easier with these materials.
  
  These can even be lifted through passenger elevators, in case you also decide to use this as the material for your roof deck.

• Minimal Maintenance - Grease, oil, and other types of dirt can be easily removed from a porcelain surface. That is because porcelain doesn't absorb liquid and has no protective covering that gets damaged with stubborn grime.
  
  With the right cleaning product, you can easily mop your patio, and everything will be like new.

• Good Aesthetics - Because porcelain pavers come in different colors and patterns, you can make your patio an aesthetic retreat in your home. 

Drawbacks

Here are reasons why some wouldn't agree with using porcelain as patio pavers.

• Brittle - Porcelain gets easily broken compared to concrete pavers. If it's not well handled during transportation, some edges might chip off and break once they hit hard surfaces. 

• Hard to Drill - You will need specialized tools like a wet saw and diamond blades to cut porcelain pavers. There's also a technique that experts apply when cutting porcelain pavers, as they would easily break during the process.

Natural Stone

If you want an untamed outdoor appeal in your yard, patio pavers made of natural stone are the best material. They can also be laid directly to the soil or in the sand above an existing concrete.

Best Features

Natural stone pavers aren't only great options for giving off a wild vibe. Here are other benefits of using them for patio pavers:

• Easy Installation - Stones are cut to specific sizes, so the installation process would be easier, consequently lowering the installation cost.

• Multiple Options - Natural stones come in different options. You can choose from the following: limestone, granite, or travertine.

Drawbacks

Here is the disadvantage of using natural stone as patio pavers.

• It Absorbs Moisture - Natural stones quickly absorb moisture, making them susceptible to cracks and other fragility issues.

Exposed Aggregate

If your main aim is to make a slip-resistant floor for your patio, exposed aggregate is the best way to go. Exposed aggregate makes good for a decorative patio floor because it comes in different colors and styles, depending on your taste.

Best Features

Here are the benefits of choosing exposed aggregates for your patio pavers:

• Durable - Exposed aggregates last longer and need little upkeep. It can endure harsh weather and heavy traffic. It also provides good traction, making it ideal in places that experience a long winter period.

• Eco-friendly - Exposed aggregates can be made up of any combination of sand and gravel. You can even get artistic and create patterns with the colors of the materials you've chosen.

Drawbacks

This is the main factor that could make you think twice about choosing exposed aggregates for your patio pavers:

• You Can't DIY - You can’t install exposed aggregates on your own. You must hire experts to install exposed aggregates in your patio to avoid messed up surfaces and output.

For more tips for your patios, check out our list of list of patio design styling ideas. 

Wrapping Up Our List of Patio Pavers

Your outdoor living space should be a place where you can safely walk around. That's why choosing a suitable material for your patio paver is essential.

This way, you can ensure you can achieve the appearance you have in mind as you maximize its functionality as a walkway.