Cultivating a space you want to be in and one that brings you a sense of pride is important. Whether it’s enhancing a nook in your home, turning your bathroom into an oasis, or updating your outdoor space, having a place that makes you comfortable makes all the difference. Each space also comes with its own challenges and design needs, so how do you decide what material to pick? Social media can give you a lot of ideas, but all the ideas almost feel like information overload. And after all the pictures and input, it can be difficult to solidify a design and move forward! In this article, we’ll discuss how to pick the right outdoor paver for your design to bring your vision to life!

Firstly, what is an outdoor paver? 

Outdoor pavers are pieces of tiles or bricks made out of natural stone, clay, brick, and concrete. You can find them in different patterns, colors, sizes, textures, and styles, and sizes. They are used in pool decks, driveways, outdoor kitchens, pathways, and more. You’ll work with someone much like an interior designer and their trained crew to install outdoor pavers. They’ll make sure your vision is coming to life and the needs of your space are being met. This person will customize a plan for you and then they’ll bring that plan to life. 

So how do you pick what will work for you? Below, you’ll find information on the different types of stones and materials, their durability, and some extra ideas for how they can be used!

Natural Stone

Natural stone pavers are durable and easy to take care of; they’re an easy choice to make when it comes to walkways, driveways, or areas that are going to have a lot of visitors! Natural stone is also just that; it’s an outdoor paver that occurs naturally from the earth. Because of this, you do get beautiful rich and cool tones, while maintaining the integrity of the stone. This paver can also be cut into any shape and size to match your design goals. This is a great option for an outdoor paver in San Diego, as you can match it to the scenery and continue with the earthy tones. It’s also fitting for areas in northern California, as the cooler tones can blend and compliment mountain and forest scenery. Do keep in mind that because it’s naturally occurring, the colors are limited. So while it has the durability of concrete and brick and will withstand any weather conditions, you’ll be limited in your color choices if you have a specific vision in mind. You’ll also need to remember that because it is a natural stone, it is going to be more expensive than the man-made options. 

Concrete

Concrete is a great option for those who want to have the stone look while also being able to pick their color, size, and shape option. It is just as durable and long-lasting as a natural stone; however, between the two, it’s the more affordable option. Because it’s also usually cut to fit the design rather than making the design fit the stone, it’s a better choice for quick installation. Like natural stone, it’s also great for all weather. So for anyone in Northern California or in the mountains, concrete will be great for durability. For an outdoor paver, this option is not only great for high traffic areas like walkways and driveways, but because of their versatility, it’s a great option for an outdoor paver in San Diego and Southern California.

Clay

After comparing the differences between concrete versus stone, we’ll also discuss the differences between clay and brick. All of these great options have pros and cons. When it comes to clay outdoor pavers, you also have your pick of options. With clay, the color is mixed in with the material rather than the material being dyed like with concrete. Because of this, the color is likely to not fade as quickly. The bricks can still be cut into any shape and size you prefer, and they will have the same stability and durability as concrete and stone. Clay is also eco-friendly since it’s still made from natural materials. Also, clay is less likely to stain like concrete pavers will, maintaining the look and quality of your outdoor space. And though clay is durable, it may not last as long as brick or concrete.

Brick

Brick is made with fire and kiln, providing a durable surface for your outdoor space. Brick pavers can also be dyed to change colors and reflect any color scheme to fit your San Diego home! With brick, you also have a stable surface since the material is textured and porous, which is great for areas that may need to retain their grip or may become slippery. One thing to keep in mind with brick is that it will be more costly than clay because of the process needed to make the brick. However, the advantages and benefits may be worth the extra cost! Brick is long-lasting. So although it may break down over time, it will withstand the wear and tear of everyday use for years to come!

The challenge of choosing the right outdoor paver can be daunting, especially if you’re looking for an outdoor paver in San Diego or any other area that has a picture-perfect surrounding. We hope this information provides you with a solid foundation for making a decision, but if you have questions feel free to connect with us. We’re always happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction to get your project finished. 

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1) How to choose the right outdoor paver