Concrete vs. Brick vs. Natural Stone Pavers

Concrete Pavers

Manufactured concrete pavers dominate residential hardscape for good reason. They come in the widest range of shapes, colors and textures, they are dimensionally consistent, and they are the most affordable of the three for large areas such as a paver driveway.

• Best value per square foot on large surfaces.
• Huge selection of modern, tumbled and stone look finishes.
• Color can soften slightly over many years of UV exposure.

Clay Brick Pavers

Fired clay brick keeps its color essentially forever because the color is the material, not a pigment layer. Brick suits traditional and historic architecture and looks especially good on walkways and entry courts.

Where Brick Works Best

Front walkways and entryways, garden paths and accent borders where the warm red and umber tones complement the home.

Natural Stone

Bluestone, travertine, quartzite and granite bring texture no manufactured product fully matches. Stone costs more and requires more skilled cutting and setting, but for a signature patio or a pool surround it is hard to beat.

Choose the material for the surface it lives on, not for the sample board it looks best on.

How to Decide

1. Match the tone of your home exterior first, then narrow by texture.
2. Weigh square footage against budget, since large areas magnify unit cost.
3. Consider slip resistance for pool decks and shaded north facing areas.
4. Ask what replacement stock will be available in ten years.

Published by Empire Pavers on March 11, 2026.