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9 Landscape Paving Materials You Need to Know About

To choose the best paving for your landscape, look at climate, cost and context

Falon Mihalic
Falon Mihalic28 June 2018
Houzz Contributor. Landscape Architect in Texas and Florida and owner of Falon Land Studio LLC. Through landscape design, I create spaces for quiet reflection and lush gardens using native plant palettes and sustainable stormwater techniques. I'm a contributing writer to Houzz so that I can be active in the conversation about sustainable design for residential projects. Learn more about my company's work at falonland.com
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Paving is a landscape investment, and the cost varies considerably based on the type used and how readily available it is. Cast-in-place concrete is usually the cheapest and most easily installed paving option, but those who live in regions with naturally occurring stone like limestone or slate can use that local stone at a more affordable price.

Here are our guides to 9 of the most popular paving materials. Whether you are repaving or paving new, you can use them to understand the basics about paving to make an informed decision based on your situation and where you live.
Arterra Landscape Architects
Cast-in-place Concrete
Budget-friendliest

Concrete is the standard because it’s affordable, easy to install and easy to maintain. However, cast-in-place concrete doesn’t have to be boring just because it’s the standard. There are many ways to create patterns, textures and colours to liven it up.
Bagnato Architecture & Interiors
Precast concrete pavers
Best colour and texture variety at an affordable price

Precast concrete pavers are modular pavers that come in a dizzying number of sizes, shapes, colours, textures and patterns. Precast concrete pavers are a great choice for those who want a different look but don’t want to pay for natural stone. Modular permeable systems, which soak up water instead of creating runoff, are available for driveways, walkways and patios.
Morehead Pools
Brick
Classic style and works in all climates

Brick in the standard 4-inch-by-8-inch size can be used to make many fun patterns, including herringbone, without looking too busy, and its reddish tones bring warmth to the garden. Brick also works well with many other hardscapes, which is why you’ll often see it used with wood decks and other paving materials.

See how exposed brick makes these homes shine
Butler Armsden Architects
Gravel
Great for permeability and to soften a hardscape

Gravel is available as decomposed stone by the bag or pallet and can be used for paths and patios where you want a softer look. It needs to be bound by some kind of rigid edge, like in the space shown here, to contain it.
Bliss Home and Design
Limestone
Great for reflecting heat in hot climates

Limestone is typically white to off-white and sometimes a greyish white. Its light colours make it fantastic for warm climates, where it can reflect heat. It also brings a nice brightness to shaded garden areas – lightening up even places in deep shade.

Here’s how to use limestone in the patio
Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes
Travertine
Best for surrounding a pool

Travertine is harder and less porous than its cousin limestone, which makes it somewhat easier to maintain. It stays cool to the touch and makes a lovely poolside surface for bare feet.
V.I.Photography & Design
Tile
Great colours for warm climates

Tile is bold and funky because it comes in bright and rich colours and is a nice choice for warm climates. It can be tricky to maintain, so be sure you are ready to keep up with tile maintenance.
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
Granite
A superior tough stone that’s excellent in cold climates

Granite is expensive, but it may be worth the investment for you because it lasts several lifetimes. It’s also a sustainable, local building material.

See these popular granites for kitchen countertops
The Garden Builders
Slate
Great for cold climates and deep in colour

Slate has a deep, rich colour and is available in many tones, from deep charcoal to jade green. Slate withstands the coldest climates and works like a champ in the freeze-thaw cycle.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
Read more:
8 Materials Perfect for Driveways and Home Pavements

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Are there any other topics on landscaping you’d like to know more about? Let us know in the Comments below.
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