Pavers and natural stones are two of the most common surfacing materials used in residential landscaping by Kansas City homeowners. Both can be used to build various surfaces, including different kinds of pathways, decks, and patios. Knowing the differences between paver and natural stone, alongside their pros and cons, can help you make informed decisions for your next outdoor project.

Paver vs. Natural Stone: A General Comparison

	Paver	Natural Stone
Appearance	Tighter joints and a more formal/rigid pattern. Smooth surface.	Looser joints and a more irregular/organic pattern. Uneven surface.
Cost	$2 – $30 per sqft	$5 – $200 per sqft
Longevity	Designed for longevity, but may fade after years	Timeless
Installation	Faster, easier installation thanks to its uniform size	More challenging installation
Maintenance	Needs to be sealed	Typically not sealed

What are Pavers

Pavers are industrially cut, flat pieces made from materials such as concrete, brick, stone, or porcelain. Each material varies in property and often comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used to create patios, pathways, pool decks, and driveways to add texture and functionality to your landscape.

Types of Pavers

Different types of pavers have unique properties, making some more suitable for one type of project than others. Below is a list of common types of pavers:

• Concrete pavers: Durable, cost-effective, and one of the most common options for a paved driveway or walkway. Can be stained for further aesthetic purposes.
• Brick pavers: Often loved for their classic warm color. Can withstand frequent foot traffic and are low maintenance.
• Porcelain pavers: A newer addition to the paver world, but they tend to cost more than traditional options. Durable, stain-resistant, and slip-proof. Many mimic the look of natural wood or stone.
• Permeable pavers: A specialty paver designed for better drainage. Great choices for environmentally friendly projects and may qualify for special credits, depending on local incentives.

Pros of Pavers

The biggest advantages of pavers are their relative affordability and simpler installation process. Because pavers are cut into small, uniform pieces, they offer greater DIY-ability during installation. Most pavers also come with a wide variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Smart mix-and-matching can create very interesting looks in your landscaping.

Cons of Pavers

The largest challenge with pavers is weed growth in the joints. Since the paved surface is made of many smaller pieces, paver paths are also prone to sinking, bulging, and deforming as soil moves around. Finally, the color can fade from weather exposure, requiring regular sealing to maintain its appearance and integrity.

What is Natural Stone

While sometimes you may hear the term “natural stone pavers,” they are essentially different from the tile-like pavers mentioned above. Natural stones may come in smaller, irregular pieces or as larger flagstones. Popular types of natural stone used for paving decks, walkways, and patios include limestone, granite, and travertine. More premium options, such as Pennsylvania Blue Stone, are also available.

Pros of Natural Stone

Timeless, luxurious, and elegant, natural stone is one of the most beloved choices for pathways and patios. Natural stone is by far the most lasting surface material, and most of them do not require sealing, making them far lower maintenance than pavers. For those looking for an organic, natural look in their landscape, the irregular shapes of natural stone is hands-down the most suitable option.

Cons of Natural Stone

The one reason that often stops people from going with natural stone is the cost. Compared to pavers, they are much more expensive. However, natural stone is a worthy investment, as it also significantly boosts your property’s value.

Another concern is accessibility, since most natural stones come in irregular shapes and have uneven surfaces. Therefore, they’re not the most suitable if a member of your household has mobility issues and relies on wheelchairs or walkers.

Paver vs. Natural Stone: Physical Appearance

Pavers have a manufactured appearance. The uniformity in shape, size, and color allows homeowners to create a clean, neat look with pavers. Beyond the basic rectangular and square shapes, there are also many curved pavers nowadays designed to add fluidity to surface design.

Pavers come in various colors, sizes, and textures, with many of them designed to mimic stone or natural wood. The finished product often features a simple flat surface and geometric tidiness.

Natural stone is, as the name suggests, natural. Many favor natural stone for its raw, organic look. Natural stone may come in irregular, thin “disks” that work similarly to pavers, or larger, heavier chunks known as flagstones. 

Paver vs. Natural Stone: Cost

Generally, natural stone costs more than pavers do. Pavers typically cost $2 – $30 per square foot, whereas natural stone can cost up to $200 per square foot. This cost is influenced by several factors:

• Pavers are batch-manufactured, whilst natural stone comes from natural sources
• Although both installations are labor-intensive, it’s relatively easier to install pavers than natural stone.

Either way, it’s important to work with a landscaping company that knows how to source the highest quality material at the best price. Having served the Kansas City Metro for over 13 years, Royal Crerations Architectural Landscaping has a vetted network of vendors from whom we source your pavers or natural stone.  

Paver vs. Natural Stone: Longevity

Both paver and natural stone are meant to last. However, natural stone will always be the true timeless option.

On average, paver pathways and patios last 25 to 50 years, depending on how well you maintain them through cleaning and sealing. Meanwhile, natural stone can last a lifetime and beyond unless it breaks under physical impact. After all, the stone medieval castles are still standing, are they not?

Paver vs. Natural Stone: Installation

Paver and natural stone installation should both be done by a professional patio and pathway company.

Paver installation is meticulous, and improper installation can lead to misalignment and potential structural issues. A professional landscaping company also knows how to properly fill in paver joints to prevent weed growth.

Natural stone installation often involves moving heavy, large tablets of stone around, which can lead to severe injury. Hiring a professional landscaping company to install natural stone pathways or decks can save you the hassle and ensure the project is done right.

Paver vs. Natural Stone: Maintenance

Both paver and natural stone require regular cleaning, primarily to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Repair should be done based on needs or as physical damage happens.

The biggest difference in maintenance between paver and natural stone is that pavers require regular resealing to protect them from weather conditions, whereas natural stones typically do not need any sealing.

FAQ

1. Is natural stone more expensive than pavers?

Yes. Typically, natural stone is always more expensive than pavers. Some options, like limestone, are more affordable, whereas others can cost up to  $500 per square foot. However, a well-done patio built with natural stone can also bring a significant boost to your property value, more so than pavers can.

2. Is natural stone better than pavers for patios?

It depends on what you are looking for. Natural stone has uneven surfaces and may pose accessibility issues, but are much more appealing aesthetically. Meanwhile, pavers provide a neat, orderly, geometric look and a flat surface easier to move around.

3. What is the most low-maintenance patio option?

Poured concrete or porcelain paver patios are two of the omst low maintenance options.