You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pavers. Not only are they available in various shapes, colours and sizes, but also in a range of materials that make a difference to how you use them and how much they cost. Here’s the lowdown on the best options for paving a driveway, patio or pathway.

Clay pavers

Rectangular in shape, clay pavers (see pic, right) are made and fired like bricks. As they’re produced from a natural product, they last for years with practically no maintenance. They also retain their colour well and are very stain resistant. Because of their natural texture, they also have good slip resistance. Clay pavers are suitable for most areas around the home, though are generally not used for driveways, in case cracks appear under the weight of heavy vehicles.

Concrete pavers

The advantage of this type of paver is that they’re available in a wider variety of sizes and shapes than clay pavers. Along with standard rectangles, they come in circular, triangular and hexagonal shapes, as well as the large-format square paver (40 x 40cm).

They also come in a wider range of colours than clay pavers, as concrete can be easily tinted using white cement and pigments during manufacture. Concrete pavers may need sealing after they’ve been laid to improve their stain resistance – ask about this when purchasing. And, because of their strength, they are usually a better choice for driveways.

Natural stone pavers

Pavers made from quarried stone offer the lovely textures and colours of a natural product. The most popular types are sandstone, granite, slate, bluestone and limestone. Stone pavers are simply cut to shape – they don’t involve the same manufacturing process that’s used to produce concrete or clay pavers.

Their shapes can vary, too. For example, sandstone is usually cut into formal square or rectangular shapes, whereas natural slate is available in random pieces suitable for crazy paving. Their strength also varies according to the type of rock, so always check endurance details before you buy. Natural stone pavers tend to be more expensive than the manufactured types, so they’re generally used for walkways, courtyards and terraces, rather than for areas with vehicle traffic.

Tips for choosing pavers

- Discuss all your particular requirements with the paving retailer. You may need salt-resistant pavers for around a pool, or suitability for driveways.

- If you want to match the colours of your existing paving, take a brick or paver with you to your paving outlet. And, if you’d like a contrasting colour to that of your home, take in a paint-colour swatch or a good-quality photo.

- Measure the area you wish to pave, in square metres, and add 5-10 per cent to allow for wastage. This will help you get an accurate cost for the pavers you select.

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