Best Pavers for DIYers
Pavers build patios, walkways, and driveways that flex with the ground instead of cracking like a poured slab, and a single damaged unit lifts out for repair. Quality and thickness scale with the job.
What to look for
- ·Match thickness to use: about 60mm pavers for patios and walks, 80mm for driveways that take vehicle weight.
- ·A proper compacted base and edge restraint matter more than the paver brand for a patio that lasts.
- ·Premium brands offer richer colors and tighter tolerances; home-center pavers cost less and suit simple patios.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgard Concrete Pavers | Editor's pick | $4 to $8 per sq ft (material) | A premium designed look |
| Techo-Bloc Pavers | Editor's pick | $5 to $9 per sq ft | Bold color and premium quality |
| Unilock Pavers | Editor's pick | $5 to $9 per sq ft | Lasting color and durability |
| Pavestone Concrete Pavers | Best value | $2.50 to $5 per sq ft | Home-center value |
| Nantucket Pavers | Best value | $3 to $6 per sq ft | Easy DIY patio kits |
| County Materials Pavers | Best value | $3 to $5 per sq ft | Regional value quality |
| Holland Stone Pavers (Home Center) | Budget pick | $1.50 to $3 per sq ft | Simple budget patios |
| Square Patio Stones / Steppers | Budget pick | $1.50 to $3 per sq ft | Quick paths and steppers |
| Standard Concrete Pavers | Budget pick | $1.50 to $3 per sq ft | Utility and budget projects |
Editor's pick
Belgard Concrete Pavers
$4 to $8 per sq ft (material)
A premium hardscape brand with rich colors, tight tolerances, and many styles from classic to modern. The pick for a high-end patio or driveway that looks designed.
Best for: A premium designed look
Typically available at Hardscape suppliers.
Techo-Bloc Pavers
$5 to $9 per sq ft
High-end pavers known for bold, durable color blends and crisp manufacturing. A favorite for standout patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces.
Best for: Bold color and premium quality
Typically available at Hardscape suppliers.
Unilock Pavers
$5 to $9 per sq ft
A premium brand with proprietary surface technologies for color retention and stain resistance. Strong, attractive units for patios and driveways that stay looking new.
Best for: Lasting color and durability
Typically available at Hardscape suppliers.
Best value
Pavestone Concrete Pavers
$2.50 to $5 per sq ft
Widely stocked at home centers in classic shapes like Holland and patio stones. A dependable mid-value choice for DIY patios and walkways.
Best for: Home-center value
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Nantucket Pavers
$3 to $6 per sq ft
Patio-on-a-pallet kits and natural-look concrete pavers that simplify DIY layouts. Good value with a more upscale appearance than basic home-center units.
Best for: Easy DIY patio kits
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
County Materials Pavers
$3 to $5 per sq ft
A regional manufacturer offering solid quality and color at mid-range prices. A good value where available for patios and walkways.
Best for: Regional value quality
Typically available at Hardscape suppliers.
Budget pick
Holland Stone Pavers (Home Center)
$1.50 to $3 per sq ft
The classic rectangular concrete paver at the lowest cost, sold by the each at home centers. Fine for simple, budget patios and walkways.
Best for: Simple budget patios
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Square Patio Stones / Steppers
$1.50 to $3 per sq ft
Large square stepping stones for quick, inexpensive paths and casual patios. Not for heavy loads, but a cheap way to make a walkable surface fast.
Best for: Quick paths and steppers
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Standard Concrete Pavers
$1.50 to $3 per sq ft
Basic gray concrete pavers for utility paths, AC pads, and budget projects. No frills, but the cheapest way to cover ground with a hard, liftable unit.
Best for: Utility and budget projects
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
How thick should pavers be?+
For patios and walkways, 60mm (about 2-3/8 inch) pavers are standard. For driveways and anywhere vehicles drive, use 80mm (about 3-1/8 inch) pavers on a deeper base. Thickness, base, and edging decide whether it holds up.
Concrete pavers or natural stone?+
Concrete pavers are uniform, cheaper, and come in many shapes and colors. Natural stone (bluestone, travertine, granite) looks higher-end and lasts indefinitely but costs more and varies in thickness, which makes installation trickier.
Do pavers crack like a concrete slab?+
Individual pavers can chip, but the jointed system flexes with freeze-thaw and ground movement instead of cracking across the surface like a poured slab. And a damaged paver lifts out and gets replaced without redoing the whole area.
What goes under pavers?+
A compacted gravel base (typically 4 to 6 inches for patios, more for driveways) topped with a sand setting bed, plus edge restraint to keep the field tight. The base is the part most worth getting right.
Can I lay a paver patio myself?+
Yes, it is a popular DIY project, though it is heavy work. The skill is in excavating, compacting the base, and screeding the sand level. Rent a plate compactor and take your time on the base.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Paver Patio project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Paver Patio guide →