If you’ve already decided or are considering switching to a paver driveway—congrats! You’re about to make an outdoor upgrade for the better. Still, we know that choosing the right material can be difficult, especially because many paver options share similar benefits and performance. In this guide, the team at Green World Landscaping will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best paver for your driveway. So, keep reading to find out why paved driveways are a great choice and explore the materials available and their comparison so you can confidently choose the right pavers for your needs.
Why Paved Driveways are a Great Choice
Paver driveways offer distinct advantages over traditional concrete slabs or asphalt. First and foremost, they are extremely durable and strong and can withstand heavy vehicles without the cracking that often plagues poured concrete. In fact, interlocking paver systems distribute weight evenly, which helps them endure heavy loads effortlessly.
Another significant benefit is low maintenance. Unlike a concrete driveway that might require frequent patching or resurfacing, individual pavers can be replaced if one gets damaged, so you don’t need to rip out the whole structure. Pavers also handle climate stress better because their small size and sand joints allow for slight movement, so they resist cracking during freeze-thaw cycles or earth movement.
Lastly, beyond toughness, paver driveways shine in aesthetic appeal because they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures, allowing you to create a custom look that complements your home’s style.
Best Material Options for Driveways
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are precast masonry units made from cement, sand, gravel, and coloring agents. They are engineered under controlled conditions, resulting in very high strength and uniformity. They are three times stronger than concrete slabs and can easily support heavy vehicles without cracking. They also come in vast shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes, offering significant design flexibility.
On the downside, the color of concrete pavers can gradually fade over the years due to UV exposure, but this can be easily prevented by applying protective sealants. Another consideration is that lower-quality or very inexpensive concrete pavers may have weaker surface durability, which is why it is really important to choose high-quality materials and rely on experienced driveway contractors.
Brick Pavers
Natural Stone Pavers
Permeable Pavers
Key Comparison of Driveway Paver Materials
Comparison Factors
Load Capacity: Driveways must handle the weight of vehicles (from family cars to occasionally heavier trucks or RVs) without bending or cracking. When installed on a proper base, all paver options have excellent load capacity for typical vehicles.
Durability: Durability refers to how well the material holds up over time, resisting wear, weather, and erosion. All paver materials are known for good durability, but they have some differences.
Maintenance Needed: One big selling point of paver driveways is lower maintenance compared to concrete or asphalt. With all paver types, routine maintenance involves keeping the surface clean and the joints in good shape. That means regular cleaning, occasional washing, and sealing every few years.
Cost: Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing driveway materials, and this is probably the comparison factor in which you can find the most differences between each material.
Materials Comparison Table
Now that you are familiar with the comparison factors that matter when choosing a driveway, we built this table to see how each material performs on each category and what they’re best for:
| Material | Load Capacity | Durability | Maintenance | Cost | Best If… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Pavers | High Engineered to handle heavy loads ( ~8,000 psi compressive strength) |
Very durable 25+ year lifespan; resists cracking (flexible joints handle freeze-thaw) |
Low Easy to repair by replacing individual units; occasional cleaning/sealing keeps them pristine |
Moderate Mid-range cost; generally cheaper than natural stone but a bit more than plain concrete |
Best if you want a versatile, strong driveway with lots of design options at a reasonable cost |
| Brick Pavers | High Strong clay units can support vehicles (often 8,000–12,000 psi) |
High durability 25–30 year lifespan; extremely colorfast; might crack in extreme freeze-thaw if poorly drained |
Low Minimal maintenance; rarely needs more than cleaning; replace damaged bricks easily |
Moderate–High Slightly more expensive than concrete pavers due to material and labor |
Best if you love a classic, timeless look and long-term performance and don’t mind a limited color palette |
| Natural Stone | High Extremely strong (granite/cobble can handle any vehicle weight) |
Excellent durability 50+ to 100+ year lifespan; won’t fade; handles weather for generations |
Low Virtually no maintenance besides periodic cleaning; joints may need re-sanding over the decades |
High Premium cost for material & installation; highest upfront investment |
Best if you seek a luxury, elegant appearance and maximum longevity and are willing to invest more upfront |
| Permeable Pavers | High Designed for vehicle loads (interlocks or grid spreads weight effectively) |
High durability Long lifespan if maintained; prevents water damage by draining water through |
Moderate Requires regular joint cleaning to prevent clogs; otherwise low upkeep similar to standard pavers |
Moderate–High Higher initial cost due to extra base prep and specialized pavers |
Best if you need to address drainage issues or want an eco-friendly driveway that reduces runoff |