Driveway Paver Styles

Standard

• Standard pavers are rectangular blocks that are often the least expensive among pavers. Although most standard pavers are rectangular with lengths twice as long as widths, other configurations exist. For example, some are long and narrow with lengths that are triple the widths, while others have more equal proportions that give them square appearances. Standard pavers are versatile because they are easy to use and can be arranged in many patterns, such as basket-weave patterns.

Tumbled

• Tumbled pavers are standard pavers that are tumbled together in huge mixers that wear down and soften sharp edges and corners. When the pavers are removed from the mixers, they have slightly-battered appearances. When installed, they provide worn appearances as though they've been there for generations, making them more expensive than many other types of pavers.

Decorative

• Decorative pavers are those that don't fall into the standard or tumbled category. Because manufacturing these pavers require advanced technology, they tend to be considerably more expensive. Decorative pavers may be textured with pebbled surfaces, or they may be stamped with patterns, such as stars or diamonds. Decorative pavers also include pavers in unusual geometric shapes, such as fans, octagons, pentagons or w-shapes. Because decorative pavers are expensive and difficult to install, they aren't often used for driveways.

Special Application

• Special-application pavers are expensive and are often used for industrial driveways. For example, special-application pavers may be colored with reflective paint. They may be exceptionally sturdy to withstand heavy loads. Also, they may be treated with substances that repel chemicals. They are often installed by machines, compared to standard or tumbled pavers that are installed by hand.