How to Identify What Pavers You Have

Measure a paver -- its length, width and thickness. If you can't access the side of the paver to measure thickness, dig a small trench at the side of the patio or pathway with a garden trowel. Dig until you reach the paver's base and can see the entire depth, which gives you a place to measure.

Compare dimensions of your paver to the standard dimensions of common paving materials. Common clay brick paver sizes are 3 5/8 inches wide by 7 5/8 inches long, 3 3/4 by 7 1/2 inches and 4 by 8 inches. Common clay brick thicknesses are 1 1/2 inches and 2 1/4 inches. Concrete pavers might share these dimensions or have a square or polygon shape. Natural stone pavers are often cubic or cut into broad, thick slabs.

Feel the paver's texture with bare hands. Although both concrete pavers and clay brick pavers contain sand, concrete pavers tend to have a grittier texture than clay pavers. Pavers that feel similar to light sandpaper are likely concrete. Pavers that feel smooth with intermittent grains of sand are likely clay. Natural stone pavers, such as granite and marble, are generally smooth and slick. Flagstone and sandstone paving materials are generally rough and irregularly shaped.

Remove a paver from the installation if you can't identify it in place. Take the paver to a home improvement store or landscaping-material supplier to compare the stone to available paving materials.