How to Choose the Right Pavers for Your Patio, Walkway, or Driveway

October 2, 2023

Paver installations are one of the most popular landscape upgrades in Oakland County, and for good reason. Whether you’re building a new patio, walkway, or driveway, pavers offer unmatched durability, design flexibility, and long-term value. But with so many styles, colors, textures, and patterns available, choosing the right pavers can feel overwhelming.

The good news? Selecting the right paver comes down to understanding your needs, your home’s architectural style, and how the space will function. Driftwood Landscape uses expert design planning to match homeowners with the perfect pavers that enhance curb appeal and perform exceptionally well in Michigan’s climate.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of pavers, what to consider before choosing them, and how to make the best decision for your project.

Why Pavers Are a Top Choice for Michigan Landscapes

Before diving into selection tips, it’s important to understand why pavers are such a smart investment:

✔ They resist cracking better than poured concrete

✔ They offer endless design possibilities

✔ They are highly durable for Michigan’s freeze–thaw cycles

✔ They are easy to repair and maintain

✔ They add value and aesthetic appeal to your home

These benefits apply whether you’re creating a new driveway, patio, fire pit area, or front walkway.

The Three Main Types of Pavers

Understanding the differences between paver materials helps narrow your choices.

1. Concrete Pavers

The most popular choice for residential landscapes.

Benefits:

✔ Affordable
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Available in hundreds of colors and shapes
✔ Works with any architectural style
✔ Excellent for patios, walkways, and driveways

Best For:

  • Modern designs
  • Traditional homes
  • Budget-friendly projects

2. Brick Pavers

Classic and timeless.

Benefits:

✔ Rich, historic look
✔ Long-lasting
✔ Naturally slip-resistant

Best For:

  • Colonial or traditional homes
  • Front walkways
  • Homeowners wanting a timeless style

3. Natural Stone Pavers

High-end and unique.

Benefits:

✔ Every piece is one-of-a-kind
✔ Premium material for luxury landscapes
✔ Excellent durability and traction

Best For:

  • Upscale patios
  • Garden walkways
  • Custom outdoor living areas

Natural stone offers the most prestige, while concrete pavers provide the best balance of price, durability, and design options.

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Paver

Choosing a paver isn’t just about looks—functionality matters too. Here’s what Driftwood Landscape evaluates during planning:

1. The Purpose of the Space

Different areas require pavers with different durability and thickness.

Patio or walkway:

A standard 2 ⅜" paver works great.

Driveway:

Use thicker, stronger pavers built for heavy weight.

2. Your Home’s Architecture

The paver should complement—not clash with—your home’s style.

Modern home?

Go with smooth, large-format slabs or linear pavers.

Traditional home?

Brick-style pavers or textured concrete blocks work beautifully.

Rustic or natural home?

Stone-look pavers or natural stone fit best.

3. Color Selection

Your paver color should coordinate with:

  • Roof
  • Siding
  • Trim
  • Surrounding landscape
  • Hardscape features (walls, steps, edging)

Neutral blends like charcoal, tan, and gray are the most versatile.

4. Texture & Slip Resistance

Oakland County winters bring snow and ice—texture matters.

Best textures for safety:

✔ Slate-style
✔ Tumbled stone
✔ Exposed aggregate-like pavers
✔ Lightly textured surfaces

Avoid overly smooth finishes in areas exposed to moisture.

5. Pattern Options & Visual Flow

Popular patterns include:

✔ Herringbone

✔ Running bond

✔ Basketweave

✔ Modular patterns

✔ Circular or curved designs

Herringbone is ideal for driveways because of its load strength. Modular patterns work well for patios. Curved walkways create natural flow.

6. Budget & Longevity

Concrete pavers offer the best cost-to-performance ratio. Natural stone is more expensive but provides unmatched beauty and longevity.

Driftwood will help you compare options to find the best balance for your goals.

Popular Paver Styles for Oakland County Homes

Some homeowner favorites include:

• Charcoal border + gray main field

• Multi-blend tumbled pavers for rustic charm

• Large-format slabs for modern patios

• Brick pavers for classic walkways

• Natural stone-look pavers for elevated design

• Two-tone patio patterns for dimension

Your paver selection sets the tone for your entire outdoor space.

Installation Quality Matters More Than the Paver You Choose

Even the best pavers will fail prematurely if installed incorrectly. Driftwood Landscape ensures:

✔ Proper excavation

✔ Correct base depth and compaction

✔ Bedding layer leveling

✔ Precision paver laying

✔ Strong, hidden edge restraints

✔ Polymeric sand finishing

✔ Perfect grading for drainage

This prevents shifting, sinking, weed growth, and water pooling—the most common DIY issues.

Signs You Need a Paver Upgrade

You may benefit from new pavers if:

  • Your concrete is cracked or uneven
  • Your walkway feels outdated
  • Your patio doesn’t match your home’s style
  • Your driveway is sinking or stained
  • You want a low-maintenance outdoor surface
  • You’re planning a full landscape renovation

Pavers offer a fresh, modern solution with long-term value.

Ready to Choose the Perfect Pavers?

Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today

Driftwood Landscape helps you choose the ideal pavers for your home and installs them with precision and care.