If you’re planning to completely redesign your outdoor area, you will need to decide which type of flooring material you will use. Outdoor pavers, steppers and concrete finishes are all popular options, for good reason. Whether you want to create a patio, a path to your front door (or another outdoor area), the material for your project can affect how you can use the space and how long it lasts.
Choosing between pavers, steppers or concrete finishes comes down to personal preference and budget. At Looking Good Landscaping, we love the versatility that these treatments offer. Read on to learn more about pavers, steppers and concrete finishes and which material is the right choice for your garden.
Pavers, Steppers & Concrete Finishes: What Are The Differences?
What are pavers?
Pavers are typically made from concrete, brick or natural stone. Pavers feature a rough, porous surface texture and are long-wearing and durable. Depending on your needs, these are available in different thicknesses (or depths). Pavers are available in a range of colours, shapes, textures and sizes. Some modern outdoor pavers have the appearance of tiles, giving you the best of both worlds and cleverly combining the design options of tile with the functionality of pavers.
What are steppers?
Steppers are flat pieces of stone used to create a walking or stepping path, typically through a garden or down the side of a home. Steppers are made from the same materials as pavers, often in irregular, eye-catching shapes.
Browse examples of our works with steppers.
What are concrete finishes?
Finally, concrete finishes encompass a range of surface treatments to give outdoor surfaces a distinctive look. These range from grey concrete right through to washed aggregate. A wide number of colours and choices are available, depending on your desired aesthetic.
What Are The Different Types Of Pavers?
Natural pavers |
Composite pavers |
| Bluestone Dense, hardwearing volcanic stone formed over millions of years with grey-blue colouring. |
Concrete One of the most common pavers, made with cement and aggregates. Durable and strong solution for large areas like driveways. |
| Limestone Hard sedimentary stone with a textured surface, normally pale but can be grey, blue and red. |
Composite granite Made with around 95% granite and 5% resin, composite granite is less porous and more affordable than natural granite. |
| Granite A natural grey speckled igneous rock creating a non-slip surface ideal for around pools and garden edges. |
Recycled composite A more eco-friendly paver choice using recycled stone and aggregates to make a wide range of pavers. |
| Clay brick Limited in colour choices but hardy in outdoor spaces, brick is a popular driveway paver or garden edge. |
Deciding On Your Flooring Material
Consider colour
Choosing the right flooring material is about looks as much as performance.
For example, dark pavers might be striking in a high-contrast backyard design palette, but they get very hot underfoot when exposed to too much Perth sunshine.
- Light colours are better for walkways and steppers because they reflect heat
- Coloured stone can fade in the sun
- Natural textured limestone is ideal around pool areas
- Brick and plain concrete are limited in colour but easier to clean (and fade resistant)
- Textured stone can be used as a striking feature in landscape design
Most landscape pavers come in more than one colour and texture. We can help you find the right shade, shape and size to suit your backyard design.
On the other hand, concrete finishes are available in a wide range of colours and have considerable durability.
Consider the surroundings
Plan your pavers based on the big picture, not just your favourite stone. You’ll want to carefully choose a finish to your concrete or tiles that complements and enhances the overall space.
Hardscaping is all about harmony. For example, choosing pavers in a similar palette to roof tiles is an easy way to balance your home’s overall look. Using subtly contrasting shades in the garden can create a natural path for your eyes or feet to follow, making landscape pavers a clever design choice as well as highly functional. If you need paver inspiration, look here.
Don’t forget about texture!
Our final tip is based on feeling – the feeling of your flooring, that is. Subtle texture changes achieve a sense of movement and depth you wouldn’t have thought possible in stone. For example, mixing plain natural stone and speckled granite creates an elegant feature without overdoing the accents.
Especially when using mainly monotone pavers in backyard design, look for ways texture can establish a more organic, exciting look that complements your plants.
Installation and durability
Each outdoor flooring requires a different approach to installation.
Installing Pavers & Steppers
Your landscaper will clear the required area, flatten and prepare the surface, then commence laying the pavers. You can easily lift pavers if you decide to refresh your garden layout in a few years. Pavers certainly offer you a little more flexibility if you want to update your landscaping. Pavers are tough enough to withstand heavy lawn equipment and light vehicle traffic – making them ideal for driveways.
Although steppers have a similar installation method, they are for light foot traffic only.
Installing A Concrete Finish
Concrete finishes require a similar clear and prepare method, depending on the finish selected as to the method used. This is the most durable of finishes with reinforced mesh included will withstand most traffic.
Choose Looking Good Landscaping offer these treatments as part of a complete landscaping package.
Our experienced tradesmen work with various paving materials, including limestone, concrete, and clay pavers, and will create a well-laid surface that will last for years to come. We can supply and install all paving projects, including paths, patios, alfresco, driveways, and steps as part of a complete landscaping project.
Looking Good Landscaping’s skilled tradesmen will professionally prepare your site, clearing and levelling sand and dirt for your newly paved area. We can also lift and replace old paving and replace any damaged paving at your site as part of a complete landscaping makeover. Contact us today.
