Pavers are an excellent choice for people who want to improve and decorate their living space. Pavers are essential to the home, whether to boost the home design or safety. Adding pavers will transform the look of any surface and are also easy to maintain and durable.
Thin pavers are great for renovating patios, decks, front entries, and overlays, as long as the expected use or weight limit is foot traffic and furniture. Thick pavers are great for new builds, construction, and can be used for heavier traffic or storing heavier items like vehicles.
What are pavers? Simply put, pavers are paving stones made from natural materials used for exterior flooring. They are a popular option in construction because they’re safe and beautiful. Consider using pavers when building or renovating a home.
So, what pavers should you choose? The most asked question is whether thick or thin pavers are best. As usual, it depends on each home project. Fortunately, we have answers to all your questions, so read on!
Does the Thickness of Pavers Matter?
The thickness of pavers matters, which is a crucial factor when installing them into the home. Pavers should always be thick enough to support the expected use and function of installation. Thin pavers are great for foot traffic, but thick pavers are needed for parked vehicles.
There are so many types and styles of pavers that it can be overwhelming. Of course, most people don’t know the difference between thin and thick pavers and where to use them.
Most times, people get excited when choosing the texture and color of the pavers, but thickness is the first thing to consider.
For example, let’s imagine that we have already chosen pavers. It’s time to install them, but we realize we’ve picked the wrong thickness. The first thing that pops into our minds is, “Well, what could go wrong? Thin or thick, it isn’t a big deal. “
I don’t want to be a total buzzkill here, but it’s essential. If you install too thin pavers, they will crack from bearing too much weight.
The proper thickness of pavers will literally make or break a home project.
Differences between thin vs. thick pavers
Thin pavers are typically used to remodel existing projects around the home, like decks, pavements, front entries, and patios. On the other hand, thick pavers are generally used in new home construction, like a new patio, pool, and driveways.
It’s challenging to pick the right pavers for a home project. If we’re having a tough time with it, it’s time to consult with a contractor. The thickness of pavers required exclusively depends on the type of home project.
To simplify things, though, here’s a rule of thumb.
- Use thick pavers for hardscaping if building a new home.
- Use thin pavers to reshape the existing construction, like the pool or patio.
How Thick Should a Paver Be?
Thin pavers are usually between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inches (0.75 to 1.25 inches) thick, while thick pavers should be between 2.4 and 3.5 inches deep.
The pavers’ thickness depends on the application and installation location – think driveways, patios, and pedestrian areas. Also, the construction material is a factor to consider. The most used materials are concrete, flagstone, brick, travertine, marble, plastic, rubber, porcelain, and cobblestone.
Let’s not forget different shapes such as rectangles, squares, octagonal, H – shaped, and hexagonal.
Choosing the right thickness for a DIY project is the most important thing. The safety of the home depends on it. Mostly this is true when creating projects like driveways and front entries. In the long haul, thick pavers will withstand heavy weight like vehicles.
For example, we used thick pavers when we built a retaining wall that would be filled with gravel as a parking spot for our travel trailer. We wanted that wall to be solid, and we also didn’t want to have to do a ton of rows. Using thicker pavers meant the wall got done faster, and the wall is totally solid even years later.
Are Thin Pavers Good?
Thin pavers are a good option frequently chosen because they are easy to install over an existing concrete slab. For that reason, they are also called overlay pavers. They are a perfect solution for new landscaping projects, lower trafficked areas, or renovations.
The appearance of a home improves by remodeling already existing structures, and thin pavers are the perfect option in this scenario, too.
Thin pavers are very easy to maintain and stay in good condition. If by any chance damage does happen, it’s easy to replace or repair them.
For example, we used thin pavers (flagstone) when we re-did our park strip. They only need to be able to support the weight of people who walk by, and they’re being put down on already-packed dirt – that I didn’t want to dig down anymore on! They didn’t need to be thick, and they’ve been a great way to improve our park strip while also making it more water-wise.
Are Thin Pavers Durable?
Thin pavers are an excellent choice for many home projects around the house and yard. They combine flexibility, strength, and abrasion resistance, which makes them durable for many years.
There is an assumption that thin pavers are fragile and more likely to obtain damage. However, properly installed and protected thin pavers will hold up for many years.
Are Thick Pavers Good?
Thick pavers are superb for outdoor spaces where there is heavy traffic. The pavers must be thick so they don’t crack under the weight. They are very flexible and easy to curve, so people can mix thick paver colors as desired.
For home projects such as constructing a new pool or driveway, thick pavers are an excellent option. In addition, they are perfect for outdoor projects like retaining walls, fire pits, and more.
Are Thick Pavers Durable?
Thick pavers are durable, long-lasting, and adapt quickly to seasonal changes.
When thick pavers are correctly installed, they form a flexible, interlocking solid system. Because of this, they are not susceptible to cracking or breaking.
We recommend adding a protective sealer which makes maintenance and cleaning fast and easy. This way, you can protect the pavers from damage and deterioration.
If using a sealer isn’t your thing, go for natural rocks or concretes that don’t require sealing. That way, you still get durable decades (or more) of use out of your DIY project.
When to Use Thick vs. Thin Pavers
Thick pavers are used in new buildings or heavily-used areas like parking areas, while thin pavers are used to reshape existing construction or in areas where weight limits don’t matter. Pavers are used outdoors for driveways, pool decks, patios, walkways, planters, and fire pits.
For example, interlock pavers are usually made of concrete or cement. They are durable and strong and can hold heavy weight if installed correctly. This is ideal for driveways or patios.
On the other hand, paving slabs are preferred among architects and homeowners because they offer assorted colors and shapes and are used for different outdoor and indoor purposes.
When to use thin pavers
Thin pavers are used to remodel an existing front entry, walkway, patio, garden path, edging, pool deck, or even an outdoor shower or areas where foot traffic is the heaviest expected use. They are a very economical solution and aesthetically very pleasing.
Aesthetics are essential, but the advantage of thin pavers is durability. In addition, they can stand extreme weather conditions and are low maintenance.
Thin pavers are an excellent option to repair or reshape a dull concrete area without spending too much money. If we want to spice up an old patio or pool deck, thin pavers are the answer.
The great thing about thin pavers is they can overlay on river rock, concrete, or any other surface. They are light, cheap, and easy to use. There are endless choices of shape, color, pattern, and size which compliments any landscape.
When to use thick pavers
Thick pavers are used for heavy and everyday applications. For a surface that is adequate for vehicles and heavy use, thick pavers are the best option. In addition, they are perfect for any driveway project because they are resistant and durable.
In this case, pavers need to be thick to hold weight. Why is this so important? The answer is protection. This is the main reason thick pavers are used. If a surface isn’t paved correctly, it will be sensitive to weather conditions and damage.
Bad paving is especially dangerous to other structures such as walls or swimming pools. A good foundation for a house is essential. An unpaved surface after rain is usually muddy.
Believe it or not, this can lead to an uneven surface that interferes with traffic. On the other hand, a paved surface with thick pavers is safe and lasts for decades.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
In construction, thin and thick pavers are used for exterior flooring. Nowadays, pavers are aesthetically pleasing for outdoor spaces thanks to their versatility in colors and shapes.
Whether you want to pave a garden path or a driveway, pavers are a smart and easy choice. Depending on the home project, the patio, driveway, or pool deck will stand up to the time and weather.
Thin or thick pavers are ideal because of their durability, flexibility, versatility, and easy maintenance. Pavers are made of natural soil materials, enhancing the beauty of any home.
When choosing the appropriate pavers for an outdoor space, think about the correct thickness of the pavers, materials, durability, and maintenance. These are all factors to consider.
Some home projects have the characteristic of being visually beautiful, and some have the characteristic of functionality and practicality.
As said before, picking the proper thickness of pavers is crucial. The wrong thickness is dangerous, so always consult a professional before buying them. We want our homes to be beautiful, so usually, we choose aesthetics over functionality.
Luckily, today we can choose safe and beautiful patterns.
So, which pavers are better? Thin or thick? It depends on the home project but let’s put it this way – thick pavers make a home safe, while thin pavers make homes beautiful.
Resources
Learning from your own experience is important, but learning from others is also smart. These sources were used in this article and our research to be more informed as we DIY and decorate our homestead.
- “Benefits Of Pavers.” Legacy Pavers, 19 Feb. 2017, www.legacypavers.com/benefits-of-pavers.
- C. Aurora Paving LTD. “Thick vs. Thin Pavers: Which One Should I Choose?” C. Aurora Paving LTD., caurorapaving.com/blog/f/thick-vs-thin-pavers-which-one-should-i-choose. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.
- European Pavers Southwest, Inc. “Benefits of Pavers.” European Pavers, 3 May 2022, europeanpaverssouthwest.com/pavers/benefits.
- 5 Advantages of Using Thin Pavers. “5 Advantages of Using Thin Pavers.” Peacock Pavers, 12 July 2021, peacockpavers.com/5-advantages-of-using-thin-pavers.
- Imports, Carmel Stone. “Here´s What No One Tells You About Pavers.” Carmel Stone Imports Palo Alto & Monterey, CA, 12 July 2019, carmelimports.com/2019/07/11/heres-what-no-one-tells-you-about-pavers.
- Koala. “Why Are Pavers So Important?” MileStonePavers | Marble, Travertine, Limestone Pavers, 21 Mar. 2020, www.milestonepavers.com/why-are-pavers-so-important.
- Martin, Laura. “Guide to Vehicular Pavers.” Nitterhouse Masonry Products, LLC, 27 May 2022, www.nitterhousemasonry.com/blog/guide-to-vehicular-pavers.
- “Permeable Pavers, Aquaflow, Interlocking, Concrete, Pavers | Clearwater, Tampa, Florida.” Premier Brick Pavers, premierbrickpavers.com/permeable-pavers.php. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.
- Prevoo, Didier. “Types Of Pavers: Materials and Colours.” African Pegmatite, 2 Nov. 2020, mineralmilling.com/types-of-pavers-materials-and-colours.
- “Tips for Choosing between Thick or Thin Pavers.” Cremin Surfacing & Construction, 21 Oct. 2020, www.creminsurfacing.co.uk/tips-for-choosing-between-thick-or-thin-pavers.
- Villeneuve, Simon. “Paver Thickness: How Much Does Size Matter for Driveways vs. a Patio?” Western Interlock, 17 July 2021, westerninterlock.com/paver-thickness-how-much-does-size-matter.
- “All You Need to Know About Interlock Pavers.” Markstone Landscaping, 23 Sept. 2019, markstonelandscaping.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-interlock-pavers.