Paver Selection Guide: Choosing the Perfect Pavers for Your Texas Patio

Whether you’re building a backyard patio from scratch, upgrading a worn-out walkway, or redesigning an outdoor living space, choosing the right pavers is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The wrong choice can mean cracking in a Texas freeze, discoloration in summer heat, or a surface that simply doesn’t hold up under vehicle traffic.

This guide covers everything homeowners, contractors, and property managers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area need to know about selecting pavers, from the Pavestone product line and style options to color selection, thickness requirements, Texas climate considerations, installation essentials, and cost comparisons. All products discussed are available at Outdoor Warehouse Supply, with locations in Lewisville and Plano.

What Are Concrete Pavers and Why Choose Them for a Texas Patio?

Concrete pavers are individually manufactured units of compressed concrete that interlock or are set in patterns over a prepared base. Unlike poured concrete slabs, they allow for joint movement, which makes them especially well-suited to Texas’s expansive clay soils and wide seasonal temperature swings.

Key advantages over poured concrete or natural stone include:

  • Repairability: Individual units can be removed and replaced without disturbing the surrounding surface
  • Flexibility: Interlocking joints absorb ground movement that would crack a poured slab
  • Design versatility: Dozens of colors, sizes, and patterns create unlimited design possibilities
  • Durability: Quality concrete pavers are engineered to withstand heavy loads and UV exposure for decades
  • Drainage options: Permeable paver systems allow water infiltration, reducing runoff and improving yard drainage

According to the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), properly installed concrete pavers typically outperform poured concrete in freeze-thaw resistance and long-term maintenance cost, making them a sound investment for residential and commercial applications alike.

Pavestone Product Line Overview

Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries the Pavestone product line, one of the most trusted and widely used concrete paver brands in Texas. Pavestone products are manufactured to meet strict quality standards and are engineered specifically for regional climate conditions.

The Pavestone lineup available at Outdoor Warehouse Supply includes a range of paver styles suited to residential patios, commercial plazas, driveways, walkways, retaining walls, and garden borders. Each product is available in multiple colors and can be ordered in quantities suitable for any project size, from small garden paths to large commercial installations.

Pavestone products pair well with natural stone accents from our natural stone collection, including flagstone borders and chopped stone edging, allowing for seamless integration of manufactured and natural materials.

Paver Styles: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing a paver style determines the visual character of your finished surface and influences installation complexity, pattern options, and cost. Below is an overview of the key styles available.

Holland Stone

Holland Stone is a classic rectangular paver with a slightly tumbled edge that gives it a handcrafted, old-world appearance. At approximately 4″ x 8″, its proportions lend themselves to herringbone, running bond, and basket weave patterns.

  • Best for: Patios, walkways, pool surrounds, traditional and cottage-style homes
  • Key strength: Timeless look, pattern flexibility, excellent interlock in herringbone layout

Panorama Pavers

Panorama Pavers offer a larger face size and a cleaner, smoother profile compared to Holland Stone. The broader surface area creates a more open, contemporary feel.

  • Best for: Modern patios, large outdoor living areas, commercial plazas
  • Key strength: Fewer joints, faster installation for large areas, contemporary aesthetic

Vintage Stone

Vintage Stone is designed to mimic the character of aged, handlaid stone with irregular surface texture and tumbled edges. It blends naturally with traditional architecture and established landscapes.

  • Best for: Established neighborhoods, traditional home styles, areas requiring a natural stone appearance at a lower cost
  • Key strength: Aged aesthetic, pairs well with natural stone accents

City Stone Pavers

City Stone Pavers are a contemporary, large-format option with clean lines and a refined finish. Their modern profile suits urban design aesthetics and minimalist outdoor spaces.

  • Best for: Modern and transitional architecture, commercial entries, courtyard designs
  • Key strength: Sleek appearance, compatible with clean geometric patterns

Square Pavers (16″, 18″, 24″)

Large-format square pavers create dramatic, high-impact surfaces with fewer joints and a bold visual statement. Available in 16″x16″, 18″x18″, and 24″x24″ sizes.

  • Best for: Formal patios, modern pool decks, commercial entries, large open spaces
  • Key strength: Fewer joints, open design feel, strong visual impact

RumbleStone

Available as Mini Paver, Medium Block, and Large Block, RumbleStone has a distinctive rough-hewn texture that mimics reclaimed or antique stone.

  • Best for: Rustic and farmhouse aesthetics, garden borders, fire pit surrounds, multi-purpose landscape features
  • Key strength: Versatile — works as both paving and accent/structural elements

Paver Style Comparison Table

Not every paver style suits every project, the right choice depends on your home’s architecture, the size of the area, and how the space will be used. Use the table below to quickly compare styles side by side before making your final selection.

 

Style Profile Best Pattern Aesthetic Best Application
Holland Stone Classic rectangular Herringbone, basket weave Traditional, timeless Patios, walkways
Panorama Large face, clean edge Running bond, stack Contemporary Large patios, plazas
Vintage Stone Tumbled, aged texture Random, ashlar Old-world, rustic Traditional homes
City Stone Modern, refined Linear, geometric Urban, minimalist Commercial, modern patios
Square Pavers Large format Grid, offset Bold, formal Pool decks, formal patios
RumbleStone Rough-hewn, reclaimed Random, informal Rustic, farmhouse Multi-use, garden borders

 

Color Selection Guide: Choosing Pavers for Texas Settings

Color selection has a significant impact on how a finished patio reads against your home’s exterior, surrounding landscape, and the intense Texas sun. The right tone can make a small patio feel larger, a contemporary home feel warmer, or a traditional property feel more refined.

Warm Earth Tones

Tan, cream, sandstone, and terracotta tones complement brick homes, warm wood tones, and native Texas plantings. These colors reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, which helps keep surface temperatures more comfortable during peak summer heat. In direct afternoon sun, lighter pavers can run 20–30°F cooler underfoot than dark alternatives.

Recommended for: Traditional homes, brick exteriors, Hill Country aesthetics, south- and west-facing patios

Cool Grays and Charcoals

Gray-toned pavers pair naturally with stone veneers, contemporary architecture, and stainless or black metal accents. Charcoal tones provide dramatic contrast and are well-suited to modern outdoor kitchens and pools with dark-tiled finishes.

Recommended for: Modern and transitional homes, pool decks, outdoor kitchen surrounds, commercial properties

Mixed and Blended Palettes

Many Pavestone products are available in blended color options that combine two or three tones for a natural, varied appearance. Blended pavers reduce the uniform, manufactured look and create depth similar to natural stone.

Recommended for: Large areas where visual monotony is a concern, landscapes with multiple stone materials, traditional and transitional designs

Color and Heat: What to Know in Dallas Summers

Dallas regularly records temperatures above 100°F from June through August. Dark pavers absorb significantly more heat than light or medium tones. For patios used during daytime hours in summer, lighter palettes or shaded installations are strongly recommended.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers guidance on managing heat in outdoor spaces, including hardscape selection considerations relevant to DFW homeowners.

Size and Pattern Options

Paver size influences pattern possibilities, installation complexity, and the visual scale of the finished surface.

Standard Sizes and Their Uses

Paver Size Common Patterns Visual Effect Installation Notes
4″x8″ (Holland Stone) Herringbone, basket weave, running bond Traditional, detailed Herringbone maximizes interlock strength
Large rectangular (Panorama) Running bond, offset Open, contemporary Fewer cuts needed on straight runs
16″x16″ square Grid, diagonal Clean, formal Requires precise base prep
18″x18″ square Grid, offset Spacious, formal Ideal for large patio areas
24″x24″ square Grid Bold, minimal Best for flat, well-prepared bases
Mixed sizes Random ashlar, multi-course Natural stone look More complex layout planning

Popular Layout Patterns

  • Herringbone (90° or 45°): The strongest interlocking pattern, recommended for driveways and high-traffic areas. Distributes load across multiple joints.
  • Running Bond: Clean, linear appearance similar to brick. Works well for walkways and contemporary patios. Easier to install than herringbone.
  • Basket Weave: Classic, traditional pattern using pairs of pavers. Suitable for patios and garden paths.
  • Random/Ashlar: Irregular layout mixing multiple sizes. Creates a natural, hand-laid appearance. Requires more planning and cutting.
  • Grid/Stack Bond: All joints aligned. Modern, formal look. Less structurally interlocked than other patterns, best for pedestrian-only areas.

Thickness Guide: Pedestrian vs. Vehicular Applications

Paver thickness is not a style choice, it is a structural requirement. Selecting the wrong thickness for the intended load can lead to cracking, settling, and premature failure.

60mm (2⅜”) Pavers — Pedestrian Applications

Standard thickness for residential patios, pool decks, walkways, and garden paths where foot traffic is the only load.

  • Suitable for: Patios, pool surrounds, garden walkways, courtyard areas, front entry paths
  • Base requirement: Typically 4″–6″ compacted base material (flex base or crushed limestone), plus 1″ bedding sand

80mm (3⅛”) Pavers — Vehicular Applications

Required thickness for driveways, parking areas, and any surface that will support vehicles, including cars, trucks, and equipment.

  • Suitable for: Driveways, parking pads, service areas, commercial vehicle zones
  • Base requirement: Typically 6″–8″ or more of compacted base, depending on soil conditions and expected load

Thickness Selection Table

Selecting the correct thickness before you order prevents costly material returns and structural rework down the line. When in doubt, consult our team at either our Lewisville or Plano location, we’ll help you match the right paver to your specific application and load requirements.

 

Application Recommended Thickness Base Depth Notes
Residential patio 60mm (2⅜”) 4″–6″ Standard residential use
Pool deck 60mm (2⅜”) 4″–6″ Consider non-slip texture
Walkway / garden path 60mm (2⅜”) 4″ minimum Stable base essential
Residential driveway 80mm (3⅛”) 6″–8″ Vehicle load requirement
Commercial parking 80mm (3⅛”) 8″+ Consult engineer for heavy use
Fire pit surround 60mm (2⅜”) 4″ Heat-resistant mortar if set

 

Texas Climate Considerations

North Texas presents a specific set of environmental conditions that should directly inform your paver selection and installation approach.

Expansive Clay Soils

Dallas-area soils are famously high in clay content, which expands significantly when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement is one of the primary causes of cracked concrete slabs in the region. Interlocking pavers accommodate this movement through their jointed structure, which is a primary reason they outperform poured concrete in North Texas conditions.

A proper compacted base of flex base or crushed limestone, combined with an appropriate bedding sand layer, helps isolate pavers from direct soil movement.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

While DFW winters are mild compared to northern states, freezing temperatures do occur, sometimes suddenly. Quality concrete pavers manufactured to ASTM standards are specifically tested for freeze-thaw resistance. Pavers with appropriate void content allow moisture to expand without fracturing the material.

The ICPI’s technical specifications outline freeze-thaw testing requirements for pavers used in cold-weather climates.

Intense UV and Heat

UV exposure does not significantly fade quality concrete pavers the way it affects organic materials. However, color selection should account for heat absorption. Lighter tones reflect solar radiation; darker tones retain it. For south- and west-facing patios without overhead shade, light to medium-toned pavers are a practical choice for comfort.

Storm and Drainage Events

DFW is prone to intense, short-duration rainfall events. Proper base preparation and slope (minimum 1%–2% grade away from structures) ensures water drains off the surface efficiently. For areas with persistent drainage challenges, permeable paver systems or integration with a gravel or drainage aggregate base can be effective solutions.

Installation Requirements

Proper installation determines whether pavers perform beautifully for decades or begin to settle, shift, and crack within a few years. The steps below represent professional installation standards.

Step 1: Planning and Layout

Mark the project area with stakes and string lines. Account for slope and drainage direction. Determine pattern and starting point, typically the most visible corner or edge.

Step 2: Excavation

Excavate to the required depth: paver thickness + base depth + bedding sand depth. For a standard residential patio with 60mm pavers:

  • 4″–6″ compacted base
  • 1″ bedding sand
  • 2⅜” paver thickness
  • Total excavation: approximately 8″–10″

Step 3: Base Installation

A compacted crushed limestone or flex base layer is the foundation of the entire system. Use a mechanical plate compactor in multiple passes. Skipping or shortcutting this step is the most common cause of paver failure.

Our Lewisville and Plano locations carry flex base, crushed limestone, and concrete sand for base preparation.

Step 4: Bedding Sand Layer

A 1″ layer of concrete sand (not mason sand) is screeded smooth over the compacted base. Do not compact the bedding sand before laying pavers, it must remain loose so pavers can settle into it uniformly.

Step 5: Paver Installation

Begin laying pavers at a fixed edge or corner, working outward. Maintain consistent joint spacing using spacers if needed. Use string lines to keep courses straight. Cut edge units with a masonry saw or diamond blade.

Step 6: Compaction and Joint Sand

After all pavers are laid, run a plate compactor over the surface to seat pavers into the bedding layer. Then apply polymeric joint sand (Gator Maxx G2 is recommended) and compact again. Polymeric sand locks joints, resists weeds, and prevents insect infiltration.

Step 7: Edge Restraints

Edge restraints keep the border pavers from shifting outward over time. Gator Flex Paver Edging and Gator Nails provide professional-grade edge containment.

Professional Installation Checklist

Step Purpose Key Material
Excavation to depth Creates uniform base
Compacted base layer Foundation stability Flex base / crushed limestone
Screeded bedding sand Uniform paver seating Concrete sand
Paver layout and cutting Pattern accuracy Diamond blade saw
Plate compaction Seats pavers Mechanical compactor
Polymeric joint sand Joint lock, weed prevention Gator Maxx G2
Edge restraints Prevents outward migration Gator Flex Edging + Nails
Final compaction + rinse Activates polymeric sand Water

Paver Cost Comparison by Type

Several factors determine the total cost of a paver project. Understanding these variables helps with accurate budgeting and material selection.

Factors That Influence Cost

  • Paver type and style: Larger format and specialty-texture pavers typically cost more per square foot than standard sizes due to manufacturing complexity and coverage efficiency.
  • Thickness: 80mm vehicular pavers cost more than 60mm pedestrian pavers and require deeper, more material-intensive base preparation.
  • Color and blend: Standard colors are generally more readily available and cost-effective than premium or specialty blends.
  • Quantity: Larger orders qualify for better pricing. Contractor pricing is available for qualifying projects, see our wholesale contractor application for details.
  • Base material depth: Vehicular applications require significantly more base material, increasing total project cost.
  • Polymeric sand and sealers: Professional-grade joint stabilizers and sealers add upfront cost but reduce long-term maintenance expense.

Paver Type Cost Comparison

Paver Type Relative Material Cost Base Requirement Best Value Application
Holland Stone (60mm) $ Standard Residential patios, walkways
Vintage Stone (60mm) $$ Standard Traditional landscapes
Panorama (60mm) $$ Standard Large patios, modern design
City Stone (60mm) $$ Standard Contemporary, commercial
Square Pavers 16″–24″ (60mm) $$–$$$ Standard Formal patios, pool decks
RumbleStone $$ Standard Multi-use, garden features
80mm Vehicular Pavers $$$ Deep base required Driveways, parking

For current pricing and availability, visit our Pavestone products page or contact us directly.

Paver vs. Alternative Hardscape Materials

Feature Concrete Pavers Poured Concrete Natural Flagstone Decomposed Granite
Lifespan 25–50 years 15–25 years 20–40 years 3–7 years
Repairability Excellent (individual units) Poor (full slab) Good Poor
Freeze-thaw performance Excellent Fair Variable Poor
Clay soil tolerance High Low Moderate Low
Design variety Very high Low High Low
Maintenance Low Moderate Moderate High
Upfront cost Moderate–High Moderate High Low
Long-term value High Moderate High Low

For projects where natural stone aesthetics are the priority, our flagstone and builder stone selections offer complementary options that pair beautifully with concrete pavers for borders, steps, and accent features. You can browse our full project gallery for inspiration on combining materials.

Paver Coverage Calculator

Use the estimates below to determine how many pavers you’ll need for your project. For precise planning, use our landscape materials calculator.

Paver Quantity Estimator

Project Area (sq ft) Holland Stone (4″x8″) 16″x16″ Square 18″x18″ Square 24″x24″ Square
100 sq ft ~450 pavers ~90 pavers ~72 pavers ~40 pavers
200 sq ft ~900 pavers ~180 pavers ~144 pavers ~80 pavers
300 sq ft ~1,350 pavers ~270 pavers ~216 pavers ~120 pavers
500 sq ft ~2,250 pavers ~450 pavers ~360 pavers ~200 pavers

Always add 5%–10% for cuts, waste, and pattern adjustments. Complex patterns like herringbone or diagonal layouts require more cuts and may need up to 15% overage.

Base Material Estimator

Project Area Base Depth Flex Base Needed Concrete Sand Needed
100 sq ft 4″ ~0.75 tons ~0.3 tons
200 sq ft 4″ ~1.5 tons ~0.6 tons
300 sq ft 6″ ~3.4 tons ~0.9 tons
500 sq ft 6″ ~5.6 tons ~1.5 tons

Common Paver Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these errors saves significant time, money, and frustration:

  • Insufficient base depth: The most frequent cause of settling and cracking. Always compact in layers; never pour base in a single deep lift.
  • Using mason sand instead of concrete sand: Mason sand compacts unevenly and can cause surface waves over time.
  • Skipping edge restraints: Without them, pavers along borders will migrate outward, opening joints and destabilizing the field.
  • Skipping polymeric sand: Standard sand washes out, inviting weeds and insects into joints.
  • Wrong paver thickness for the application: 60mm pavers under vehicle traffic will crack prematurely.
  • Poor drainage slope: Water that pools on or behind paver surfaces accelerates base erosion.

Paver Maintenance: Keeping Your Surface Looking Its Best

Concrete pavers are low-maintenance, but periodic care extends their lifespan and appearance.

  • Annual: Rinse with water to remove surface dust and debris. Inspect joints and refill with polymeric sand if erosion has occurred.
  • As needed: Remove weeds at the joint level before they establish. Treat oil or organic stains with appropriate cleaners, Gator Clean Gatorene and Gator XP Oil and Grease Remover are available at both locations.
  • Every 3–5 years (optional): Apply a sealer to protect color, resist staining, and enhance appearance. Choose from matte, satin, or high-gloss finish options depending on your aesthetic preference. We carry a full line of Gator sealers for concrete pavers and natural stone.

Shop Pavers at Outdoor Warehouse Supply

Whether you’re planning a weekend patio project or a large commercial installation, Outdoor Warehouse Supply carries the full Pavestone product line along with all the base materials, tools, joint sand, sealers, and edging systems you need to complete the job right. Our team at both locations can help you estimate quantities, select the right product for your application, and schedule delivery throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area.

Browse our complete Pavestone products selection, explore our full product catalog, or contact us to discuss your project. Contractor pricing is available, apply through our wholesale contractor application.

Our Store Locations

Outdoor Warehouse Supply (Lewisville)
Address: 2791 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067, United States
Phone Number: (469) 807-8663
Google Maps: Find Us Here
Business Hours:
Monday To Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Outdoor Warehouse Supply (Plano)
Address: 1212 Municipal Ave, Plano, TX 75074
Phone Number: (972) 423-4001
Google Maps: Find Us Here
Business Hours:
Monday To Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions About Pavers

What is the best paver for a Texas patio?

For most residential DFW patios, 60mm Holland Stone or Panorama pavers offer the best balance of durability, design flexibility, and value. Lighter color blends help manage heat in south- or west-facing areas without overhead shade.

Do concrete pavers crack in Texas clay soil?

Properly installed pavers on a well-compacted base tolerate clay soil movement far better than poured concrete. The individual units accommodate minor ground movement through their jointed structure rather than transferring stress across a continuous slab.

Can I use patio pavers for my driveway?

No — standard 60mm pedestrian pavers are not rated for vehicle loads. Driveways and parking areas require 80mm (3⅛”) pavers and a deeper compacted base of 6″–8″ or more.

How long does a paver patio last?

Quality concrete pavers installed over a proper base routinely last 25–50 years with minimal maintenance. The individual units can be replaced if damaged, which further extends the practical lifespan of the surface.

Do I need to seal my pavers?

Sealing is optional but beneficial. A quality sealer protects color, resists staining from oil and organic material, and can enhance the appearance with a matte, satin, or gloss finish. Reapplication every 3–5 years is typical.

What is polymeric sand and why does it matter?

Polymeric sand contains binding agents that activate with water and lock joint sand in place. It resists washout, weed germination, and ant infiltration far better than standard jointing sand. It is a recommended component of any professional paver installation.

How do I calculate how many pavers I need?

Measure your project area in square feet, then use our landscape materials calculator for an accurate estimate. Add 5%–10% for waste and cuts, or up to 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns.

Where can I see pavers in person near Dallas?

Visit either of our locations in Lewisville or Plano to view the full Pavestone product line in person. Our staff can walk you through options and help you choose the right product for your specific project.

Can I view completed paver projects for inspiration?

Yes — browse our project gallery for photos of completed installations across the DFW area, and read what customers say in our testimonials page or Google Business Profile.

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