Exploring Types of Pavers: Guide to Enhancing Your Tampa Property

Whether contemplating the renovation of a patio, the construction of a resilient driveway, or the creation of a zen-like garden path, selecting the most fitting type of paver in Tampa, FL, can mean the difference between the impeccably envisioned outdoor space and the lackluster one at worst; or a space that’s merely pleasing at best. In Tampa, getting the perfect pavers isn’t always easy. 

But how does one marry aesthetics and functionality? Which materials stand up best in Tampa's heat and humidity? How does one create a space that reflects one’s personal style while meeting one’s needs in the years to come?

To make your decision-making easier, we'll discuss different types of paver materials you can use in Tampa. We'll find out what makes them distinct from each other and the pros and cons of using them. We’ll also check when to best use or avoid specific pavers.

• Pros: Concrete tile pavers are typically the least expensive when compared to natural stone pavers. They are super strong, and they can withstand the abuse of high vehicle and foot traffic, along with the extreme weather in Tampa. It comes in different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, and with them, you can create everything from classic to post-modern to rustic. Concrete tile pavers are an excellent choice for areas with high foot traffic. It has higher durability than other kinds and is best used on driveways, decks around your pool, or the back patio where you entertain friends.
  
  
• Cons: This sort is colorfast. With too much exposure to the sun and elements, it becomes prone to fading. When this happens, they become more susceptible to stains. You need to periodically seal the pavers to minimize these challenges. Also, some types of natural stone tend to reflect more heat than this. You have to consider that if you have a large, unshaded patio or pool deck that will be exposed to the hot Tampa sun.
  
  
• Use: Driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and high-traffic areas. Concrete brick pavers are a cost-effective, long-lasting solution for installations in areas with high traffic. Its strong material and interesting texture provide a versatile design. With it, you can create a totally unique look for your outdoor space.
  
  
• Avoid: If you are looking for a more natural-looking structure. It is also a bad choice for big, open areas that have no shade – say, on a patio or pool deck – where it is more important for the materials to not retain heat.

• Pros: Clay pavers offer a timeless look that complements various architectural styles with their warm, earthy tones that blend seamlessly with everything from historic bungalows to modern minimalist homes. Imagine a charming walkway paved with clay leading up to your Craftsman-style bungalow in Old Northeast Tampa or a stunning earthen paver patio complementing the clean lines of your modern condo downtown. Compared to marble or travertine, this requires less upkeep. They are also durable and stain-resistant. With occasional cleaning and resealing, it will continue to look beautiful for years to come. Since they are locally sourced natural materials, earthen brick is an eco-friendly option. Their long lifespan reduces the need for replacements, further minimizing environmental impact.
  
  
• Cons: This type will generally cost more initially than concrete pavers, so bear that in mind during initial planning while considering your project budget. While this sort is not as expensive as natural stone paving, occasional resealing is necessary to restore the color and prevent staining. This is a higher-maintenance step than necessary for other pavers.
  
  
• Use: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor entertaining with a clay paver patio. The classic look complements the Spanish Colonial influences prominent in neighborhoods like Ybor City and South Tampa. For walkways, line your path with clay (brick) pavers for an elegant and timeless entrance to your home, a perfect choice for historic neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Bayshore Beautiful. For entryways, make a grand first impression with a clay paver entryway. The warm tones and classic style add a touch of sophistication to your Tampa home.
  
  
• Avoid: Though resilient to damage, brick pavers can become chipped or cracked from heavy traffic, so don’t use them in driveways or around frequent car-parking zones – concrete pavers are the appropriate choice for such high-traffic areas.

• Pros: Travertine pavers create an instant 'high-end' look in a Tampa outdoor space, adding a rustic, sophisticated elegance. The warm earth tones and delicate casual veining create a residential ambiance second to none. When properly installed using high-quality materials, this type of paver is the most durable and longest-lasting option you can buy. With a bit of care and the ability to withstand Florida heat and humidity, they can last more than 50 years.
  
  
• Cons: Then there’s the cost. These limestone pavers ($10 to $30 per sqft) costs more than clay pavers ($12 to $22 per sqft) and much more than concrete pavers ($7 to $16 per sqft). Can the cost of a luxurious look offset that higher upfront expense? Another thing is that it also requires regular sealing and maintenance to prevent staining and etching.
  
  
• Use: Add an upscale outdoors atmosphere by installing a limestone paver patio. Host poolside parties with your neighbours. Invite friends over to your gorgeous new pavered outdoor patio and enjoy hearing their oohhs and aaahhhss! Add a sense of luxury to your poolside with textured pavers that provides a stylish aesthetic while also adding traction to prevent against slip accidents in such wet areas as around the pool.
  
  
• Avoid: Erring on the side of excess; this product is especially vulnerable to scratching and chipping through heavy use. Scraping car wheels can carve up this limestone like banana cream pie at a feverish forktastic, so dismiss it entirely from areas with heavy car use: the driveway and the walkways. Go with something stronger in those zones, such as concrete pavers. (In Tampa Bay, this isn’t a huge issue but this stone does tend to have problems with freeze-thaw cycles that occur in more inhospitable winters.)

• Pros: When thinking about marble pavers, the term luxury should come to mind. Not only are they the height of beauty with their smooth, uniform surface and the incredible veining that you get with different varieties of this stone, but they also carry an air of elegance. Picture an elegantly carved entranceway leading to your Mediterranean home with its Avila-inspired architecture. You can’t help but give a good impression to your guests, walking them through a stone-paved walkway!
  
  
• Cons: Luxury won’t come cheap, and this definitely ranks as one of the more expensive types of pavers out there. Make sure to account for this cost when you make your final decision. Marble stones are also susceptible to scratching and etching (especially from daily wear-and-tear usage), so this heavy-duty product is generally best viewed by those who take meticulous care of their finer possessions. Furthermore, it is overly slippery compared to its counterparts when it becomes wet. This makes it a bad choice for pool decks or areas where there will be frequent splashing or otherwise large amounts of moisture.
  
  
• Use: A marbled walkway winding its way up to the front door of your home. This is a great way to present the grandeur of natural stones in an area where there won’t be high traffic. In a shaded area of your property, this kind of pavers can bring a luxurious effect to your patio. Because it will see less exposure to direct sunlight, you can reduce the risk of etching and fading.
  
  
• Avoid: It is simply too soft to use in paved areas with high foot traffic, such as driveways or walkways, or in areas that see a great deal of vehicle traffic; it will scuff and chip readily under such conditions. Combined with the extra slip factor of a wet surface, this type is also a poor choice for use around swimming pools. Better slip-resistant pavers are available.

• Pros: Permeable pavers are extremely effective at managing rainwater. Because water flows through cracks in the pavers into the ground, it reduces stormwater runoff. This can help with storm drain overflow management, especially in Tampa Bay, where there are frequent rain events. With permeable pavers, puddles are reduced, and the amount of water absorbed into the ground increases.
  
  
• Cons: Permeable pavers require a special base material for the water to permeate through them. This will require an additional step to the paver installation process, making it more expensive than traditional pavers.
  
  
• Use: You’re an eco-conscious homeowner who wants to increase permeability in your driveway. (They might also help minimize the ‘heat island effect’ associated with traditional paved driveways.) Use them for an eco-friendly walkway or patio, allowing rain to soak in rather than run off (so there are no pesky puddles to wade through after a storm, plus the surfaces stay usable even after a downpour).
  
  
• Avoid: Some pervious pavers will support car traffic but may not be right for driveways that have heavy, frequent vehicle traffic, such as those with a weekly truck or RV use. In places with high traffic, opt for harder-wearing pavers. 

Tampa Bay's vibrant lifestyle extends outdoors, making your patio, driveway, or pool deck a vital part of your living space. But with the Florida sunshine and potential for heavy rain, choosing the right paver is crucial. Here's a local guide to picking the perfect paver for your Tampa project:

• Budget: In Tampa, you can go about it lots of ways. Concrete pavers are both plentiful and affordable, while locally quarried limestone provides a Floridian flair at a premium.
  
  
• Aesthetics: Let the citrus groves inspire you with tumble-pavers for a more relaxed Tampa look, or broken up Dark Solitaire concrete pavers for a modern feel.
  
  
• Location: Consider salt exposure for coastal areas like Bayshore Boulevard or high-traffic areas near Raymond James Stadium.
  
  
• Maintenance: Busy schedules? Opt for low-maintenance pavers like concrete or porcelain pavers.

• As far as companies that can handle paver work are concerned, Tampa has tons of options. Always consider consulting a professional Tampa concrete company to learn about local laws and regulations for proper installation, including those for Florida's weather.
  
  
• Consistent sealing will aid your pavers in standing up to years of Tampa UV rays and even Tampa downpours. Give your project a little taste of Tampa Bay.
  
  
• Incorporate recycled glass or seashells into your paver pattern.