The two main options for NC hardscapes
Most paver and stone projects we quote in Reidsville, Greensboro, Eden, and the surrounding NC Piedmont communities come down to one of two material families:
- Concrete pavers — manufactured units from brands like Belgard, Techo-Bloc, Pavestone, and others. Engineered, consistent, and the dominant choice for driveways and large patios.
- Natural stone — quarried stone like flagstone, bluestone, travertine, fieldstone, and bouldering. Variable, distinctive, and the dominant choice for premium patios, walkways, and accent areas.
Both can be installed to last 30+ years in NC if the base is done right. Both have trade-offs. Here is how to choose.
Cost comparison (NC installed prices, 2026)
| Application | Concrete pavers | Natural stone |
|---|---|---|
| Patio | $15-$25 per sq ft | $22-$45 per sq ft |
| Driveway | $18-$30 per sq ft | $28-$55 per sq ft |
| Walkway | $18-$30 per sq ft | $24-$50 per sq ft |
| Retaining wall (block) | $30-$50 per face sq ft | $45-$80 per face sq ft |
Natural stone is almost always 30-60% more expensive due to material cost and installation labor (irregular shapes mean more cuts and more pattern-fit time).
Durability in NC freeze-thaw climate
Both materials handle NC freeze-thaw cycles well IF properly installed per the ICPI standards. Concrete pavers are engineered to a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi — stronger than poured concrete slabs. Quality natural stone (bluestone, granite, travertine) is similarly durable.
The killer is the BASE under either material, not the material itself. A concrete paver on a bad base will fail in 5 years. A travertine on a great base will last decades.
Slip resistance and pool decks
For pool decks and shaded patios where moisture lingers, slip resistance matters. Tumbled concrete pavers, riven flagstone, and travertine all offer good grip. Smooth honed flagstone and polished travertine are slippery when wet — avoid these for high-traffic wet areas.
Heat under bare feet
Light-colored concrete pavers and travertine stay cooler in summer sun than darker pavers or bluestone. If your patio gets full afternoon sun, color choice can make a 20-30 degree surface temperature difference in July.
Repairability after settlement or damage
This is where concrete pavers win clearly. Individual concrete pavers can be lifted and reset in an hour, then replaced with stock matching pavers. Natural stone is irregular and matching a replacement stone to existing 5-10 years later is often impossible.
Maintenance
Both materials benefit from sealing every 3-5 years to maintain color and protect from stains. Concrete pavers can be pressure-washed at higher PSI. Natural stone (especially limestone and travertine) should be pressure-washed at lower PSI to avoid damaging the surface.
Aesthetic considerations
Concrete pavers come in dozens of consistent patterns and colors. They look engineered and modern, which fits contemporary homes well. Natural stone has no two pieces alike, which fits traditional and rustic homes, custom design intent, and high-end residential better.
When to pick concrete pavers
- Driveways and high-traffic areas (more cost-effective and more easily repaired)
- Large patios where budget matters
- You want consistent color and pattern
- You want easy long-term repair access
- You may need to add to it later and want to match
When to pick natural stone
- Premium patios and outdoor living areas where the look is the priority
- Pool decks and accent walkways
- Traditional architecture (older homes, stone-clad facades)
- You want one-of-a-kind organic pattern
- Budget allows the 30-60% premium
Hybrid approach we recommend often
Many NC clients end up using concrete pavers for the bulk of the patio or driveway, then accent with natural stone for the walkway, fire pit surround, or pool coping. You get the cost efficiency of pavers for the big area plus the design impact of stone where it shows most.
If you are weighing pavers vs natural stone for a specific project, we offer free in-person consultations. We bring samples of both materials so you can see and feel the difference at your site, in your light. Call (336) 552-7764 or visit the estimate page.
Gary Ford is the owner of Garrison’s Landscaping LLC, an ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer with 25+ years of hardscape construction experience across the Piedmont Triad NC.