Cobblestone vs. Pavers: Pros, Cons & Which to Choose

Paving your driveway, bathroom, or pathway to your front door? Cobblestones on their own are gorgeous with an old-world charm and strength, whereas pavers are more flexible by design, have cleaner lines, and are better for your bank account. But how do you decide which is right for your space, your style, and your budget?Impala Black Cobblestones

This article will detail the pros and cons of cobblestones versus pavers, comparing their aesthetics, cost, maintenance, and more. No matter your plans for your interior or exterior, you’ll be able to make a confident decision about your next project.

What are Cobblestones?

The same as rounded stones from a river bed, cobblestones (which are often granite) are set in sand and bound together by a concrete mix. Imagine a historic European village with weathered stones!

What gives them the advantage when using them as construction materials? They immediately drain water and don’t become muddy in rainy weather or full of dust in dry weather. That said, they’re noisy (crunchy), uneven and hard to walk on.

For example, cobble setts are cut into uniform square pieces, whereas cobbles keep their natural round shape and are clean-cut.

Paving stones are flat stones used to pave a pathway, such as a driveway or patio space. Larger than cobblestones, they’re more uniform in shape, although they also come in square, rectangular, circular, or hexagonal shapes.

Let’s look at some of the advantages of cobblestone.

They’re durable

Cobblestones can handle people walking over them and harsh weather conditions such as rainfall or hail. If you’re building a new driveway and want it to bear the weight of many vehicles, cobblestone is a good option.

A timeless, classic look

Add character and charm to any of your areas. With variations in colour and texture, every installation will be unique. A garden pathway can be lined with irregular cobblestone, greenery and flowers; a quaint atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

They’re low-maintenance

Are your winters harsh with rain, wind and hail? Cobblestones are less likely to crumble and crack under pressure, so you won’t be stressing about repairs as often as you think.

Reasons cobblestone isn’t for you?

• > It can be very expensive, including the material alone and the specialised labour needed to install it. It’s not really a DIY-friendly material. For larger projects like driveways, cobblestone is a pricer option in comparison to other options.
• > Irregular surfaces. Walking on a cobblestone driveway in heels, for example, can be more challenging. Cobblestone can also be uncomfortable for wheelchair users, pushing strollers, and riding bicycles.
• > Cobblestone is less versatile by design! For more modern homes with clean lines, cobblestone might not complement your property.
• > The uneven stone makes power-washing more difficult and requires more maintenance effort, unlike smoother surfaces.

Cobblestone is charming, but it might not work for your project goals.

What Are Cobblestone Pavers?

Pavers are manufactured stones (made from concrete, clay or natural stone), and like cobblestones, they come in a range of shapes and sizes. The difference is, they’re designed to interlock and aren’t as uneven.

Why should you invest in them?

They’re better on a budget

Are you limited in what you can do for a paving job? When compared to cobblestone on its own, pavers are more affordable.

Create a beautiful patio or walkway without compromising too much on your savings or quality expectations.

You have more design options

You have a lot more freedom with designs, patterns, and shapes, such as geometric lines and a colour scheme that matches your home exterior.

From a classic brick look to a herringbone pattern or a mosaic design, flexible paving is at your fingertips.

Read: How To Properly Maintain Your Natural Stone Pavers

Here is the amazing cobblestone paving range at Paver Shop.

Cobble Loden Quartz Split 6 Sides

> Available sizes: 100 x 100 x 20 / 40mm

Bluestone Tumbled Cobblestones

• > Has natural textures and varied hues reminiscent of old-world cobblestone streets.
• > Arranged neatly on mesh sheets, these cobblestones simplify installation for precise placement and cut back installation time for pathways, driveways, and garden features.
• > Bluestone Cobblestones offer durability and longevity with minimal maintenance required.
• > The irregular surface provides natural traction.
• > Add character and enduring beauty to your property, such as distinctive pathways and accents.

Cobble Noce Travertine Tumbled

• > Available sizes: 100 x 100 x 10mm

Impala Black Cobblestones

Impala Black Granite Cobblestones offer a striking and sophisticated addition to any outdoor space. With their deep black colour and subtle natural speckles, these pavers bring a modern and elegant touch to patios, pathways, and driveways.

Available in 4 different sizes and on a mesh sheet for ease of laying:

• > 100x100x20 (on a mesh sheet 312×312)
• > 100x100x16-18 (on a mesh sheet 312×312)
• > 100x100x20-22 (on a mesh sheet 312×312)
• > 100x100x30 (LOOSE)

Cobble Tuscan Travertine Tumbled

• > Available sizes: 100 x 100 x 10mm

Cobble Impala Black Granite Tumbled & Flamed

• > Available sizes: 100x100x20mm
• > Type Of Paver: Straight

Paver Shop also supplies Loden Quartz at random lengths, which are natural-split cobblestones (30-55mm).

All the products featured online are sourced from reliable quarries and trusted local suppliers. If you prefer to view them up close, stop by the Paver Shop showroom in Thomastown today!

Easy to install on properties

Planning a project with a tight budget? Pavers aren’t full of irregular shapes, so the installation process is faster. And with easier installation, you aren’t up for as much of an expense.

Maintaining and repairing them is simple

If a paver becomes damaged or your driveway paver cracks, you’ll feel reassured knowing that they’re easy to maintain and repair.

Remove and replace it without impacting the surrounding pavers. Repairs are a lot less time-consuming.

So, what reasons would pavers not be for you?

• > Natural pavers aren’t as durable as natural stone, as they chip, fade, or crack when not taken care of.
• > Concrete pavers often are dyed for colour, so they’re more prone to fading from exposure to UV.
• > Cobblestone pavers have joints in between them, so weeds or moss can grow.
• > Cheaper than natural cobblestone, pavers are still more pricey than poured concrete or asphalt.
• > Upkeep is needed, such as pressure washing or re-sanding joints.

What about paving slabs? Offering a smooth, level surface, these are larger, flat stones suitable for patios, courtyards, and other larger spaces. Slabs can be made of natural stone, concrete, or porcelain.

How do you make a decision about paving? Think about how you want your spaces to look (do a drawing!), the amount of money you’re willing to spend, and why you’re making the investment. Talk to a paving professional at Paver Shop for a recommendation.

Reach out to Paver Shop for cobblestone pavers in Melbourne

• > We’re 100% fully insured
• > We’ve completed over 1000 projects across Melbourne
• > 100% quality supplies for Cobblestone paving
• > Over 20 years of experience in sales and installation

Once you’ve made a selection, the installation process is handled by fully insured contractors who take the time to achieve a stunning result. Beyond pavers, our team can also install synthetic grass, concrete sleepers, pool coping, and much more. Let’s take a look at our process:

• > Visit our showroom to view and choose your cobblestone pavers. If you’re not sure, our friendly shop assistants guide you through our selection.
• > If you choose to install with us, we organise a convenient time to visit you and provide a free quote. This includes measuring exactly what you need if we accurately price the supply.
• > Once cobblestone pavers are picked, we arrange pickup or delivery with you. Our order partners drop off your pavers with a forklift truck.
• > Our qualified and insured installers will begin the installation process to transform your spaces.

Read: How To Choose The Best Paving Contractors for Your Project

Want to Install Cobblestone Pavers? Paver Shop Can Help

Opened in 2019, Paver Shop is owned and operated by a trade professional with over 20 years of experience in the paving and landscaping industry. We are a specialist in the supply of quality, natural stone products like cobblestones, with a range to suit your needs. And given this trade background, we also install, quote your property, or recommend preferred installers to you.

On the hunt for bluestone, travertine, granite, porcelain, sandstone, or limestone? Contact us now or request a quote. You’re saving money and time at our one-stop shop.

Alternatively, we offer a “We come to you” service. For an appointment, please call (03) 9462 4325 or email sales@pavershop.com.au.