A Quick Guide to the 4 Most Popular Types of Paving Stones in the Market in 2023

The global pace of urbanization is growing with each passing year; new architectural projects are being designed by corporate houses and governments of various countries, especially those of developing economies, have increased their spending on infrastructure development. Due to these reasons, construction activities which were stalled during the pandemic have received a major boost. Paving stones or pavement slabs have been in a lot of demand because of the growing pace of urbanization and this surge in demand is, as per Research Dive’s market analysis report, a major factor in the growth of the global paving stone market.

Different Types of Paving Stones Available in the Market

As the demand for paving stones has increased, diverse ranges of pavement slabs have come up in the market in the last few years. Just like any other infrastructural components, pavement slabs of different types are suited for different purposes. Some of these pavement slab types are discussed below along with their uses:

1. Granite Paving Stones

Granite pavement slabs are probably the most popular type of pavers used for building sidewalks. Granite, being the second hardest material after diamond, is the most go-to material for building pavements that have a high footfall as they offer durability along with aesthetic beauty. Also, since the permeability of granite is very low, it is extensively used in both interior and exterior building projects. One of the biggest advantages of granite is its low reactivity to acids and chemical reagents which makes it perfect for urban landscapes which experience a lot of air and water pollution. However, the downside of granite paving stones is their weight which makes them tough for installation.

2. Indian Sandstone Pavement Slabs

Indian sandstone paving stones are hugely popular in the United States and the United Kingdom for building road pavements. The primary reason behind their huge popularity is the easy availability of sandstones and that too of different sets of colors and shades. Indian sandstone pavers are generally made of silicon making them impermeable to water and different types of fluids. Also, these pavement stones are lighter in weight as compared to granite stones which makes them easy to cut and install. Indian sandstone pavement stones can, however, fade and roughen over time if the weather and climate of the area isn’t conducive.

3. Limestone Pavement Slabs

Limestone slabs, like sandstone slabs, due to their sedimentary nature of formation, provide unique colors and shades to the pavement in which they are used. The main difference between the two is that while sandstone slabs provide different exotic colors, limestone slabs have a more consistent color gradient which imparts a soft color palette to the sidewalk. Also, since the grains of limestone are finer, these pavement slabs have a smoother surface as compared to sandstone paving stones. Limestone pavers, just like sandstone slabs, may fade due to continuous exposure to sunlight and may also undergo changes in texture when subjected to acids and chemicals.

4. Porcelain Paving Stones

Porcelain is a ceramic mixture made by heating kaolinite, a clay material, and other similar compounds. Porcelain has very low water permeability and pavement slabs made using porcelain as a base material are generally used in areas experiencing extreme temperatures in summers and winters. Apart from sidewalks and driveways, porcelain paving stones are especially used in pool decks and similar moist environments due to their high wear and tear resistance. Also, since these slabs are made from porcelain, a manmade material, they can be easily customized for a specific color, texture, or style.

The Bottom Line

The sheer diversity of paving stones in the market is a testament to the fact that the applicability of pavement slabs has widened in urban spaces. Moreover, the demand for pavers from industrial and commercial sectors has also grown considerably in the past few years. To meet the ever-growing demands from different sectors, different materials like rubber and plastic are also being used to manufacture pavement slabs. This wave of innovative practices in paving stones manufacturing is predicted to expand the growth prospects of the market handsomely in the near future.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.