Whether you’re seeking a cobblestone alternative for your patio, driveway, or any other outdoor area, you can achieve a beautiful, charming aesthetic with pavers that look like cobblestone, but provide more modern benefits. Concrete alternatives to historic cobblestones can be used to achieve a timeworn and character-packed aesthetic—with cutting-edge functionality.
Some paving stones achieve near-perfect resemblance to century-old cobblestones, while others add a refined and modern touch.
At the same time, many options deliver incredible water-management and harsh-weather features—something that we in southeast Michigan greatly value.
So what should you look for when selecting a cobblestone alternative?
Authentic Aesthetics
Many homeowners seek out pavers that look like cobblestone because of the beauty of this time-tested look.
Some cobblestone alternative molds are cast from authentic European cobblestones, which creates as convincing a resemblance as possible. Despite irregular edges, which appear to be worn over centuries of use, the underlying bases of these paving stones are manufactured to precise dimensions, which aids in efficient installation as well as the quality of the completed hardscape.
Look for different types of paving stones that are manufactured using innovative technologies that reinforce strength and perfect mimicry of real cobblestones. Many such pavers are distinctly luxurious, harnessing age-old elegance in a compact and perfectly polished unit.
As you begin dreaming and designing, remember to think beyond your underfoot world. Cobblestone pavers are so small and nonlinear that they can be used to form smooth curves without the need for much cutting. Which is why they make excellent borders, accents, and embellishments.
Finally, embrace the color range! From earthy tones to more modern, cool hues, cobblestone pavers are available in a wide range of eye-catching tones.
Related: 4 Different Types of Paving Stones and Their Advantages
Incomparable Stone Strength
One great benefit of cobblestone alternatives is the greatly improved strength of these high-tech pavers. Products can boast 4 times the strength of poured concrete, helping to ensure that the aesthetic you’ve invested in will stand the test of time.
This is why many interlocking paver cobblestone alternatives are used in the construction of
Driveways
Patios
Walkways
Steps
Outdoor kitchen flooring
Fire pits
Pool surrounds
Garden edging
And more
Their layout makes them well-suited to the frequent heavy loads and tractive forces to which many hardscapes are subjected.
Lasting Look, Lasting Materials
Cobblestone looks can bring timeless beauty, rustic charm, or crisp elegance to your outdoor living space. But we want those great looks to last and last.
That’s why we believe strongly in impeccably crafted cobblestone materials, with detailed surfaces that are as durable as they are beautiful. Many manufacturers employ advanced, multi-step production processes that improve durability and protect color fastness for many years to come.
Result: a vibrant, detailed concrete paver, highly resistant to fading and wear.
Look for great warranties on the pavers your landscaping specialist recommends, as the best manufacturers are willing to stand by their products’ longevity and quality.
Weathering the Environmental Factor
Interlocking permeable pavers designed to mimic the look of larger cobblestones bring huge environmental advantages versus their ancestors. By allowing for proper percolation of surface water into the ground, these cobblestone alternatives can
Reduce the risk and severity of flooding
Eliminate puddles
Provide cost savings on de-icing salt and snow removal
So these sustainable and practical hardscape solutions are a great option for both residential and commercial applications like driveways, patios, gardens, pool decks, and more.
Some cobblestone alternative pavers are tested against saltwater to ensure durability against damage from de-icing products and salt from natural environments. They feature low absorption rates to resist harsh weather degradation, and their colors do not fade from UV exposure or corrode from acid rain.
Eco-friendly features make some cobble pavers favorites among environmentally conscious homeowners and green thumbs who desire a well-nourished landscape.
Getting Started with Cobblestone Alternatives & More
Still not sure about the best cobblestone alternative for your next project? We’d love to discuss the options with you.
Want to see photos, examples, and reviews from people just like you who wanted to make more of their outdoor spaces? Check out our gallery of our work or catch up with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Image courtesy of Unilock.
