The Advantages of Choosing a Commercial Supplier for Pavers

Pavers, sometimes called paver stones, are an extremely popular and versatile material used for landscaping and hardscaping applications. They are used in residential settings for paths, patios, and driveways, in commercial seating areas and walkways, and in public gathering spaces at parks, government buildings, and more. 

In contrast to paving an area with a continuous expanse of concrete or asphalt, using pavers can add more visual interest and curb appeal to a space. Because pavers are essentially a modular paving system, with each piece installed individually, it’s also possible to cut them to size with precision, seat them securely, and tamp each one into place for a thoroughly solid finished surface. In most cases, laying pavers generally does not require heavy equipment to mix and apply the paving material.

Most pavers require little to no maintenance. It’s also possible to remove and replace most pavers without disrupting the rest of the installation, which saves time and money.

With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why pavers are so widely used and available. But not all paver products are identical, and choosing the right paver and the right supplier can make a big difference to the look and lifespan of your project. Here, we’ll look at some reasons to consider buying pavers from a commercial supplier (even if you’re a homeowner or DIYer).

Types of Paver Materials

Pavers can be manufactured or cut from natural, quarried stone. There are many different materials used to make pavers, and depending on the specifics of the application, certain materials may be more or less suitable, or easier to work with or maintain than others. An experienced commercial supplier, like Minick, can advise you on the advantages of different types of pavers for your project.

Common paver materials include the following:

• Brick. Brick is made from a mixture of clay and water that is molded and kiln-fired. It is generally fade-proof since its color is inherent in the clay material. Terracotta is a related option, made with a finer grade of clay.
• Cast concrete. Cement is mixed with sand, gravel or crushed stone, and color pigments, then packed into a mold with a small amount of water and left to cure.
• Porcelain. This is a type of ceramic material that is fired to be extremely hard, dense, and scratch-resistant.
• Natural stone. Many types of stone are dense and durable enough for use as pavers, including limestone, sandstone, travertine, bluestone, granite, basalt, and others.

Shapes, Sizes, and Finishes

Regardless of the material, pavers are available in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes to achieve aesthetic as well as functional design goals. Squares and rectangles are common shapes, and sizes can range anywhere from a few square inches to a couple of square feet. Round, oblong, diamond, and curved pavers can be used separately or as accents in a larger design scheme. Some installations use a single size, while others mix a variety in a pattern or at random. Natural stone pavers can be cut into more uniform or squared-off sizes, but they can also be produced in varied shapes and sizes that are more organic and irregular, which creates a more natural look.

Different materials have different natural textures. Depending on the application, a smooth or slippery paver could present a safety risk. Or, a very rough or textured paver may be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Colors and materials also absorb and retain heat differently, and that can impact how and where they are used as well.

Concrete, stone, porcelain, and brick pavers can be finished or treated to create different looks, textures, and properties. Some common finishes include:

• Smooth or polished
• Textured
• Tumbled/rumbled
• Honed
• Sawn edges
• Split face/riven
• Etched
• Hammered
• Flamed

A commercial supplier will have the product knowledge to help you determine what paver size and finish are best for your project, whether the application is around a swimming pool, a replacement driveway, or a patio with a fire pit.

What makes commercial-grade pavers different?

Just because pavers are generally easy to pry up and replace as needed doesn’t mean you want to do it frequently. Paver hardscapes look and perform best when they remain intact and all of the stones can expand, contract, and weather as a group. The key to a long-lasting installation that rarely needs repairs is using high-quality materials for every aspect of a paver project, and especially the pavers themselves.

There really is a qualitative difference between commercial and retail-grade pavers. They often look similar, but on close inspection (or consultation with an expert), the differences become clearer. Some reasons to seek out commercial-grade pavers include:

• Thickness and density. Commercial brick and concrete pavers are cast into thicker molds, which makes them more heavy, solid, and durable. 
• Higher quality concrete and clay. These make for a stronger cured material that resists chipping and cracking.
• Structural integrity under load. Many commercial pavers are formulated to withstand vehicle traffic as well as foot traffic.
• Color uniformity. Commercial-grade pigments and coloring agents are less likely to fade over time. 
• Consistency of shape and size. Commercial pavers are often cut and sized more uniformly for greater precision, fit-up, and overall appearance of the finished area. 
• Ease of use. Commercial stone pavers are sometimes cut into shapes that are easier to work with, or into a variety of sizes that can be combined easily.

Why the Supplier Behind Your Pavers Matters Too

Commercial-grade paver products are important, but who you buy them from is also a big consideration. It’s possible to get commercial-grade materials from many places these days, but a supplier that only deals in these types of materials is often the best choice. Here’s why:

• They’re a one-stop shop for your whole project. Commercial suppliers, like Minick Materials, carry pavers as well as the aggregate, sand, border edging, aggregate binders, and other materials you’ll need to complete the project from start to finish.  
• They offer competitive pricing. Because suppliers buy in bulk, their wholesale price is lower, and often they can pass those savings to customers.
• They deliver. Suppliers with high-quality materials know how to deliver them without damage and often have well-managed logistics systems. Some may also have a delivery scope that’s larger than the immediate area so their products reach a larger audience. For example, at Minick we offer nationwide delivery.
• They have in-house expertise. Commercial paver suppliers employ staff who work exclusively with hardscape and landscape materials, rather than home center generalists. This means you can get reliable guidance and advice on how to determine the amount of materials you need, which type of sand to use as a base and which type to use to lock installed pavers together, or what type of stone pavers won’t become too hot to walk on when temperatures rise.
• They offer a greater variety and quantity of in-stock pavers. Because they deal in larger volumes than many retail outlets, there is a greater likelihood a commercial seller will have what you need when you need it. Extensive stock also means you’ll be able to pick up a smaller quantity of extras later without requiring a special order. 
• They have a network of trusted suppliers for special orders. Many commercial suppliers have relationships with vendors that can supply specialty or unique paver products and materials.

Choose Minick Materials for Your Next Paver Project

Since 1958, Minick Materials has supplied customers in the Oklahoma City area, and around the U.S. with high-quality, commercial-grade landscaping materials. We carry a large selection of durable pavers for building great looking, functional patios, walkways, driveways, and gathering spaces. Browse our online catalog of paver options, or contact us to discuss your project and start your order!