Pavers and natural stone can both create durable, usable outdoor surfaces, but they offer different appearances, patterns, installation characteristics and maintenance considerations.
Choosing between them should involve more than looking at a few samples. The size of the patio, existing grade, drainage, intended use, surrounding landscaping and preparation underneath can all influence the project.
Manova Services provides paver and natural stone patio installation for homeowners throughout New Jersey. We begin by reviewing the property, the material being considered and how the finished outdoor area will be used before defining the installation scope.
Pavers & Stone Are Only the Visible Part of the Patio
The finished surface is what homeowners see, but much of the work involved in a patio happens underneath it.
The existing ground conditions, excavation, preparation, grade, edges and transitions can all influence the installation.
That is why selecting an attractive paver or stone is only one part of the project.
The material and the preparation system need to be considered together.
Paver Patio Options
Concrete Pavers
Manufactured concrete pavers are available in many sizes, shapes, textures and colors.
Different product lines can also use different dimensions and installation patterns.
If you already have a particular paver in mind, provide the manufacturer and product information during planning so the layout and installation requirements can be reviewed.
Large-Format Pavers
Larger-format pavers can create a different appearance from traditional smaller units.
Their dimensions may also affect layout, cuts, transitions and preparation requirements.
The selected product and property conditions should be reviewed before assuming a large-format system is appropriate for every patio.
Textured & Stone-Look Pavers
Manufactured pavers are available in products intended to reproduce the appearance of natural stone and other textures.
These can provide homeowners with additional design options while retaining the characteristics of a manufactured paving product.
Other Paver Products
Additional products may be available depending on manufacturer, supplier and project requirements.
We prefer to review the exact product rather than present every paver as interchangeable.
Natural Stone Patio Options
Natural stone has characteristics that are different from manufactured pavers.
Individual pieces can vary naturally in:
- Color
- Texture
- Thickness
- Shape
- Surface characteristics
- Pattern
Those variations are part of using a natural material.
Bluestone
Bluestone may be considered for patios, walkways and other outdoor hardscape projects depending on the desired appearance and application.
Product dimensions, finish and natural variation should be considered before the final layout is established.
Flagstone
Flagstone generally creates a more naturally varied appearance because pieces can differ in shape, size and texture.
The intended pattern and installation approach should be discussed before the project is finalized.
Other Natural Stone
Other stone materials may be available depending on supplier availability, project requirements and the homeowner’s preferences.
The specific product should be reviewed for the intended application rather than assuming every natural stone performs identically.
Pavers vs. Natural Stone
There is no universal winner.
Pavers May Appeal to Homeowners Looking For
- Manufactured sizes and shapes
- Multiple pattern options
- Coordinated colors and borders
- Product-specific systems
- A more uniform finished appearance
Natural Stone May Appeal to Homeowners Looking For
- Natural variation
- Individual texture and character
- Less uniform appearance
- Stone-specific layouts and patterns
Which Should You Choose?
Consider:
- Appearance
- Patio style
- Property conditions
- Material availability
- Budget
- Maintenance expectations
- Intended use
- Desired amount of natural variation
The decision should be based on the actual materials being compared.
Our Paver & Stone Patio Installation Process
1. Tell Us About the Project
We begin by learning what currently exists in the yard, how large the patio may be and what you want to use it for.
Photos and approximate dimensions can help during the initial discussion.
2. Review the Property
Existing grade, drainage, access, landscaping, exterior doors and surrounding hardscape features may affect the project.
3. Review the Material
If you already selected a paver or natural stone product, provide the product information.
If not, the material can be considered according to appearance, intended use, maintenance expectations and project requirements.
4. Discuss the Layout
Patio dimensions, shape, pattern, borders and connections to the home or surrounding yard should be considered together.
5. Review Grade & Drainage
Visible drainage patterns and changes in grade should be evaluated before installation.
Known water problems should be discussed before the new patio is built.
6. Establish the Project Scope
The approved scope should identify:
- Patio dimensions
- Material
- Pattern when applicable
- Borders when applicable
- Excavation and preparation
- Removal of existing material when required
- Edges
- Transitions
- Related outdoor work included in the project
7. Prepare the Area
The patio area is prepared according to the selected system and actual conditions found at the property.
8. Complete the Base Preparation
The preparation underneath the finished patio should be appropriate for the material and project.
The exact method should be determined by the installation system rather than presenting one identical specification for every patio.
9. Install the Pavers or Stone
The approved material is installed according to the agreed layout and project requirements.
10. Complete Borders, Edges & Transitions
Approved finishing details are completed around the patio and where it connects with walkways, stairs, lawn or other surfaces.
11. Final Review
Once the agreed work is complete, the finished patio is reviewed with the homeowner and any remaining items within the original scope are identified.
Why Base Preparation Matters
A patio can look good immediately after installation while problems underneath remain difficult to see.
That is why the supporting layers and existing ground conditions should be considered before the finished material is installed.
Preparation may vary depending on:
- Existing soil and surface
- Material being installed
- Patio dimensions
- Existing concrete or hardscape
- Grade
- Drainage
- Project access
- Installation system
We do not want the website to promise one universal excavation depth or base thickness for every property.
The actual project should determine the preparation required.
Patio Grade & Water Movement
A new patio becomes part of the finished grade around the home.
Water movement should therefore be considered before installation.
The patio should not be planned without considering:
- Existing slopes
- Exterior doors
- Foundation area
- Downspouts
- Adjacent lawn
- Walkways
- Deck stairs
- Existing drainage
If the property already has a significant drainage problem, that should be discussed before the patio is installed.
A new patio should not be marketed as an automatic solution for an unrelated water problem.
Paver Patterns
Paver products can often be installed in different patterns depending on their dimensions and manufacturer system.
Pattern selection may affect:
- Appearance
- Number and location of cuts
- Borders
- Patio shape
- Relationship with walkways
- Material quantities
The pattern should work with the patio rather than being selected only because it looked good in a small catalog image.
Borders & Accent Pavers
A border can help define the edge of a patio or create contrast within the finished layout.
Depending on the project, borders may use:
- A different color
- A different paver size
- A contrasting pattern
- The same product in a different orientation
Borders are optional design elements.
They should only be included when they improve the overall project rather than because every paver patio is expected to have one.
Natural Variation in Stone
Natural stone should not be expected to look as uniform as a manufactured product.
Variations in:
- Color
- Veining
- Texture
- Dimensions
- Surface appearance
can be part of the material.
Homeowners considering natural stone should understand and accept that natural variation before installation begins.
That variation is not necessarily a defect.
Paver Color Variation
Manufactured products can also have color variation between units, production batches or samples.
The finished patio may therefore look somewhat different from one individual display piece.
Product-specific information should be reviewed when appearance consistency is particularly important to the homeowner.
Existing Concrete Under a New Patio
If the property already has a concrete patio, do not automatically assume that pavers or stone can simply be installed on top of it.
The existing concrete should first be reviewed for:
- Condition
- Cracking
- Elevation
- Drainage
- Relationship to doors
- Compatibility with the proposed installation system
Depending on those conditions, removal may make more sense.
The correct solution depends on the actual slab and patio system.
Replacing an Existing Paver Patio
An older paver patio may develop:
- Uneven sections
- Movement
- Damaged units
- Open joints
- Changes in grade
- Drainage concerns
- Widespread deterioration
That does not automatically mean everything needs to be removed.
The patio should be evaluated to determine whether localized repair, partial reconstruction or full replacement makes more sense.
Repairing Sunken or Uneven Pavers
A low or uneven section should not simply be covered or adjusted without considering why it moved.
The affected area and conditions underneath should be reviewed.
Localized rework may be possible when the problem is limited to a particular section.
When movement is widespread or connected to larger site conditions, a broader solution may be needed.
Replacing Individual Pavers
One advantage of a unit-based paving system is that localized material replacement may sometimes be possible.
However, matching an older patio can be difficult.
Differences can occur because of:
- Product discontinuation
- Manufacturing changes
- Weathering
- Sun exposure
- Dirt and staining
- Different production batches
An exact invisible match should not be promised before compatible replacement material is found.
Repairing Natural Stone Patios
Localized stone repair may also be possible depending on the material, type of installation and extent of the problem.
Natural variation means replacement stone may not match the surrounding material exactly.
The underlying reason for movement or damage should also be considered before the repair is finalized.
Joints Between Pavers
The joints between pavers are part of the paving system and should be handled according to the product and installation method.
The website should not assume that every patio uses exactly the same joint material.
If a particular jointing product is being proposed, it should be compatible with the paving system and clearly identified in the scope.
Polymeric Sand
Polymeric jointing sand is used with certain paving systems, but it should not be described as a universal requirement or a permanent solution to every joint problem.
If polymeric sand is part of the installation, the specific product and application should be appropriate for the pavers and project.
Do not promise:
weeds can never grow
or:
ants can never appear
simply because polymeric sand is used.
Weeds Between Pavers
Homeowners often assume that any vegetation between pavers means the patio was installed incorrectly.
That is not always a useful conclusion.
Debris, organic material and environmental conditions can accumulate in joints over time.
Cleaning and maintenance still matter.
No outdoor paver patio should be advertised as permanently weed-proof.
Paver Patio Maintenance
Maintenance depends on the paver product, joint system and conditions around the patio.
Homeowners may need to consider:
- Regular cleaning
- Leaves and organic material
- Joint condition
- Stains
- Snow and ice
- Approved cleaning products
- Manufacturer recommendations
Avoid using harsh or incompatible products without checking the material requirements.
Natural Stone Maintenance
Natural stone can have maintenance requirements that differ from manufactured concrete pavers.
Depending on the stone, homeowners may need to consider:
- Cleaning methods
- Staining
- Joint conditions
- Natural weathering
- Manufacturer or supplier recommendations
- Sealing when appropriate for the specific material
The maintenance approach should match the actual stone.
Should Pavers or Stone Be Sealed?
There is no universal yes-or-no answer for every patio.
Whether sealing is appropriate can depend on:
- Material
- Product manufacturer
- Desired appearance
- Existing condition
- Type of sealer
- Maintenance expectations
The website should not imply that all pavers and natural stone must automatically be sealed.
If sealing is part of a Manova project, the specific product and scope should be identified.
Efflorescence on Pavers
Certain concrete masonry products can sometimes develop a light-colored deposit or haze on the surface.
If a homeowner notices a visual change in new or existing pavers, the actual product and condition should be reviewed before assuming it is permanent damage.
Cleaning methods should follow recommendations appropriate for the material rather than using aggressive products without understanding the surface.
Patio Steps & Transitions
A patio may need to connect with:
- Exterior doors
- Deck stairs
- Walkways
- Driveways
- Lawn areas
- Other hardscape surfaces
Differences in elevation should be considered before installation begins.
If steps or additional masonry work are required, that work should be defined as part of the scope rather than added as an assumption after the patio layout is complete.
Connecting a Paver Patio to a Deck
Deck and patio projects can work together when the property supports that layout.
An elevated deck may connect through stairs to a paver or stone patio below.
If both are planned, it is useful to coordinate:
- Deck stair location
- Patio shape
- Grade
- Borders
- Walkways
- Landscaping
- Furniture areas
- Drainage
Planning the two spaces together can avoid treating each project as if the other does not exist.
Paver Walkways Connected to Patios
A walkway can create a practical connection between the patio and another part of the property.
If a walkway will be part of the project, its:
- Width
- Material
- Pattern
- Grade
- Borders
- Connection point
should be considered together with the patio.
Related walkway work should be explicitly included in the project scope.
Pavers & Stone Around Pools
Pavers and stone may be considered around certain pool areas, but not every material should automatically be marketed as suitable for every pool project.
Considerations can include:
- Surface texture
- Heat in direct sunlight
- Water exposure
- Drainage
- Product specifications
- Existing pool construction
- Surrounding grade
Avoid universal claims such as:
slip-proof
cool to the touch
completely waterproof
The selected material should be reviewed specifically for the project.
Patio Installation at Occupied Homes
Paver and stone installation normally happens while homeowners continue living at the property.
Construction may temporarily affect:
- Yard access
- Gates
- Outdoor furniture
- Lawn areas
- Driveways
- Pets and children
- Material storage
- Other exterior projects
Those logistics should be discussed before work begins.
Related Deck, Patio & Hardscape Services
Manova Services currently presents Pavers & Stone Patios alongside Deck Construction, Wood Decks, Composite Decks, Patio Design & Installation and other outdoor services.
The website also lists Hardscaping and Walkways & Pavers within its Masonry & Landscaping menu, although those currently use the same generic Services destination as well.
Related services include:
More Services
- Deck Railings & Stairs
- Pergolas & Outdoor Structures
- Hardscaping
- Walkways & Pavers
- Grading & Drainage
If several outdoor areas are being changed, tell us during the initial discussion so the work can be considered together.
Paver & Stone Patio Installation Throughout New Jersey
Manova Services is based in North Brunswick, New Jersey, and currently lists 377 Halsey Rd, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902 in its website header.
The existing Decks & Patios page explicitly advertises pavers, natural stone and patio installations.
Project availability depends on the location, patio size, material, existing conditions and related outdoor work required.
Tell us what currently exists, whether you are considering manufactured pavers or natural stone and how you want to use the finished patio so we can review the initial project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paver & Stone Patios
Does Manova Services install paver patios?
Yes. Pavers & Stone Patios are currently listed within Manova's Decks & Patios service offering.
The actual project depends on the selected product, property and required preparation.
Does Manova install natural stone patios?
Natural stone is currently included in Manova's published hardscaping description.
The specific stone and installation requirements should be confirmed for the individual project.
Which is better, pavers or natural stone?
Neither is universally better.
Manufactured pavers and natural stone have different appearance, variation, product and installation characteristics.
The better choice depends on the property and homeowner's priorities.
Does Manova install bluestone patios?
Bluestone may be considered depending on product availability and the individual project.
Confirm the specific stone before the final scope is established.
Can pavers be installed over an existing concrete patio?
Possibly, but it should not be assumed.
The existing slab, elevation, drainage and proposed system should be evaluated first.
Why are my patio pavers sinking?
Movement can have different causes.
The affected area and conditions underneath should be evaluated before a repair method is recommended.
Can sunken pavers be repaired?
Localized rework may sometimes be possible when the issue is limited to a particular area.
The cause and condition of the rest of the patio should be considered first.
Can individual pavers be replaced?
Sometimes.
Availability of matching material and the condition of the surrounding patio can affect whether localized replacement is practical.
Will replacement pavers match my existing patio exactly?
An exact match should not be guaranteed.
Existing pavers can change over time, and older products may be unavailable or produced differently.
Does polymeric sand prevent all weeds?
No.
Joint products can be part of a paving system, but no outdoor patio should be advertised as permanently weed-proof.
Should my paver patio be sealed?
That depends on the material, product, existing condition and homeowner's goals.
The manufacturer or supplier recommendations should be considered before sealing is recommended.
Can Manova repair an existing stone patio?
Localized stone repair may be evaluated depending on the material, extent of damage and conditions underneath.
Can Manova install a walkway with the patio?
Related walkway and paver work can potentially be evaluated as part of a larger outdoor project.
The website currently lists Walkways & Pavers within Manova's broader Landscaping services.
Can a paver patio connect to a deck?
Yes, depending on the property.
Deck stairs, grade and patio layout can be considered together when both areas are part of the project.
Can pavers be installed around a pool?
Certain products may be suitable depending on their specifications and the pool-area conditions.
The actual material should be reviewed rather than assuming every paver is appropriate.
Considering a Paver or Stone Patio?
Tell us what currently exists in the yard, approximately how large the patio will be and whether you are considering manufactured pavers, bluestone, flagstone or another natural stone.
Manova Services can review the property, material, preparation and related outdoor work involved in the project.