Glossary of Paving Stone Terms

Educate yourself on terms commonly used in the paving stone industry.

Below are key paving stone terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your experience from beginning to end.

aggregate
A combination of crushed rock, sand and gravel. It’s used as a base for pavers.

base
A layer of aggregate that’s used as a foundation for pavers. This base supports the pavers.

Also known as: base material

blending pavers
This refers to when two or more colors of paving stones are used

Also known as: blending paving stones

brick pavers
Fired pavers that are made from clay and shale. They’re usually stronger than bricks.

Also known as: brick paving stones

cambridge pavers
Pavers made by Cambridge Pavingstones. They’re sturdy and they have a coating that protects their strength and color.

cantera pavers
Pavers made from volcanic ash. They’re lightweight and they can be used in fountains and barbecues.

cement-aggregate ratio
The ratio of cement to aggregate. It’s usually measured by weight.

clay pavers
Pavers that are typically used in driveways and patios. They’re strong and their color doesn’t fade.

cobblestone pavers
Pavers made from riverbed rocks. They’re usually used in decorative paving.

concrete paving stones
Strong, durable pavers that come in many colors, shapes and sizes.

Also known as: concrete pavers

concrete sand
Used as an aggregate and base layers for paving stones

crushed rock
Used as an aggregate and base layers for paving stones. It can also be used for a decorative layer.

denated pavers
Round or odd-shaped paving stones

Also known as: denated paving stones

edge pavers
Pavers that are used to edge paths, sidewalks or driveways. They can be purchased with straight edges or made straight by a contractor.

Also known as: edge stones

edge restraints
Used to keep pavers in place at the edge of driveways or sidewalks

engraved pavers
Pavers that have been engraved or etched with images or words.

Also known as: engraved paving stones

erosion
This happens when weather wears away soil or rocks. Some pavers are made to limit erosion.

freeze-thaw durability
The ability of pavers to stand up to freezing and thawing cycles

frost action
The action of freezing and thawing that causes paving stones to crack and chip

frost heave
An upward movement of the ground that may lift pavers

interlocking paving stones
Pavers that are locked together to create a solid surface

Also known as: interlocking pavers

landscape paving stones
Pavers that are used for landscaping yards

Also known as: landscape pavers

paving stones
Bricks or stones used for paving

Also known as: pavers, paver stones, paving bricks

paving stone designs
Bricks or stones used for paving that are put into a planned pattern or design

Also known as: paving stone designs,

paving stone installation
The process of installing or laying paving stones

Also known as: paver installation, installing paving stones, laying paving stones