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Pavers Versus Slabs: What’s the Difference?

Written by Barkman Concrete Published on August 1st, 2016

When choosing a hardscape surface for your home, you’ll find that products are split into two categories; pavers and slabs. Both are highly durable, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of shapes and colours. However, the difference between the two isn’t always immediately apparent.

Any block with a surface area over 100″² has traditionally been considered a slab. Anything under 100″² is a paver. Yet, in practice, the lines between the two categories are blurred. It’s not unusual to see blocks well over 100″² sold as pavers. Barkman’s own Broadway line contains a paver in excess of 1260″².

Broadway 100mm Paver Driveway

For this reason, it’s more useful to define the two categories by their intended function. Generally, slabs are designed for spaces that will not see any vehicular traffic. Both Lexington slabs and Broadway 100mm pavers take up a lot of surface area, but Broadway is twice as thick and can withstand heavy loads, whereas Lexington can’t. Even still, not all pavers are designed for driveways. Flagstone’s large area and 2.36″ thickness makes it unsuitable for heavy traffic, despite being a paver.

If this all sounds unnecessarily complicated, it doesn’t need to be. Our advice is to focus on choosing a colour and shape you like and then checking our applications tab to see if the product works for the space you have in mind. You can also ask your local dealer who will also be able to point you in the right direction. 

Are you interested in starting your own project? Find a Barkman dealer near you.

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