Choosing Paver Material, Thickness and Format
This collection is where most projects start, so it helps to know how it is organized. The bulk of what is here is marble in leather and sandblasted finishes, followed by limestone in tumbled and brushed textures, a full run of porcelain pavers, and a smaller group of tumbled travertine and brushed basalt. If you already know the color you want, the material pages and the stone pages will get you there faster; if you know the format, jump to a size page such as 24x24 pavers or 6x12 pavers.
Thickness: 1-1/4" versus 2"
Natural stone pavers here come in two thicknesses. The 1-1/4" (3 cm) pieces are the standard for a mortar-set pool deck or patio over a concrete slab, and they keep pallet weight down for freight. The 2" (5 cm) pieces are what you want for a sand-set or open-graded base, for driveways, and for any spot where a vehicle will roll over the surface. Porcelain is a single 3/4" (20 mm) through-body thickness meant for pedestal, sand-set or mortar-set installation. Match the thickness across the whole job; mixing 1-1/4" and 2" on the same slab creates lippage you will have to shim out.
Formats and where each one earns its place
| Size | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6x12 | Borders, soldier courses, small patios | Lays in running bond or herringbone |
| 12x12, 16x16 | Walkways, tight patios | Easy grid or stacked layout |
| 12x24, 16x24 | Pool decks, patios | Run in a 1/3 offset; pairs with same-size coping |
| 24x24, 24x36, 24x48 | Large decks, modern layouts | Fewer joints; a 2" thickness is easier to handle at 24x48 |
| 18x36, 36x36 | Stepping pads, feature areas | Big single pieces set in gravel or lawn |
Most of the marble and limestone here runs 24x24 and larger, which suits the flat, wide-joint look contractors are asking for on new pool decks. The smaller formats are where you will find more of the tumbled material. For a mixed-size layout, see the French pattern sets, which bundle four sizes into one repeating module.
Finish and slip resistance
Leather and sandblasted marble both hold a texture that grips wet feet; leather is slightly smoother and shows more of the stone's movement, sandblasted is more uniform and slightly lighter in color. Tumbled travertine and limestone have rounded edges and a softer, pitted face. Brushed basalt is the darkest and most consistent surface in the collection. Porcelain is a matte, rectified edge with a printed face. If the deck is around a pool, cross-reference the pool deck collection, where each paver is grouped with the coping cut from the same block.
Ordering by the pallet
Each product page lists square feet per pallet and pallet weight. Work out your net area, then add overage for cuts and a few spare pieces; our guide on calculating square footage and overage walks through the math. Pallets ship curbside by LTL freight with a liftgate, and the LTL delivery guide explains what to have ready on the day. Order samples of two or three candidates before you commit to a color; a 24x24 leather marble and a 24x24 tumbled limestone can look alike online and very different in hand.
Not sure which size fits the project? The paver size guide compares every format from 6x12 to 36x36: square feet per piece, pieces per pallet, weight, and which size suits a pool deck, patio, walkway or driveway.
Frequently asked questions
Which thickness should I use for a patio on a concrete slab?
For a mortar-set patio or pool deck over an existing slab, 1-1/4" natural stone is the standard choice. It is lighter to handle and ship, and the slab carries the load. Move up to 2" when the base is sand or open-graded aggregate, or when vehicles will cross the surface.
Can I mix pavers from different materials on one project?
Yes, as long as the thickness matches. A common combination is a marble field with a limestone or travertine border, or porcelain in the main deck with natural stone coping. Order samples of each so you can check the colors side by side in daylight before the pallets ship.
What is the difference between leather and sandblasted finish?
Both are textured finishes applied to marble. Leather has a soft, slightly undulating surface that shows more veining and reads a little darker. Sandblasted is more uniform and matte, with a lighter overall tone. Both are slip-resistant when wet, which is why they dominate the pool deck side of this collection.
How much overage should I add to a paver order?
Plan on roughly ten percent over the net square footage for a straight layout, and more for curves, diagonals or a pattern with many cuts. Keeping a few extra pieces from the same lot also gives you matching stone if a piece is ever damaged later.
How are pavers shipped and how long does it take?
Pavers ship on pallets by LTL freight, curbside, with a liftgate truck. Typical lead time is seven to ten business days from order to delivery. You will need a spot the truck can reach and someone present to receive and check the pallets.
Do natural stone pavers need to be sealed?
Travertine, limestone and marble benefit from a penetrating sealer once installed and fully dry, mainly to slow staining from leaves, sunscreen and food. Porcelain never needs sealing. Sealer does not change the slip resistance of a textured finish when a breathable, non-film-forming product is used.