If you’re looking for new driveway options, cobble effect paving is a popular choice. Cobblestone Pavers have been used throughout history as a paving material for walkways, driveways, patios, and more.

This unique paving material has a wide variety of pros and cons to consider, so if you’re interested in cobblestone paving, let’s review some of the benefits and drawbacks of using cobblestone pavers.

What is Cobblestone?

The term cobblestone has come to mean a couple of different things in today’s world, but its true meaning refers to small natural stones used for paving. They are usually granite but can be made up of other stones or a combination of stones like basalt, limestone, or other natural stones.

Some paving companies will refer to their concrete bricks as cobblestones but this is informal, as concrete is not a natural stone even though it can be used to create pavers that look like cobblestone.

Cobble block paving is used mostly for its aesthetic charm. A cobble effect driveway has a unique look that many find attractive. This is the main reason why a person might choose cobblestone in a debate, as the natural stones look more authentic than engineered brick.

Cobblestones are often round in shape, but the term “cobblestone” is now used for any natural paving stone. There’s also a type of cobblestone paving made from shaped blocks. These are known as Belgian blocks. Unlike round cobblestones, Belgian blocks are more uniform in size and shape, which makes them easier to install.

Pros of Using Cobblestone Pavement

One of the reasons people love cobblestone so much is its durability. Natural cobblestone pavers used in cobblestone block paving have been used to build roads that have lasted for centuries.

Cobblestone-look pavers are also naturally beautiful and have a unique, old-world charm about them. This is why many people choose to build a cobbled driveway or a small walkway with curved cobblestone pavers.

In fact, for those who just like the aesthetic, cobblestone pavers can be used in conjunction with concrete, asphalt, permeable pavement, and other types of material to create a hybrid cobblestone concrete driveway or another type of modern cobblestone driveway. A cobblestone driveway also requires little maintenance, except for a weed-pulling and a spray-down every once in a while.

Cons of Using Cobblestone Pavement

The main drawback to using cobblestone driveway pavers is the cost per square foot. The cobblestone cost per square foot is anywhere from $10 – $20, depending on the size, shape, and type of cobblestone.

If you plan on building a granite cobblestone driveway on your own, the DIY cost will run you another $10 per square foot, on top of the materials cost. But, if you’re having a cobblestone installation done by professionals, you can expect the cobblestone cost to total out anywhere from $40 – $75 per square foot.

If you’re wondering how much is cobblestone when compared to other common materials, it ranks among the most expensive. The cost is a fair bit more expensive, though you can make up some of that with the low cobblestone maintenance costs over time.

The cobblestone cost can vary a bit as well, especially if you use sand or mortar in between the stones. Mortar can crack and need to be reapplied, while sand can erode away and need to be replaced as well. Both of these materials will drive up the price a bit.

Is There a Better Alternative to Cobblestone?

For generations, cobblestones have adorned streets and landscapes, drawing admiration for their grace, toughness, and historic allure. Cobblestones do have several disadvantages, too, including cost, unevenness, and difficulty of installation. So, the issue is, is there a better option for your next project?

Seeking Durability with a Modern Twist:

Concrete Pavers: With a wide range of forms, dimensions, and hues, concrete pavers provide the appearance of real stone at a significantly lower cost. They offer a smoother surface that is appropriate for both cars and pedestrians, and they are simpler to install than cobblestones. They might not, however, have the same enduring charm as cobblestones.

Permeable Pavers: By allowing rainwater to percolate through, these environmentally friendly pavers lessen runoff and enhance better water management. They are an aesthetically pleasing substitute for cobblestones, particularly for driveways and patios, and are available in a variety of materials, such as concrete or recycled plastic.