Which paver is suitable for backyard path?

pasquaj

Hello Bunnings community.
I am about to start laying pavers for a footpath in my backyard. I see that there are many different types of pavers, 1. Natural Stone, 2. Concrete, 3. Porcelain, 4. Granite, 5. Brick etc. Within these there are different thicknesses of paver/stone height, ranging from 20mm - 50mm. 
I am intending to use the standard prep of a 100mm base with crusher dust (compacted) and approx. 30mm thick paving sand to rest the paver on top of this.
What are the suitable types of pavers that I can use with this type of prep/base. Is there a minimum height of paver that should be used with this method?

What types of pavers are most suitable for a cemented in type finish (no paving sand)?

Regards John

JacobZ

Hi @pasquaj,

Your planned base of 100 mm compacted crusher dust topped with 30 mm of paving sand is a solid foundation for a backyard path. With this preparation, the main factor to focus on is the thickness and type of paver you select. Thin pavers under 25 mm can shift or crack more easily, while options in the 40–50 mm range offer far better durability and peace of mind for everyday use.

Concrete pavers like these Brighton Masonry 400 x 400 x 40mm Charcoal Mypave Paver are one of the most reliable choices for this kind of project. They are strong, uniform, and widely available, with 40–50 mm thickness being ideal for a path that will last. 

Natural Stone is another excellent option if you prefer a more premium look. Softer stones like sandstone are best at 40–50 mm, while denser stones such as bluestone can sometimes be used at around 30 mm, though thicker is always safer.

Porcelain Pavers are strong but brittle in thinner sizes, so they are usually better suited to a mortar or concrete bed than sand. 

Clay brick pavers, often around 50 mm thick, are another classic choice. They are very durable and perform well on a sand base.

Overall, for your preparation method, concrete or natural stone pavers around 40–50 mm thick are the most dependable. Brick pavers are also an excellent option, while porcelain can work if it is thicker and outdoor-rated. 

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob