OUTERclé Wander Collection

Porcelain: Clean Lines and Quiet Strength

While not often the first material designers consider for paths and walkways, porcelain tiles and pavers offer low porosity and consistency underfoot. This makes them a solid choice for modern spaces that value minimal maintenance. Exterior-rated porcelain resists staining and freeze–thaw damage, as well. (Just be sure to choose a slip-resistant finish.)

Larger sizes, such as 8-by-8-inch tiles, can reduce joints and create a more continuous look. It also sees very little color variation from tile to tile, helping simplify future replacement logistics. We always recommend having your contractor create mock-ups to verify how the color and finish will behave in the actual space.

Glass: Reflective Light for Luminous Pathways

While generally not suitable for exterior floor applications, glass pavers can add a reflective touch to nearby walls and accent zones. They also come in many different colors, making them a visually striking choice in areas with dimensional lighting.

Glass pairs well with dark, earthy surfaces to amplify contrast and can be integrated into tiled step risers, thresholds, and walls for added visual interest. Because glass tile installation requires a high level of skill, always be sure to partner with an experienced setter.

Zellige: Glossed Imperfection with Cultural Weight

Zellige brings glazed irregularity and a high sheen that animates surfaces as light shifts across the walkway. Most often used in home interiors, thicker and specially produced zellige tiles may be adapted for lower traffic outdoor pedestrian areas. (When in doubt, always check a tile’s properties and usage guidelines.)

The artisanal quality of zellige gives it a rich, variegated appearance that reads as handcrafted and culturally referenced. And if you find it’s not suitable for the walkway: It performs beautifully on accent walls and other vertical surfaces.

Weathered Stone: Aged Surfaces with Architectural Memory

Weathered or reclaimed stone offers an immediately aged patina that suits heritage landscapes. Salvaged cobbles, old flagstones, and repurposed curbs add historical value and authenticity while contributing to a project’s sustainability goals.

As with all types of outdoor tile, porosity and weather resilience can vary, so be sure to study a material’s technical specs before choosing it for your project. Mock-ups and on-site testing can also help you understand how the stone will perform under real-life conditions.

Terrazzo: Modern Mosaic Grounded in Tradition

Terrazzo pavers, most often found in a honed finish, are made up of glass, quartz, and other aggregates set in a cement base. This allows terrazzo to achieve a wide variety of looks, from clean and subtle to bold and patterned. It’s a material that suits traditional and modern spaces alike.

Honing softens the surface of each paver, creating a lightly worn aesthetic that masks minor abrasion and foot traffic. It also offers some slip-resistance — a necessity for garden paths and walkways. Terrazzo is not always freeze-thaw rated, so verify its technical specifications if you’re planning a walkway in a cold climate.

How to Select the Best Walkway Paver for a Landscape

With so many walkway paver materials to choose from, landscape architects, designers, and clients alike often have trouble finding the best choice for their project. Here are a few key factors to consider as you navigate your options, including climate, design intent, and longevity.

Consider the Climate and Environmental Conditions

Be sure to assess the property’s climate, including freeze-thaw cycles, salt exposure, rainfall intensity, and UV exposure. Low-porosity materials perform well in coastal zones and where deicing salts are common, while permeable paving strategies can reduce runoff in high-rainfall sites. For areas that see freeze-thaw cycles, prioritize low-absorption materials and penetrating sealants, which will ensure that walkways last through harsh winters.

Soil load-bearing capacity and root zones will also affect the required thickness and restraint details. Don’t forget to coordinate drainage, bedding, and joint infill to reduce movement and maintain long-term stability.

Match the Material to Your Design Intent

Also be sure to align the finish, scale, and texture of your walkway pavers with the project’s aesthetic goals. Formal spaces may favor refined materials like tumbled travertine or classic brick, while informal garden paths benefit from unfinished slate or terracotta brick.

Consider a paver’s color and acoustic qualities, as well, including how materials will read at night under nearby lighting. Full-size mock-ups and sample panels can help you evaluate how the material will appear in the outdoor space.

Think About Longevity, Texture, and Use Over Time

Plan for longevity studying a paver’s abrasion resistance, thickness, and maintenance needs ahead of time. Textured surfaces improve traction but can accumulate debris, while honed surfaces may show scuffs and require more involved cleaning. A well-considered replacement strategy can allow individual units to be swapped without disrupting the overall field.

Lastly, include cleaning and sealing protocols where appropriate, and require mock-ups to confirm how the material may wear over time. Documenting all maintenance and repair guidelines can ensure the walkway remains safe and beautiful throughout its intended lifespan.

Curated for quiet impact, the Garden Path collection invites you to shape walkways that feel as considered as the landscapes they guide.