In recent years, paving choices have become an extension of lifestyle, personal values, and aesthetics, especially among millennials. This generation is known for blending form and function, opting for sustainable, stylish, and low-maintenance solutions.
Whether it’s for driveways, patios, or garden paths, millennials are redefining how outdoor spaces should look and feel. In this read, we’ll explore the most popular types of paving that resonate with millennial homeowners and renters alike.
What Millennials Want from Paving
Millennials, typically born between 1981 and 1996, are a tech-savvy and environmentally conscious demographic. When it comes to paving, they prioritize:
- Eco-friendly materials
- Low maintenance
- Aesthetic versatility
- Cost-efficiency
- DIY-friendly options
This mindset has shaped the demand for certain paving materials over others, contributing to the rising popularity of specific types.
1. Permeable Pavers
Among the most popular Types of Paving for millennials are permeable pavers—an eco-friendly choice that allows water to seep through, reducing stormwater runoff and environmental impact.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Eco-conscious design reduces flooding and erosion
- Often made from recycled materials
- Suitable for modern urban homes where sustainability is key
- Some cities offer tax breaks or incentives for using them
Permeable pavers are commonly used for driveways, walkways, and patios, particularly in urban areas where drainage systems are stressed.
2. Concrete Pavers
Concrete has always been a staple in paving, but the new generation of interlocking concrete pavers has taken the market by storm. Millennials appreciate the wide array of textures, shapes, and colours that allow for a personalized outdoor look.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Affordable compared to natural stone
- Easy to install, making it ideal for DIY projects
- Available in modern minimalist and geometric designs
- Low-maintenance and durable
From herringbone to basket weave patterns, concrete pavers are frequently chosen for patios, driveways, and garden paths.
3. Natural Stone
Among the top Types of Paving preferred by millennials is natural stone—like flagstone, slate, or bluestone—which appeals to those who value authenticity and timeless beauty.
While typically more expensive, many are willing to invest in these high-quality options, especially when renovating older homes or designing boho-inspired outdoor spaces.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Aesthetically unique with earthy tones and organic textures
- Long lifespan with proper sealing
- Adds significant resale value to a home
- Complements rustic, Scandinavian, and vintage aesthetics
Despite the cost, natural stone remains popular for patios, outdoor dining spaces, and garden paths.
4. Gravel and Crushed Stone
Gravel may not be the first material that comes to mind for paving, but among millennials, gravel and crushed stone have found renewed popularity. Their casual, bohemian charm fits perfectly with laid-back outdoor spaces and tiny homes.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Extremely affordable
- Excellent drainage properties
- Easy to install and rearrange
- Ideal for temporary or evolving outdoor spaces
Often used in combination with stepping stones or garden beds, gravel is a favourite for backyard projects and eco-conscious landscaping.
5. Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete offers the best of both worlds—durability and design. Millennials who want the look of natural stone or brick without the hefty price tag often turn to stamped concrete paving.
Why Millennials Love It
- Customizable to mimic other high-end materials
- Less expensive than stone or brick
- Easy to maintain with proper sealing
- Offers a sleek, uniform appearance
Stamped concrete is ideal for patios, pool surrounds, and even front walkways. It pairs well with modern outdoor furniture and lighting trends.
6. Wood-Look Pavers
For those who love the look of timber decking but want something more durable, wood-look pavers made from concrete or porcelain paving have emerged as a top choice. These pavers resemble wood grain but don’t require sealing or staining.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Combines rustic appeal with long-lasting performance
- Resistant to rot, termites, and weather damage
- Suitable for outdoor lounges and balcony areas
- Aligns with minimalist and natural design preferences
Wood-look pavers are particularly popular in homes that combine indoor-outdoor living, seamlessly blending the two areas.
7. Recycled Rubber and Plastic Pavers
Sustainability plays a significant role in millennial purchasing decisions, and recycled pavers made from tyres or plastic waste are becoming increasingly sought after. Not only do they reduce landfill waste, but they are also surprisingly attractive and functional.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Made from post-consumer materials
- Durable and shock-absorbent
- Slip-resistant—great for homes with kids or pets
- Often modular and easy to install
These are often used in play areas, patios, or pathways in environmentally conscious homes.
8. Brick Pavers
Traditional clay brick pavers are enjoying a revival, thanks in part to the nostalgia and charm they bring. Millennials renovating historic homes or building rustic patios often turn to brick for its warmth and texture.
Why Millennials Love Them
- Timeless aesthetic
- Reusable and eco-friendly
- Low maintenance and fade-resistant
- Excellent for walkways, firepit areas, and patios
Paired with outdoor string lights, plants, and cosy furniture, brick pavers help create Instagram-worthy outdoor spaces that millennials love.
Trends Influencing Millennial Paving Choices
Several key trends continue to drive millennial paving preferences:
DIY Culture
Many millennials prefer materials they can install or maintain themselves, which boosts the popularity of modular and low-skill pavers.
Outdoor Living
With a growing focus on maximizing outdoor spaces for entertaining, lounging, and dining, paving plays a central role in creating functional yet stylish environments.
Eco-Friendly Designs
Environmental consciousness is a priority, with an emphasis on upcycled or permeable materials that minimize ecological impact.
Visual Aesthetics
Millennials are highly influenced by visual platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Paving choices are often driven by what photographs well and complements other design elements.
Top Types of Paving Millennials Are Choosing in 2025
As millennials continue to take over the housing market and reshape landscaping trends, their paving preferences are being guided by a mix of functionality, sustainability, and personal expression.
Whether it’s a chic boho gravel path, a sleek stamped concrete patio, or an eco-friendly permeable driveway, their choices reflect a generation that values innovation, aesthetics, and environmental impact in equal measure.
Paving has truly become more than a practical necessity—it’s now a canvas for creativity and sustainability. And with so many stylish and smart options available, it’s never been easier for millennials to design outdoor spaces that are both functional and full of personality.
