Belgard vs Unilock vs Techo-Bloc Pavers Compared
Unilock and Techo-Bloc are the premium paver brands we install most across East Tennessee. Here is how they stack up against Belgard for patios, driveways, and pool decks.
Reviewed June 2026 by Morales Outdoor Living
How They Compare
| Option | Price | Best For | Top Strength | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgard | $$ | Homeowners on a budget who want a widely available big-box option | Largest national distribution network | Some styles feel less premium |
| Unilock | $$$ | Homeowners who want premium aesthetics and innovative products | Industry-leading color retention technology | Higher price point |
| Techo-Bloc | $$$ | Homeowners who want the heaviest, most durable pavers available | Thickest, heaviest pavers on the market | Highest material cost |
Belgard
$$Best for: Homeowners on a budget who want a widely available big-box option
Advantages
- Largest national distribution network
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Strong manufacturer support
- Excellent color consistency batch to batch
- Great for pool decks and patios
- Affordable premium option
Considerations
- Some styles feel less premium
- Not as thick as Techo-Bloc for driveways
- Limited ultra-modern options
Unilock
$$$Best for: Homeowners who want premium aesthetics and innovative products
Advantages
- Industry-leading color retention technology
- EnduraColor facings resist fading
- Excellent permeable paver options
- Premium feel and finish
- Strong driveway paver selection
- Innovative products like Umbriano
Considerations
- Higher price point
- Limited availability in some areas
- Some styles require specialized installation
Techo-Bloc
$$$Best for: Homeowners who want the heaviest, most durable pavers available
Advantages
- Thickest, heaviest pavers on the market
- Best for driveways and heavy traffic
- Incredible color depth and texture
- Premium European-inspired designs
- Outstanding durability ratings
- Best-in-class permeable systems
Considerations
- Highest material cost
- Heavier = higher labor cost
- Some styles have limited color range
Our Recommendation
We build with Unilock and Techo-Bloc. For patios and pool decks, Unilock's EnduraColor technology holds its color for decades. For driveways and heavy-traffic areas, Techo-Bloc's thickness and weight make it the clear winner. Belgard is widely available and budget-friendly, but for the premium, long-lasting results our clients expect, we install Unilock and Techo-Bloc. During your consultation, we will bring samples so you can see and feel the difference.
See Paver Samples in PersonFrequently Asked
Which paver brand is best?+
We build with Unilock and Techo-Bloc. Unilock's color-through technology holds up for decades and suits patios and pool decks; Techo-Bloc's thickness makes it ideal for driveways and heavy traffic. Belgard is widely available and budget-friendly, but for the long-lasting results our clients expect, we install Unilock and Techo-Bloc.
Are premium pavers worth the extra cost?+
In our freeze-thaw climate, yes: higher-end pavers hold color and resist wear longer. That said, the biggest factor in how long any paver patio lasts is the compacted base underneath, which is where we never cut corners.
Do pavers fade over time?+
Cheaper pavers can fade, while premium lines use color-through pigment that resists fading for decades. A periodic sealer also helps hold color and resist stains.
Related Resources
Still Not Sure?
We will walk you through the pros and cons for your specific project, no pressure, just expert advice.