Cobbles, setts, and pavers are all types of natural stone paving materials, but they differ in size, shape, and typical applications. Whether you’re a landscape architect, municipality representative, or involved in urban design, understanding the difference between cobbles, setts, and pavers is crucial for selecting the right paving material for a project.
When it comes to outdoor paving, terms like cobblestones, setts, and pavers are often used interchangeably — but they’re not the same. Each has unique characteristics that impact how it performs and where it fits best. In this guide, we explain the differences, use cases, and especially take a closer look at granite setts, one of the most trusted paving materials today.
What is Cobblestone?
Cobblestone refers to small, rounded or rectangular natural stones traditionally used for paving streets, driveways, walkways, and landscaping. These stones are typically made from granite, basalt, limestone, or sandstone, making them highly durable and weather-resistant.
With a rich history in historic city streets and European-style courtyards, cobblestones continue to be a popular choice for garden pathways, patios, and upscale landscaping projects, offering both timeless charm and practical functionality.
- Size: Usually 60×90 mm, 100×100 mm, 200×100 mm, or similar.
- Shape: Can be irregular, rounded, or slightly squared.
- Texture: Mostly rough-hewn, but can be tumbled for a weathered look.
- Application: Cobblestones are commonly used for pathways, patios, paving & driveways, edging, garden landscaping, and historical or reclaimed & decorative paving
- Key Feature: Cobbles often have a more traditional or old-world charm due to their irregular shape.
To ensure a long-lasting and stable cobblestone installation, the material used between the stones plays a crucial role. The right jointing material not only enhances durability but also affects drainage, weed growth, and maintenance needs. So, what are the best options for filling the gaps between cobblestones?
What to Put Between Cobblestones?
The choice of jointing material between cobblestones impacts stability, drainage, and overall maintenance. Here are the most common options:
- Dry Laid (Sand Bed or Gravel Base): A flexible option that allows for natural drainage, commonly used in pedestrian areas and driveways.
- Mortar or Concrete Base: A more rigid installation method suited for heavy traffic areas, ensuring long-term stability with minimal maintenance.
- Resin-Bonded or Polymeric Sand Jointing: Enhances joint strength, prevents weed growth, and reduces the need for frequent upkeep.
What are Setts?
Setts are cut pieces of natural stone like granite, sandstone, limestone or basalt that are used primarily for paving surfaces. They are often rectangular or square-shaped, although shapes can vary based on the desired aesthetic and installation method. They are often mistaken for cobblestones but are generally more uniform in shape.
- Size: Commonly 100×100 mm, 200×100 mm, 200×150 mm, or other cut sizes.
- Shape: More uniform, typically cuboid.
- Texture/Finish: Natural Split/Cleft, Flamed & Brushed, Sawn & Honed
- Application: Used for roadways, driveways, courtyards, and public spaces where durability is key. Can be laid in various patterns like stretcher bond, herringbone, or random layouts. Setts find as common application in heritage projects, plazas, and pedestrian areas.
- Key Feature: More structured and even than cobbles, making them ideal for stable, long-lasting paving.
- Installation: Laid out by hand or machine in patterns to ensure a level, stable surface. They can be set in sand, mortar, or a concrete base
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What are Pavers?
Pavers are processed stone blocks (such as granite, sandstone, or concrete) that are cut into precise, consistent sizes with a flat and uniform thickness, making them easy to install. While they may resemble small but thick tiles, they are specifically designed for outdoor use and are much thicker and more durable than typical stone tiles, allowing them to withstand heavy loads and weather conditions.
However, not all pavers have a completely smooth surface—certain finishes like flamed, bush-hammered, or tumbled provide texture for better slip resistance.
- Size: Typically, 300×300 mm, 600×300 mm, 600×600 mm, or larger.
- Shape: Flat and rectangular or square.
- Texture: Available in multiple finishes (flamed, honed, polished, etc.).
- Application: Commonly used for patios, pedestrian areas, commercial spaces, and outdoor flooring where a smoother, larger surface is preferred.
- Key Feature: Provides a modern, smooth, and refined appearance compared to setts and cobbles.
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Difference Between Cobbles, Setts, And Pavers
| Feature | Cobbles | Setts | Pavers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Small, irregular, or rounded stones used for paving and landscaping | Uniformly cut rectangular or square granite blocks for structured paving | Larger, flat-cut granite pieces used for patios and pathways |
| Size | Small (60×90 mm, 100×100 mm, 200×100 mm) | Medium (100×100 mm, 200×100 mm, 200×150 mm) | Large (300×300 mm, 600×300 mm, 600×600 mm) |
| Shape | Irregular or rounded | Uniform, cuboid | Flat and rectangular |
| Texture | Rough, natural, or tumbled | Rough or flamed for slip resistance | Flamed, honed, polished, or textured |
| Aesthetic | Traditional, rustic, aged look | Classical, structured appearance | Modern, sleek, and contemporary |
| Best Used For | Pathways, edging, garden landscapes, historic-style paving | Driveways, roadways, courtyards, high-traffic areas | Patios, walkways, commercial flooring, contemporary designs |
| Load-Bearing Capacity | Moderate (good for foot traffic and light vehicle use) | High (suitable for heavy traffic and vehicles) | Moderate (better for foot traffic, less suitable for heavy loads) |
| Installation | Labor-intensive due to irregular shape | Requires precise placement but offers stability | Easier to install, covers large areas quickly |
| Slip Resistance | High (naturally rough texture) | High (flamed or rough finish for grip) | Moderate to High (depends on surface finish) |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent (handles freeze-thaw cycles well) | Excellent (long-lasting in all climates) | Good, but polished surfaces can be slippery in wet conditions |
| Cost | Generally lower, but labor costs may be higher | Moderate to high (more cutting involved) | Varies depending on finish and size |
| Durability | Very durable, long-lasting | Extremely durable, ideal for high-load areas | Durable, but may need sealing for extra protection |
Although cobbles, setts, and pavers are often used interchangeably in everyday conversations or search, understanding their distinct characteristics is essential for selecting the right material. Each option offers unique advantages in terms of aesthetics, durability, and installation. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, historic appeal or a refined, contemporary look, the best choice depends on project demands, load-bearing capacity, and long-term maintenance considerations.
In Simple Terms
Pavers = Clean, modern, flat pieces (concrete or stone)
Setts = Chunky, square/rectangular stone blocks (like mini bricks made of granite)
Cobblestones = The oldest form — rounded, irregular stones used centuries ago
Understanding Granite Setts as a Paving Material
When choosing paving materials that offer both durability and timeless character, granite setts stand out. Often mistaken for cobblestones, granite setts are cut blocks of natural stone—typically rectangular or square—used in pathways, driveways, courtyards, and heritage paving projects.
Unlike modern concrete pavers, granite setts are carved from quarried stone. This gives them a distinct, natural look, along with exceptional resistance to wear, weather, and heavy traffic. Whether you're designing a new driveway entrance or reviving a historic walkway, granite setts bring unmatched strength and aesthetic value.
Are Granite Setts the Same as Pavers or Cobblestones?
Not quite.
- Granite setts are shaped, quarried blocks with relatively even sizes.
- Cobblestones are naturally rounded stones—less uniform, more rustic.
- Pavers often refer to concrete or factory-made flat tiles.
If you’ve searched terms like granite setts Wickes, you’ve likely seen standard dimensions like black granite setts 100x100x50 — a common choice for high-traffic outdoor areas. These aren’t pre-cast pavers, but natural granite that’s cut and sometimes tumbled to suit modern layouts.
ALSO READ | Granite Cobblestones for Driveways: Why They’re the Best Choice
What Exactly Are Granite Setts?
Granite setts (sometimes called granite cobble setts) are quarried stone blocks with a split, sawn, or tumbled finish. They're not to be confused with natural cobblestones, which are rounded river stones. Setts, by contrast, are intentionally shaped — often in popular sizes like:
- 200x100x100 mm — for heavy-duty driveway applications
- 100x100x100 mm — for traditional, compact patterns
- 200x100x50 mm and 100x100x50 mm — for walkways or edging
Their shape allows for tight, interlocking installation — perfect for resisting shifting and wear, even under vehicles. That’s why granite setts for driveways are a trusted solution in both modern and traditional landscaping.
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Surface Finishes & Aesthetic Options
Setts can be finished in several ways depending on design goals:
- Sawn granite setts – Straight edges, modern and refined appearance
- Tumbled granite setts – Softened edges, antique or rustic appeal
- Flamed or split-face – Rough texture, high slip resistance
You’ll find them in colors like grey granite setts, black granite setts, and silver granite setts, offering plenty of flexibility to match different architectural and landscape themes.
For those looking to create neat boundaries, granite setts edging is often used to border driveways or paths, preventing spillage and defining clean visual lines.
Where Granite Setts Fit in Today’s Landscaping
Whether you're planning a granite setts driveway, a historic courtyard, or a pedestrian path with old-world charm, these blocks deliver durability with character. They're especially popular in:
- Driveway entrances (using sawn or split granite setts 200x100x100)
- Garden paths and setts edging for beds and paving borders
- Patio flooring where you want an anti-slip, rustic surface
- Commercial landscapes that need long-lasting, low-maintenance material
Conclusion
In summary, while cobblestones, setts, and pavers all serve the same broad purpose — outdoor surfacing — their differences matter in practice. For projects requiring strength, structure, and classic style, granite setts are a top-tier choice. Whether you’re designing a modern entrance or recreating heritage-style paving, the right material makes all the difference.
