Cobblestones vs Belgian Blocks. What’s the difference?

The term ‘Cobblestones’ tends to be a rather generic term for blocks of stone used for driveway paving, but strictly speaking, ‘Belgian Blocks’ is often what is being referred to. Here’s the difference.

Cobblestones: Irregular, 4”- 8” in size, usually quarried from granite, basalt, or limestone. Set in sand or mortar in a tight, interlocking pattern which projects a rustic and historical look
May also be known as ‘setts’ which are actually more square or rectangular in shape while cobbles or cobblestones are more rounded.

Belgian Blocks: Upwards of 10″ to 12” in length, rectangular, with clean, straight edges giving a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Traditionally quarried from granite or basalt but also produced these days in concrete as well as porcelain. Laid in a grid pattern, set in sand, mortar, or concrete.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Cobblestones and Belgian Blocks

Cobblestones: The small size, plus their irregular shape and height, makes them very labor intensive and challenging for the average person to install. Tend to be relatively expensive.
Very durable. The irregular, rustic look has great appeal particularly for roadways and laneways, but pedestrians generally need to take more care due to the irregular surface.

Belgian Blocks: Also highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, but may be susceptible to cracking under heavy vehicular loads when laid on sand. Much easier to install than cobblestones due to their larger size and more consistent rectangular shape. Generally provide a neater more modern look.

Why Consider Porcelain for Cobblestone Pavers or Belgian Blocks?

Modern manufacturing techniques can meticulously re-create the sense of authentic age-old materials. Both the color and appearance of time-worn cobblestone blocks can be replicated in Archatrak porcelain pavers, down to the smallest weathered details and surface imperfections. The rustic hammered edges and distinctively textured surfaces that make historical pavements so captivating, can very effectively transport spaces back through time.
The precise size and thickness of these ¾” thick, single piece 8″ x 8″ or 8″ x 12″ porcelain cobblestone tiles ensure a perfectly level surface with no raised edges – a significant advantage over traditional cobblestones which require specialized installation techniques and extensive leveling.
In outdoor installations, their frost-resistant properties and slip-resistant surface make them ideal for any climatic conditions, while their consistent dimensions allow for precise geometric patterns and designs that would be challenging to achieve with natural cobblestones.

Where can Porcelain Cobblestone Pavers be Used?

The uniformity in size and thickness of porcelain pavers opens a wide range of possibilities for creating expressive surfaces across diverse settings.
In interior spaces, they can transform showrooms into elegant galleries, add character to retail shops, create atmospheric wine cellars, and bring authentic charm to bars and restaurants.
Exterior applications particularly showcase their versatility, and not just in their traditional role as pathway and driveway pavers, where they combine historical aesthetics with modern durability and maintenance benefits.