Nicolock Vs. Unilock Pavers For Your Patio Or Driveway

Outdoor living spaces like patios, walkways, and driveways are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners. Pavers are a great material choice to create beautiful and durable surfaces for these areas.

Two of the most popular and reputable paver brands are Nicolock and Unilock. But which one is better for your project?

In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine the pros, cons, costs, and key differences between Nicolock and Unilock pavers to help you decide.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Nicolock	Unilock
Origin	Long Island, NY	Ontario, Canada
Paver Styles	Over 100 unique textures and patterns	Over 400 styles, more classic designs
Color Options	Vibrant solids and blends, pinks, blues, purples	Mostly neutral tones of grey, brown, black
Average Cost	$10-15 per sq. ft. installed	$12-16 per sq. ft. installed
Durability Testing	6000 PSI, 49 freeze-thaw cycles	8000 PSI, stainproof sealer
Warranty	Limited lifetime, manufacturing defects	Lifetime guarantee, covers installation
Availability	East Coast focused distribution	Canada and Western US distribution
Eco-Friendly Options	Ecoblock, permeable pavers	Reala, Eco-Priora, permeable pavers

Overview of Nicolock Pavers

Founded in Long Island, New York in 1987, Nicolock is one of the leading manufacturers of concrete pavers in North America. They offer a huge selection of paver styles, shapes, textures, and colors.

Some pros of Nicolock pavers include:

• Large variety of paver styles and textures – Over 100 options ranging from brick, cobblestone, slate, limestone, granite looks, and more. Lots of unique patterns available.
• Vibrant colors – Available in standard colors plus unique options like blue, red, brown, purple. Solid colors and color blends.
• Durability – Made from high-strength concrete. With proper installation they can last 30+ years.
• Quality – Rigorously tested and made to tight dimensional tolerances.
• Made in USA – Manufactured domestically in New York.

Some potential downsides are:

• Premium pricing – Nicolock pavers tend to cost more than average. Pricing ranges from $5-20 per square foot.
• Limited lifetime warranty – Warranty only covers defects in manufacturing, not installation issues.
• Needs professional installation – Proper base and installation is key to longevity.

Overall, Nicolock offers a huge range of high-quality and durable paver choices that can create a customized, unique look. The premium pricing is justified by the excellent quality.

Overview of Unilock Pavers

Founded in 1972, Unilock is a leading manufacturer of concrete pavers, retaining walls, and more, headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Some pros of Unilock pavers:

• Broad selection – Over 400 styles ranging from stones, bricks, slate, to unique shapes. Lots of colors and textures available.
• Durable and stain resistant – Made from high-strength concrete mix. Withstands weather and stains.
• Slip resistant – Textured surfaces provide grip even when wet.
• Quality assurance – Strict quality control standards.
• Warranty – Lifetime guarantee for residential use covers defects and deterioration.

Some potential Unilock downsides:

• Higher price point – Unilock is generally more expensive than competitors with prices ranging from $8-20 per square foot.
• Mostly professional installation recommended – Though some DIY options like Umbriano and Brussels Block are beginner-friendly.
• Limited color options – Less variety than Nicolock. Mostly shades of grey, brown, red, black.

Overall, Unilock is known for making premium concrete pavers that can last decades with proper installation. You’ll pay more but get superb quality.

Key Differences Nicolock And Unilock Pavers

• Paver Texture and Style Comparison

One of the biggest differences between the two brands is the selection of unique textures and styles available.

Nicolock

Some of Nicolock’s most popular paver collections include:

• Hollandstone – Replicates the classic look of Dutch street pavers with distinctive muted colors and varied shapes.
• Bristol Valley – Combines rectangular and irregular flagstones for a relaxed, organic look.
• Walnut Creek – Mimics the visual texture of natural walnut wood planks.
• Sarastone – Inspired by Tuscan style with irregular shapes and distressed, antiqued appearance.
• Town Hall – Interlocking brick-style pavers create neat grid patterns.

Unilock

Some of Unilock’s most popular paver collections include:

• Artline – Linear, multi-length plank pavers create modern, sleek look.
• Beacon Hill – Flagstone style with irregular shapes and varied colors. Natural stone aesthetic.
• Brussels Block – Classic cobblestone brick appearance.
• Copthorne – Random small stone mosaic style creates intriguing visual patterns.
• Town Hall – Old world brick style with rectangular interlocking shapes.

Both brands offer pavers inspired by natural stone, brick, slate, limestone, flagstone, wood planking, and other unique textures. However, Nicolock has a greater variety of distinct, proprietary collections you won’t find anywhere else.

• Durability Comparison

Durability is a very important consideration for an outdoor surface material like patio pavers that will face constant weather exposure and foot traffic. Both Nicolock and Unilock make durable products, but there are some differences:

Nicolock

• Made from a high-strength concrete mix with a 6000 PSI rating.
• Has low water absorption with most collections being under 5%.
• Tested to withstand at least 49 freeze-thaw cycles.
• Slip-resistant with a coefficient of friction rating above 0.6.
• Stain resistant with proprietary Shieldcoat protection.

Unilock

• Made from high-strength concrete around 8000 PSI.
• Exclusive Thru-Mix technology adds color and quartz throughout paver for long-lasting color.
• Slip resistant with silica sand added for texture.
• Stainproof sealer formulated to resist spills.
• Efflorescence resistant.

While both brands are highly durable and resistant to wear, Nicolock seems to have a slight edge for durability from their stringent testing and quality standards. The extended freeze-thaw testing particularly helps ensure a long lifetime in cold climates.

• Color Options

The range of colors and textures available is another key differentiator between the two brands.

Nicolock

Nicolock has an immense variety of unique colors that you won’t find from other brands. Some examples include:

• Exotic solid colors like navy blue, geranium pink, purple, terra cotta red and more.
• Unique color blends with names likeaged copper, antique leather, and smoke shimmer.
• Natural color variations within pavers create depth and visual interest.
• Custom color matching available.

Unilock

Unilock paver colors tend to be more classic and understated neutral hues of:

• Beiges
• Browns
• Greys
• Reds
• Blacks

The colors are still very attractive, but not quite as distinct as Nicolock’s offerings. Unilock also uses some color blending between pavers.

If unique, bold colors are what you’re after, Nicolock offers far more variety. But if you prefer natural, neutral tones, the Unilock colors may appeal more.

• Cost Comparison

Both brands are considered premium-priced concrete paver manufacturers. However, Nicolock generally has a higher average price point than Unilock.

Some typical per square foot pricing ranges:

Nicolock

• $5-10 per square foot for more affordable collections like blended cobble, ecoblock and town hall.
• $10-20 per square foot for mid-range products like Bristol Valley, Hollandstone, Walnut Creek.
• $15-25 for high end pavers like Sarastone, Hearthstone, and ultra-blend styles.
• Average overall range of $10-15 per square foot installed.

Unilock

• $8-12 per square foot for more affordable options like Brussels Block and Umbriano.
• $12-18 per square foot for mid-range choices like Copthorne, Il Campo, Beacon Hill.
• $15-25 per square foot for high end styles like Renaissance Stone, Artline, ThornburyTM.
• Average overall range of $12-16 per square foot installed.

So while pricing overlaps at the high and low ends, overall Nicolock tends to be $2-5 more per square foot for comparable styles. The premium pricing comes from the uniquely vibrant colors and durable pavers.

• Warranties

The warranties offered provide insight into the expected lifetime and coverage of each brand.

Nicolock

• Limited lifetime warranty.
• Covers any defects in manufacturing that lead to deterioration or failure.
• Warranty only applies to original purchaser.
• Does not cover installation issues.

Unilock

• Offers a lifetime guarantee for residential applications.
• Covers any defects in material or manufacturing that lead to deterioration or failure.
• Applies to original purchaser and one transfer of property ownership.
• Issues that are covered include efflorescence, surface crazing, and fading.
• Includes installation under warranty if done by an Unilock Authorized Contractor.

Unilock seems to provide the more comprehensive residential warranty, particularly by covering installation and common issues like efflorescence. Both warranties indicate an expected lifetime of decades for the pavers with proper installation and care.

• Availability and Accessibility

Nicolock and Unilock both have distributors across the United States and Canada, but availability varies by region.

Nicolock

• Manufacturing and headquarters located in New York.
• Distributors found across most of the Eastern US and some areas out West.
• Online buying not available. Must go through distributor.

Unilock

• Headquartered in Ontario, Canada with manufacturing facilities in the US.
• Available through distributors across the US and Canada.
• Online buying available on Unilock.com and can ship direct.

So Nicolock access is more limited based on distributor locations, while Unilock may have broader availability in more regions. Unilock’s online buying option also makes access more convenient.

• Ease of Installation

Proper base preparation and installation technique is critical to ensure the long-term durability and structural integrity of any paver system.

Both brands recommend professional installation for most applications. However, a few Unilock collections like Umbriano and Brussels Block are considered DIY-friendly for beginners. The interlocking patterns allow for easy alignment.

So while DIY installation is possible, unless you have extensive experience it is best to hire a seasoned professional paver installer for a long lasting result. Be sure to carefully follow manufacturer base preparation guidelines.

• Environmental Impact

Eco-friendliness and sustainability are becoming increasingly important considerations for home building materials. Both brands offer some eco-friendly options:

Nicolock

• Ecoblock – Made with up to 97% recycled content. Reduce landfill waste.
• Permeable pavers – Allow rainwater drainage to reduce runoff.
• Uses recycled water in manufacturing process.

Unilock

• Eco-Priora – Up to 100% recycled content.
• Permeable pavers – Multiple options available to allow water infiltration.
• Reala – Made from rapidly renewable natural oils.
• Uses renewable solar energy at their facilities.

So both brands are taking steps to reduce environmental impact, like offering permeable paver lines made with recycled content. Overall Unilock seems slightly more committed to sustainable practices.

• Customer Service Reputation

Looking at online customer feedback can provide helpful insight into the customer service users receive if issues arise.

Nicolock

• Overall positive feedback for customer service responsiveness.
• Some complaints about cracked or chipped pavers being replaced under warranty.
• Distributors handle most technical inquiries.

Unilock

• Generally positive reviews of customer service team’s responsiveness and resolving issues.
• Knowledgeable staff offers guidance on product selection and installation.
• Warranty claims handled promptly.

Both brands provide decent customer service support, but Unilock tends to receive slightly higher praise for resolving technical questions and honor their robust warranty.

Which Is Better For You?

Now that we’ve compared the pros, cons, costs, styles, durability, warranties, and other factors, which brand is better for your paver project?

Here are some key considerations when deciding between Nicolock vs Unilock:

Nicolock is the better choice if:

• You want the most unique colors and textures like purple, blue, or walnut wood.
• You preferMade in USA products.
• Your project is on the East Coast where distribution access is better.

Unilock is the better choice if:

• You prefer more natural, neutral tones like grey and brown.
• You want the best warranty coverage.
• Having an authorized local installer is important to you.
• Your project is in Canada or the Western US where Unilock availability is higher.

For most applications, either brand can provide quality, durable pavers that will perform well. It mainly comes down to personal preference on the color/style options and pricing.

Consult with local landscape distributors to view color samples in person and receive quotes. This can give you a better idea of which brand suits your unique needs and tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Bottom Line

When it comes to concrete paver brands, you can’t go wrong with either Nicolock or Unilock. Both offer diverse styles, textures, elite durability, and decades-long warranties. Choosing between the two brands depends largely on your color preferences, budget, and local availability.

Consider the unique pavers that Nicolock offers along with their made in USA reputation. Or go with Unilock if you prefer their more natural tones, warranty terms, and environmentally-friendly options.

Whichever premium paver you choose, take your time exploring all the options to find the perfect fit for creating your ideal outdoor living space with lasting curb appeal.